Honoring Loss: Exploring the Sacred Practice of Grief with Patti Brown, MS, LMFT

In the latest episode of the Wellness Within Podcast, Patti Brown, MS, LMFT the esteemed founder of Wellness Within, dives into the profound and often overlooked topic of grief. Acknowledging the challenges that holidays, anniversaries, and memorable days can bring, Patti offers a thoughtful exploration of grief as a sacred practice.

Highlights of the Episode:

1. Grief Beyond Brief Conversations: Although she provides this episode in a short format, Patti emphasizes that grief is not a subject to be confined to only brief discussions. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of grief, she acknowledges its vastness and the need for ongoing conversations.

2. The Sacredness of Grief: Patti believes that grief is a sacred practice that deserves respect and acknowledgment. She draws inspiration from the work of grief counselor Francis Weller, emphasizing the importance of carrying grief in one hand and gratitude in the other.

3. Creating Sacred Space for Grief: Focusing specifically on the loss of a loved one, Patti offers insights into creating sacred spaces for grief, not just during the holidays but throughout the year. She advocates for companionship, emphasizing that grief should not be navigated as a solo journey.

4. Keeping Memories Alive: Patti shares personal experiences of her own grief journey, particularly the sudden loss of her brother. She encourages listeners to surround themselves with happy memories, sharing stories, and keeping tangible reminders to honor and keep loved ones alive in memory.

5. Nature as a Healing Companion: Nature emerges as a powerful healer. Taking walks amongst trees and engaging in conversations, whether silent or spoken, becomes a therapeutic modality for connecting with lost loved ones.

How to Listen:

For an exploration of grief as a sacred practice and Patti Brown's heartfelt insights, you can watch the full episode on Wellness Within's YouTube channel or listen to the podcast on your preferred platform here.

Marilyn Lapkass