In today’s episode, I’m joined by David Kessler. David is the world’s most well know expert on healing and loss and you might be able to imagine how excited I was to speak with David. Not only because he is someone that has been in the grief industry for the last three to four decades, but because he worked with one of my personal heroes Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. They worked together on developing what most of us know as the 5 stages of grief. David has just released his newest book all about what he is calling the 6th stage of grief. This stage is all about finding meaning.
The timing of the release of this book and our conversation seems appropriate for the uncertain times and many losses being experienced around the world currently. Please note that this conversation was recorded in early March before the very serious impact of COVID-19 begin to make itself felt in the United States.
Our conversation spans through his own personal journey with devastating losses of his mother, witnessing a mass shooting and also the loss of his son. We talk about what he has experienced since then, and how it has deepend his love for his work and his understanding of grief.
We learned that we share a love for flying and his experience working with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. One important distinction he makes is about the need we all have for our pain to be witnessed and the difference between human pain and spiritual pain.
“Fear doesn’t stop loss or death. Fear stops life.”
~David Kessler
I hope you’ll listen to the whole conversation as there is a remarkable moment around the 40 minute mark that gave me chills and I’d love to hear what you think about it. I also hope this conversation provides you with some comfort. Please share it with anyone else in your life that you feel might be looking for some extra comfort too.
Be sure to comment below or connect with me on Instagram and let me know what you think of this conversation.
More About David Kessler
David Kessler is one of the world’s foremost experts on healing and loss. His experience with people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life – even after life’s tragedies.
He is the author of five bestselling books on grief. His first book, The Needs of the Dying is a #1 best-selling hospice book, praised by Mother Teresa, and he co-authored the two bestsellers: On Grief and Grieving and Life Lessons with the legendary Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.
David’s services have been used by Anthony Perkins, Michael Landon, Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Fisher, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Marianne Williamson; and his work has been featured on CNN, NBC, Fox, PBS, and Dr. Oz. He’s also a contributing writer for Oprah.com, Dr. Oz’s Sharecare.com, and Anderson Cooper 360.
David’s personal experience with grief prompted his professional journey. When he was a child, David witnessed a mass shooting while his mother was dying in a hospital. In 2016, David’s youngest son died suddenly at 21 years old. He shares his very personal journey of loss and healing in his new book called Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief.
David continues his work in honor of his son.
You can connect with David via his website and Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Things We Mention In This Episode
Website: www.grief.com Book: Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler Book: The Needs of the Dying by David Kessler Book: Where Did You Go? by Christina Rasmussen Book: Second Firsts by Christina RasmussenNewsletter - Message In a Bottle: Sign up for Christina’s weekly letter.
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