I'm delighted to invite you to From Root to Blossom, a springtime retreat in the Rockies this May 29-June 1, 2025. Join us at Beyul Retreat near Aspen, Colorado, for a long weekend of yoga, meditation, and outdoor adventure in a serene, verdant haven. Cozy cabins, crackling fireplaces, and nourishing practices await. Special rates on shared accommodations when you sign up with a friend or lover.
In this deeply moving episode of The Guest House, I sit down with artist and trained therapist Caitlin Rhoades to explore the intricate landscape of grief and death. Through her own experience of compound loss, Caitlin reveals how grief reshapes our lives, teaching us about love, resilience, and the priorities that truly matter. Together, we navigate the societal discomfort surrounding death, the somatic experience of grief, and the transformative power of facing mortality with openness and inquisitiveness.
Whether you’re grieving a loved one, supporting someone through loss, or seeking a deeper comprehension of life’s impermanence, this conversation offers profound insights and actionable wisdom for embracing grief as a natural part of the human journey.
Episode Highlights:
Grief is universal: It’s not limited to the loss of a loved one but encompasses daily and situational losses.
The physical impact of grief: Unprocessed grief can manifest in the body, requiring mindful approaches to healing.
The need for cultural change: Open discussions about death can dismantle societal discomfort and deepen life’s appreciation.
Grief’s nonlinear journey: Every experience of grief is unique, defying a prescriptive process.
Support through presence: Authentic engagement with grievers means meeting them where they are, without judgment or quick fixes.
Transformative potential of grief: Loss can deepen love, joy, and life’s clarity when approached with courage and intention.
Creating space for grief: Normalizing conversations and providing safe environments for emotional expression is vital.
Join us to explore how grief can be a powerful teacher and connector. Reflect on your own relationship with loss, and consider initiating meaningful conversations about death with your loved ones. Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might find comfort or insight in these reflections.
Resource Links
You can learn more about Caitlin’s work and ways to work with her at caitlinrhoades.com.
Follow Caitlin on Instagram @caitlinrhoadesceramics.
Check out the Getting Your Affairs in Order Checklist: Documents to Prepare for the Future from the National Institute on Aging.
Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.
Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 days of free meditations, join Shawn’s email list for field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.
Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live meditations and prompts for practice.
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