David Kessler is a renowned grief educator and author who has helped millions of people cope with loss and heal from trauma. He is the co-author of the best-selling books On Grief and Grieving and Life Lessons with the legendary Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, as well as the author of Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. He also runs a website called grief.com, where he offers online courses, podcasts, articles, and other resources for those who are grieving.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the insights and wisdom that David Kessler has shared over the years on how to deal with grief and find meaning in life. Here are some of the key points that he emphasizes:
- Grief is a natural and normal response to any loss, whether it is a death, a divorce, a job loss, or any other change that affects our lives. Grief is not a problem to be solved, but a process to be experienced.
- Grief is not linear or predictable. It does not follow a set of stages or steps that everyone goes through in the same order or time frame. Grief is unique and personal for each individual, and it can vary depending on the type and circumstances of the loss.
- Grief does not have an expiration date. It does not end or go away after a certain amount of time. Grief is something that we carry with us throughout our lives, and it can resurface at any moment, triggered by memories, anniversaries, or events. Grief is not something that we get over, but something that we get through.
- Grief can be complicated by other factors, such as guilt, anger, regret, depression, anxiety, or trauma. These emotions can make grief more intense and difficult to cope with. It is important to acknowledge and express these feelings, rather than suppress or avoid them. Seeking professional help or support from others can also be beneficial for coping with complicated grief.
- Grief can also be an opportunity for growth and transformation. Grief can teach us valuable lessons about life, love, and ourselves. Grief can help us appreciate what we have, cherish what we had, and embrace what we can become. Grief can also inspire us to find meaning and purpose in our lives, by honoring our loved ones, serving others, or pursuing our passions.
David Kessler believes that finding meaning is the sixth stage of grief, after denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. He says that finding meaning does not mean that we are happy or okay with the loss, but that we are able to make sense of it and find a way to move forward with hope and gratitude. Finding meaning is not a one-time event, but an ongoing journey that requires courage and compassion.
If you are interested in learning more about David Kessler and his work on grief and meaning, you can visit his website at grief.com or follow him on social media. You can also check out his books, courses, podcasts, and articles for more guidance and inspiration on how to cope with grief and find meaning in life.