Healing Our Grieving Hearts Podcast
I’m Kay Fontana, and have faced profound loss throughout my life, giving me a deep understanding of the pain it brings. My journey began with the loss of my brother to cancer when I was just nine, altering the dynamics of our family as my parents grappled with grief. Later, I experienced the anguish of losing my mother to Alzheimer’s and my father to cancer shortly after his diagnosis. The most heartbreaking of all was the death of my husband and soul mate of 40 years in January 2023 due to multiple health challenges. These losses, including many others - from family and friends to pets - have led me to uncover the secrets of healing and resilience. Drawing from my diverse roles as a firefighter, paramedic, member of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing teams, and a trainer for 9-1-1 dispatchers and hospice volunteers, I have gained valuable insights into grief. As a Life Force Coach and Grief Recovery Specialist, I am here to offer you the wisdom from my experiences. Additionally, apart from exploring the topic of grief, you will discover insights on energy healing, reiki, qigong, meditation, and various alternative methods to foster healing, tranquility, and purpose in your life. Tune in to Healing Our Grieving Hearts Podcast on Saturdays at 10:00 am to access tools and resources that can aid you in navigating the complex terrain of grief, whether you're dealing with human or pet loss, a divorce, a relocation, retirement, or any other of the 40+ losses life may present. You can also find me at www.HealingOurGrievingHearts.com.
Episodes
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- The difference between therapy, grief coaching, and spiritual support
- Our responses to grief
- The role of the therapist
- The role of the grief coach
- The role of the spiritual guide
- Choosing the right kind of support
- Recap
- Conclusion
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- My story [ 01:52]
- The teaching of Religious Science [05:00]
- How grief heightens our intuitive awareness [06:09]
- Grief opens the heart [09:38]
- Conclusion [11:40]
Additional Resources
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media
- https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- My story of letting go [02:12]
- What minimalism means when grieving [03:54]
- A few sacred practices for release personal belongings [06:03]
- Recap [09:01]
Additional Resources
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media
- https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Emotional bonds between humans and animals [01:32]
- The healing power of animals [02:41]
- Characteristics of different animals to contribute to healing [04:49]
- How to benefit from animals without owning a pet [06:20]
- Conclusion [09:56]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Jamie's story of 20 years ago [01:20]
- Being honest with children [04:24]
- Hiding our emotions [07:51]
- The need to handle death in our society [09:58]
- Handling anniversaries [12:21]
- Waiting to discard his belongings [14:50]
- Finding support communities [18:35]
- Conclusion [21:34]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- How writing can help process grief [01:38]
- Different types of writing for grief [03:16]
- Developing a regular habit of writing [05:42]
- Notable writers who have written about grief [08:32]
- Summary and Conclusion [09:30]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Pain x Resistance = Suffering [01:43]
- Pain [02:39]
- Resistance [03:31]
- Suffering [04:20]
- Acceptance and mindfulness [07:57]
- Cognitive-behavioral strategies [08:45]
- Conclusion [10:40]
Additional Resources
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media
- https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Personal grief vs. ancestral grief [01:50]
- Historical trauma [02:32]
- Transgenerational trauma [03:19]
- Emotional symptoms of ancestral grief [04:05]
- Family dynamics [05:20]
- Cultural symbols and rituals [06:10]
- Questions to ask yourself [06:50]
- Therapeutic practices for healing ancestral grief [07:24]
- The Emotion Code [08:47
- Summary and conclusion [11:04]
Additional R...
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Research study about complicated grief, COVID-19, and connection to nature [02:06]
- Nature's positive effects on physical health [03:52]
- Biophilia [04:34]
- Getting actively involved in nature [05:23]
- Enjoying nature passively [06:10]
- Practicing mindfulness in nature [06:44]
- Ecotherapy [07:22]
- Challenges to experiencing the healing benefits of nature [08:14]
- Incorporating natu...
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- The significance of rituals [01:40]
- Personal rituals [03:05]
- Community rituals [03:47]
- Cultural traditions [04:26]
- Virtual rituals [05:08]
- Intentions behind rituals [06:17]
- Symbols in rituals [06:50]
- Timing and frequency [07:43]
- Finding new meaning after loss [09:28]
- Conclusion [10:46]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- The role of food during times of loss and grief [01:48]
- Cooking or baking as an outlet when grieving [03:23]
- Comfort foods [04:45]
- Cooking as a way of expressing emotions [05:31]
- Childhood memories [07:28]
- Emotional eating [08:12]
- The dangers of children thinking food is a fix for feelings [09:26]
- Mindful eating [10:11]
- Being mindful when trying to be helpful [11:11]
- Conclus...
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- What is forgiveness? [02:31]
- What forgiveness is not [03:39]
- How to begin the forgiveness process [06:18]
- Forgiveness as a journey [08:50]
- The benefits of forgiving others [09:23]
- Recap of today's episode [10:06]
- Conclusion [10:48]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Caregiver types and their roles[01:54]
- Grief and how it can affect caregivers [05:06]
- Establishing self-care routines among caregivers [06:35]
- Practicing mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques [07:26]
- My experience as a caregiver [08:06]
- Resources available [09:45]
- Conclusion [11:27]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- The loss of a loved one [01:36]
- Divorce [03:40]
- Job changes [05:52]
- Relocation [07:55]
- Health changes [09:54]
- Coping Strategies [11:51]
- Conclusion [15:02]
Additional Resources
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media
- https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Film as a powerful medium to explore emotions like grief [01:27]
- Cinematography's role in shaping emotions [02:19]
- "Dead Poets Society" [03:57]
- "What Dreams May Come" [04:58]
- "The Fault in Our Stars" [05:57]
- "Remember Me" [06:46]
- "All My Life" [07:30]
- Other films about grief [08:17]
- Movies as a powerful means for healing [09:16]
- Selecting movies to watch [10:03]
- Conclusion [1...
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Spirituality and how people interpret their life experiences [01:56]
- Incorporating spiritual practices [04:08]
- The search for meaning [05:50]
- The concept of mysticism and the connection to grief and spirituality[10:51]
- Summary and conclusion [13:35]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- How children perceive death at different ages [01:19]
- When my brother died [02:35]
- Tips for initiating conversation with children about death [05:19]
- Experience with a grief group for children [08:48]
- Considerations around conversations with children [09:32]
- Resources available [12:32]
- Conclusion [13:28]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Discover organizations that resonate with your grief experience [02:55]
- Organizations that support grieving individuals [03:50]
- Organizations related to specific diseases or ailments [07:48]
- Where to find volunteer opportunities [09:35]
- Consider creating your own initiative [11:50]
- Hurdles that may arise in the process [12:51]
- Summary and conclusion [13:48]
Addit...
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Storytelling for expressing ideas, emotions and experiences [01:38]
- Traditional stories and folklore [04:17]
- Writing as a powerful outlet [07:11]
- Support groups for storytelling [08:21]
- Platforms for sharing stories [11:50]
- When to seek support [13:53]
- Conclusion [14:39]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Common triggers of grief: anniversaries and milestones [01:56]
- Sensory triggers [03:23]
- Social triggers [05:55]
- Emotional triggers [06:43]
- Managing triggers: mindfulness techniques [07:28]
- Preparing for impending triggers [08:01]
- Creating new traditions [08:01]
- Self-care [09:39]
- Seeking support [10:19]
- Conclusion [10:56]
Additional Resources
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