Summary In this episode of Inspired Caring, MicheleMagner speaks with Dr. Alan Harris about the complexities of grief and transitions in life. They explore various types of grief, including anticipatory and ambiguous loss, and discuss the often overlooked concept of disenfranchised grief. Alan shares insights on secondary losses that accompany primary grief and emphasizes the importance of spirituality in finding meaningthrough loss. The conversation also touches on practical approaches to downsizing and letting go of possessions, highlighting the emotional aspects of these processes.
Takeaways
Grief can stem from various types of loss, not just death.
Anticipatory grief occurs when we know a loss is coming.
Ambiguous loss can be particularly challenging to navigate.
Disenfranchised grief is often minimized by society.
Secondary losses can be just as impactful as primary losses.
Spirituality can help individuals find meaning in theirgrief.
Letting go of possessions can be a significant part of thegrieving process.
It's important to support those experiencing grief withoutminimizing their feelings.
Grief is a natural response to change and loss.
Finding new ways to be family after a loss is essential forhealing.
Sound bites
"Change equals loss equals grief."
"We grieve for what could have been."
"Love is a verb; love is what we do."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Grief and Transitions
01:54 Alan Harris's Background and Experience
04:32 Understanding Grief: Definitions and Types
07:53 Exercises in Grief Awareness
11:43 Anticipatory and Ambiguous Loss
15:21 Disenfranchised Grief: Understanding Unrecognized Loss
17:50 Supporting Others in Their Grief Journey
21:03 Exploring Secondary Losses
27:27 Finding Meaning and Purpose After Loss
29:23 The Intersection of Love and Loss
34:31 Navigating Family Dynamics in Grief
38:06 The Challenge of Downsizing and Right-Sizing
49:08 Stages of Pre-Death Cleaning and Life Review
53:31 Embracing Growth Through Release
Dr. Alan D. Harris
For the past twenty years, Dr. Alan Harris has served as a healthcare chaplain in hospitals, hospices, and long-term care. An Associate of the Order of the Holy Cross (Episcopal), he holds a certificate in spiritual companionship. He has earned master’s degrees in counseling and business, and a doctorate in theology.
Dr. Harris is also certified as a grief specialist who hasconducted hundreds of funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of life. Not once has he ever seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer at a funeral or a graveside service. In addition, Dr. Harris writes of what he knows personally, as he has managed his parents’ and siblings’ possessions after their deaths, and has since benefitted from doing his own pre-death cleaning.
Connect with Dr. Alan Harris
Website: https://monktrunkjunk.com/Email: alan@monktrunkjunk.com
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Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
