Shows
SOLACE: Soul + GriefFinding Peace in StillnessSend us a textFinding peace through mindfulness is essential for grief healing. By grounding ourselves in the present moment rather than constantly doing, we can navigate even the most challenging situations with greater clarity.• Welcome this space of healing, love and support for those experiencing grief• Buddha teaches us to question our perceptions, as most are false• Peace becomes possible when we return to ourselves in the present moment• The quality of being determines the quality of doing - stillness has value• Looking deeply reveals we contain everything needed for healing2025-05-1614 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefSoul's Journey Through GriefSend us a textToday we share profound verses from Rumi's "Fountain of Fire" that explore the intersection of love, life, and death. These ancient words offer comfort and new perspectives for those navigating the complex landscape of grief.• Exploration of Rumi's poetic wisdom on how the known merges with the unknown• Reflection on the continuity between this life and the next• Reminder that the soul cannot be confined by physical death• Encouragement to practice kindness• Invitation to view death as transformation Remember I'm always available for spiritual d...2025-05-0911 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefSorrowing: A Grief PathSend us a textGrief transforms from a static condition to an active process through the concept of "sorrowing"—a verb form shared by a friend also grieving the loss of parents. This perspective honors grief as a journey rather than a problem to solve, connecting us to spiritual traditions that recognize sorrow as a pathway to deeper wisdom.• Ancient poetic texts illustrate how the soul might "take wings" even amid profound loss• Biblical images of Mary at the cross demonstrate faithful presence in unbearable suffering• Passages from Corinthians highlight how our experiences of affli...2025-05-0208 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefSoul Food: Religious Poetry for the BereavedSend us a textSpiritual wisdom transcends cultural boundaries when we face grief and loss. Ancient prayers and poetry from Buddhist, Christian, Shinto, Islamic, and Jewish traditions offer comfort by acknowledging pain while providing perspective on life's impermanence.• Dalai Lama reminds us that suffering comes from wanting permanence in an impermanent world• Christian prayers acknowledge Jesus who also experienced grief and wept• Buddhist metaphor of cherry blossoms shows beauty and brevity go hand-in-hand• Shinto prayer connects us as brothers and sisters across oceans• Merit Malloy's poem encourages us to find the deceased i...2025-04-2515 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefGOOD FRIDAY: The Shepherd's PsalmSend us a textExperience the beloved 23rd Psalm as you've never heard it before through multiple translations that reveal new dimensions of meaning and comfort in this ancient text.• Multiple translations showcase different interpretations while preserving the psalm's essential message• The imagery of shepherd, green pastures, and still waters remains consistent across all versions• Each translation highlights the psalm's movement from speaking about God to speaking directly to God• Various phrasings of "goodness and mercy" pursuing us offer fresh insights into divine care• Contemporary language makes the ancient text accessible while trad...2025-04-1814 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefDesert Night with Jesus: When Grief Feels ImpossibleSend us a textWe explore the barriers that prevent some people from fully entering the grieving process, particularly when complex relationships with the deceased create emotional blockages. Examining our hearts during Lent provides an opportunity to address unresolved wounds and cultivate the humility necessary for genuine healing and transformation.• Complex relationships can create barriers to grieving fully due to unfinished emotional business• Unexamined slights or forgotten relationship ruptures often prevent us from processing grief• Lent offers a time to examine our spiritual life and relationships• Those who guard their hearts most closely...2025-04-1115 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefInto the DesertSend us a textToday journey with Jesus through his days in the desert, exploring his contemplation of suffering, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love. Jesus shares his ultimate teaching: that love is the only requirement in this life, and the only foundation that will endure.• Jesus teaches that he loved and knew us before we were born, and wrote his name on our hearts• Love forms the basis of our families, communities, religious practices, society, and even empires• Towers not built on love will fall, families not built on love will crumbl...2025-04-0410 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefGrief's Desert: Finding God in LentSend us a textGrief and the Lenten season share profound similarities, inviting us to see Jesus as a companion in our desolation. We explore how Christ's 40-day retreat in the desert mirrors our grief journey—both experiences bringing us face-to-face with limitation, aloneness, and the search for meaning.• The desolation of grief parallels Jesus' desert experience during Lent• Jesus contemplated his limited time on earth, just as grief forces us to face mortality• Ecclesiastes reminds us of God's constant presence • Approaching grief as a shared journey rather than a solitary experienceA...2025-03-2810 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefEmbracing New Beginnings Through FaithSend us a textWhat if letting go of the past isn't an act of betrayal but a step toward healing? Through the verses of Micah, we explore how grief can feel like the last leaf in a storm, and yet, there is comfort in embracing the memories that continue within us. Come into our circle of healing, where we pray for the strength to move beyond pain, comforted by the promise of new life and faith in GodListen every Friday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music for spiritual direction, art, and workshops sh...2025-01-0309 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefThe Healing Power of Love in GriefSend us a textHave you ever been caught in the throes of grief, only to find that love and spirituality seem to be missing from the conversation? That's a gap we intend to bridge in this episode, as I, Candi Lucas, reflect on a podcast that left me yearning for a deeper exploration of the role of love in healing from grief. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus on love, we'll delve into death anxiety and how to find solace in God's presence amidst loss. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google...2024-01-1212 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefGrieving in the Face of Evil-- Saying KaddishSend us a textToday we honor those who've tragically lost their lives to hate and violence, expressing our heartfelt solidarity with a centuries-old Jewish ritual of comfort, Kaddish. This episode is a tribute to the resilience and fortitude of the Jewish community worldwide and a profound reflection on our collective yearning for peace. Join us on this journey of healing, fueled by faith, prayer, and a mutual desire for reconciliation."Saying Kaddish: How to Comfort the Dying, Bury the Dead, and Mourn as a Jew "Beloved New York Times bestselling author and a...2023-10-2016 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefA Grief Journey with St. Ignatuis and the ExamenSend us a textJoin us as we walk you through a journey of grief, prayer, and self-reflection, guided by the practice of Examen - a powerful method of prayer crafted by San Ignatius of Loyola. This episode is all about finding ways to be present - truly present - in the midst of grief, from creating a sacred space with candles, music, or religious objects, to the simple, grounding practice of focusing on your own breathing.Discover the healing essence of expressing respect and love, the transformative potential of forgiveness, and the profound bond...2023-10-1329 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefGrieving Your Own DeathSend us a textAs we journey through life, the loss of a loved one often brings our own mortality into sharp focus. It's a difficult concept to grapple with - the idea of our own passing. Yet, it's a topic that's seldom talked about. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, California, or Calvary Cemetery in San Jose, California.SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WHILE GRIEVING IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE2023-10-0613 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefYou Were GoneSend us a textWhen we lose a loved one, the world can turn upside down. Wander through the labyrinth of grief and a divine convergence - the fusion of human love and God's love. It's a comforting beacon in the bleak landscape, the embodiment of eternal love that defies human mortality.Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, California, or Calvary Cemetery in San Jose, California.SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WHILE G...2023-09-2910 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefSeeds of Grief in the Back of Your ClosetSend us a textHave you ever held onto the seeds of nature, as a memento of your travels, only to forget about them and find them much later? Today, we compare these forgotten seeds to our personal memories, dreams, hopes, and emotions that we often carry around. In our journey of grief, we might grapple with complex feelings of anger towards our departed loved ones. This week, we invite you to face these hard thoughts and emotions, to sit down with them, and to uncover the hidden meanings behind our pain. Let's walk this pa...2023-09-2210 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefGrief in Ordinary TimesSend us a textToday, we delve into beautiful Psalm 63, interpreting our longing for God in times of sorrow. Drawing wisdom from Genesis and teachings from the Prophet Hosea, we explore God’s unending love and sense of forever.In "ordinary time", while we grapple with our grief, amidst our daily lives, we realize how grief is an ordinary part of our existence. Be it the loss of a spouse, parent, sibling, or friend, the experience is distinctively profound. Join us in a safe space for you to understand and accept your emotions. Remember the comfor...2023-09-1512 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefInsights from the Road to EmmausSend us a textWe take a closer look at the story of the road to Emmaus and how it parallels our own grief journey, reminding us that the love of those we have lost, and the love of Jesus, is always with us, even when they are physically absent.Navigating the road of grief is never a solitary journey. Remember, you are not alone. Your loved ones' love and God's love is ever-present, offering you comfort as you traverse this road.Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, A...2023-09-0809 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefThe Continuing Story of a Parish Group - Part 2Send us a textToday we revisit our parish grief group. Our 3 friends, Dolores, Kathy and Trinie share sacred insights, dissecting the process of grief, and identifying the significance of time in healing. Moreover, listen to our friends as they share their beautiful stories of faith and resilience. They share the beauty of this group, a sanctuary for those dealing with fresh wounds and those nursing old ones. They discuss the dynamics of the group, the importance of comfort for all members, and the resources available for those seeking a different healing path. Be sure to s...2023-09-0113 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefGrief BreathingSend us a textJoin us as we traverse through sacred scriptures and evocative poetry, unravelling the transformative potential of mindful breathing. Remember, you're not alone; reach out to us, share your thoughts, questions - we are here for you. So, take a deep breath, subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform, and let's embark on this healing journey together.Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, California, or Calvary...2023-08-2517 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefIf They Took Their Own LifeSend us a textLost in a sea of grief, we embark on a journey to explore one of life's most harrowing experiences - self-death (suicide). The shockwave that follows such an event, the sense of loss, the questions, the 'what ifs' - we explore them all. It's a journey that dives deep into the human psyche, attempting to understand the profound choice someone makes and the aftermath that follows. How do we respect this choice? How do we support those left behind? How do we create a safe space for those affected to share their stories? Come, j...2023-08-1812 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefFinding Solace in Faith: The Story of a Parish Grief GroupSend us a textHow do you navigate the rough seas of grief, and find comfort and understanding through faith? Join us as we sit down with our special guests, Kathy, Trinie, and Dolores, three close friends who are the heart and soul of a parish grief group. These phenomenal women share their journey of conceiving and nurturing this ministry, the challenges they faced, and the instrumental role the Holy Spirit played in their work. They take us through the unique facets of their faith-based grief group, including the creation of a sacred space for their members...2023-08-1116 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefHealing Hearts: From Fallow Fields to Sacred GroundSend us a textReflecting on the grief journey, find a soul-soothing metaphor in the concept of 'fallow'. Picture this - you're stepping out of a dense forest into a vast, untouched field, the fallow land. This is your heart, battered by the loss of someone dear, now ready to be nurtured and grown anew with love. Let's walk this path together, steadily and slowly, with Jesus as our companion.Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven C...2023-08-0410 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefGrief Wisdom from Kahlil Gibran's 'The Prophet'Send us a textHave you ever wondered about the intricate link between grief and love? Together, we discover how acknowledging the love that existed can make grieving slightly more bearable, inspired by the words of Kahlil Gibran’s 'The Prophet'. We journey through the stages of grief and self-knowledge . Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, California, or Calvary Cemetery in San Jose, California.SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WHILE GRIEVING IS AVA...2023-07-2812 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefGrieving in St. Teresa's Interior CastleSend us a textIn this episode, we bring our listeners a response to the writings of St. Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross, as we delve into the rooms of loss and grief. Join us, as we navigate through these rooms, discovering God's enduring love and finding comfort in our shared experiences. This is an invitation to you, to honor those you've lost, process your grief, and discover how God is moving in your life during these challenging times.Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Mus...2023-07-2119 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefEmbracing God's Presence with Poet Rainier Maria RilkeSend us a textAs we journey through our own grieving process, the powerful poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke can provide solace and guidance. Join us as we explore the depths of our emotions and the healing power of God's presence in our lives through Rilke's verses. Delve into his search for God and learn how his words can help us transform our mourning into comfort, opening our hearts to more love, compassion, and a deeper connection with the divine. Listen in to this transformative discussion and find hope, growth, and spiritual nourishment through the p...2023-07-1412 minSOLACE: Soul + GriefWhat I Learned About Grief from Thich Nhat HanhSend us a textLosing a loved one is never easy, and the journey through grief can leave us feeling lost and disconnected. I invite you to join me as we explore the healing process through the lens of both Christianity and Buddhism, drawing upon teachings from Thich Nhat Hanh and Psalm 139. As we delve into Thich Nhat Hanh's writings, we'll discover the common ground between Christianity and Buddhism in their shared goal of alleviating suffering and promoting healing. Through reflections on the impermanence of life and the enduring nature of love, we'll find comfort i...2023-07-0712 min