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 - What is Collective Grief [01:01]
Main Topics
- The anniversary of 9/11 [01:28]
- The attacks and the aftermath [01:59]
- The effects on feelings and emotions on the anniversary [06:33]
- Ways to cope on the anniversary [09:51
- Conclusion [13:14]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Self-reflection through journaling or meditation [03:36]
- Rekindle old interests [05:14]
- Explore new activities or interests [07:49]
- Join classes or groups [09:11]
- Create a daily routine [09:43]
- Create new traditions [11:40]
- Be open to signs and messages [13:22]
- Conclusion [15:19]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- A Guided Meditation for Grief [01:20]
- Conclusion [14:19]
Additional Resources
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media
- https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana
Introduction
- Topic Introduction and what are intangible losses [01:01]
Main Topics
- Death of a loved one [01:42]
- Divorce or end of relationship [03:02]
- Accident or injury [04:01]
- Serious illness [04:55]
- Job loss or career transition [06:14]
- Financial hardship [07:17]
- Traumatic events [08:54]
- Relocation [10:05]
- Questions to ask yourself about the situation [12:05]
- Steps to take in the process [17:56]
- Conclusion [19:06]
...
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Substance use during the grieving process [02:01]
- Types of substances used [02:52]
- Statistics on substance use among grieving individuals [03:35]
- Effects of substance use [05:16]
- Alternative coping strategies [09:12]
- Resources available [13:43]
- Conclusion [15:33]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- My music background [01:15]
- The connection between music and sound and vibrational healing [03:41]
- The history of sound healing [06:46]
- Sound healing in modern times [08:01]
- Music therapy and sound and vibrational healing for grief and loss [10:27]
- Conclusion [16:34]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
- Experiencing shame, blame, and guilt [01:33]
Main Topics
- Shame [02:17]
- Blame [02:54]
- Guilt [03:32]
- Establishing healthy boundaries [05:21]
- Releasing control of perfectionism [06:56]
- Embracing emotions [08:42]
- Attuning to the messages of your body [10:26]
- Become aware of self-critical thoughts [12:32]
- Practicing gentleness and patience [14:16]
- Closing [15:48]
Additional Resources
...Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- Effects of global conflict, crises, disasters and political unrest on grief and well-being [01:20]
- Strategies for coping and healing during challenging times [04:54]
- Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga [05:25]
- Support groups and virtual communities [06:12]
- Creative mediums such as writing, art, and music [07:46]
- Reducing exposure to media content [08:55]
- Expressing gratitud...
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
Main Topics
- My first experiences with death [01:11]
- Avoiding conversations about death [02:12]
- Ways in which adults contribute to unresolved grief in children [02:45]
- Telling children to "be strong" [04:54]
- Avoiding age-appropriate explanations about death [07:05]
- "You're too young to understand [08:10]
- "Get over it" [09:25]
- Replacing the loss [10:42]
- Shifts in academic performance [12...
Introduction
- Topic Introduction [01:01]
- What is Anticipatory Grief [01:09]
Main Topics
- Aging parents or family member decline [02:16]
- Loved ones with chronic illness [04:59]
- Military deployment or dangerous work assignments [07:06]
- Impending divorce or separation [08:44]
- Natural disasters or catastrophic events [10:21]
- A pet with a serious illness [12:00]
- Impending loss of job or career, or retirement [13:32]
- Empty nest synd...
Introduction
- Welcome to today's episode [01:01]
Main Topics
- Traditional and new ways of expressing grief [01:11]
- The positive side of social media platforms [02:20]
- The drawbacks of social media platforms [04:02]
- Digital legacies and online memorials [07:06]
- Social media and technology challenges during the grieving process [10:56]
- Tips on creating healthy boundaries and protecting emotional well-being [14:01]
- Conclusion [...
Introduction
- What is a Daily D.O.S.E. of Happiness [01:01]
Main Topics
- Dopamine [02:12]
- Oxytocin [05:41]
- Serotonin [08:39]
- Endorphine [12:11]
- How I got my daily D.O.S.E. [15:30]
- Conclusion [16:50]
Additional Resources
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/
- https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media
- https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana/
Introduction
- Recap of last week [01:01]
- Medical disclaimer [01:41]
Main Topics
- Breathwork [02:35]
- Meditation [04:01]
- Aromatherapy [05:26]
- Journaling [06:59]
- Self-massage [08:39]
- Yoga [10:12]
- Herbal teas [11:48]
- Guided imagery [13:24]
- Warm bath [15:03]
- Art therapy [16:23]
- Music [17:46]
- Conclusion [19:23]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- About Podcast [00:00]
- Welcome and medical disclaimer [01:01]
Main Topics
- Cortisol in our bodies and stress [02:44]
- The respiratory system [03:43]
- Energy levels and fatigue [05:29]
- Muscle tension and headaches [07:03]
- Digestive issues [08:44]
- Chest discomfort [11:11]
- The immune system [12:47]
- Conclusion [14:35]
- About Healing Our Grieving Hearts {14:56]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- Welcome and topic of today [01:01]
Main Topics
- What is complicated grief? [01:18]
- Trigger and factors that contribute to complicated grief [02:21]
- Sudden or unforeseen loss [02:37]
- Complex or challenging relationship [03:42]
- Series of losses in close succession [04:45]
- Lack of adequate support [05:56]
- Previous trauma or unresolved grief [07:06]
- Losing someone who played a central role in one's life [08:16]
- Peopl...
Introduction
- Welcome to episode 8 on How to Honor Your Loved One Even After the Funeral [01:01]
Main Topics
- Memorial table or altar [01:36]
- Memory book or scrapbook [02:41]
- Charitable organizations or causes [04:00]
- Plating a memorial tree [06:04]
- Memorial event or vigil [07:08]
- Writing letters or journal entries [08:02]
- Dedicating a bench, plaque, or brick [09:06]
- Expressing through art [09:38]
- Memory jar or box [10:24]
- Memo...
Introduction
- Welcome to episode 7 where I will discuss When Your World Falls Apart When You Lose a Spouse. In today's episode, we'll be embarking on a unique journey as I share my personal narrative—a story that may resonate with some of you. [01:01
Main Topics
- My husband, my soulmate [01:19]
- Health issues [ 01:36]
- Taking him off life support [04:05]
- The journey [04:31]
- The celebration [06:10]
- The stark re...
Introduction
- Energy healing methodologies are amazing tools for grief recovery [01:01]
Main Topics
- Overview of energy healing [01:19]
- Benefits of energy healing in grief recovery [02:58]
- Qigong [04:23]
- Reiki [08:53]
- Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)/tapping [12:44]
- Sound healing [15:56]
- Conclusion [19:11]
Additional Resources
Introduction
- When we lose our pets, our companions. Experiencing the loss of a beloved pet. [01:01]
Main Topics
- As my sweet dog approaches his 13th birthday, I'm reminded of the painful loss of my dog who passed away in 2006 [01:11]
- Adding loss to an existing loss [02:42]
- Navigating the journey of grief [04:10]
- Ways to honor your beloved pet [04:55]
- Seeking support [06:34]
- Engaging in ...
Introduction
- Today’s podcast is an insightful exploration of things to avoid saying to someone who is grieving, accompanied by explanations and alternative approaches to offering genuine comfort and support.
Main Topics
- Introduction [01:01]
- Words that hurt. [01:43]
- Words that heal. [12:01
- Conclusion [18:45]
Additional Resources
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