S1E6: How Tending to Grief Can Heal Our Lives with Barri Leiner Grant

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In this heartfelt episode I engage in a profound conversation with Barri Leiner Grant, founder and Chief Grief Officer of the Memory Circle. Barri, a certified grief coach, shares her personal journey through grief, starting with the sudden loss of her mother, Ellen, in 1993. The discussion delves into Barri's innovative concept of "grief tending," which offers a supportive space for individuals to process loss. Barri emphasizes the importance of memory-making, writing, and community in healing. The episode concludes with Barri reading a poignant poem and offering a writing prompt, inviting listeners to explore their own grief through creative expression.

What We Explored This Episode

00:03:26: Barri's Early Life and Her Mother Ellen

00:07:45: The Sudden Loss of Ellen

00:09:24: Initial Grief and Lack of Support

00:12:48: Becoming a Motherless Mother

00:13:45: First Experience with Therapy

00:17:47: Moving to Chicago and Career Transition

00:19:15: Creating the Memory Circle

00:24:43: The Journey to Finding Her Calling

00:29:35: Personal Grief Practices and Continuing Bonds

00:35:20: Signs and Synchronicities

00:43:09: The Importance of End-of-Life Conversations

00:49:34: Supporting Others in Grief

00:55:10: Authentic Ways to Show Up for Others

00:59:52: The Power of Writing and Poetry in Grief

01:07:20: Reading of the Poem "Otherwise" by Jane Kenyon

Memorable Quotes

"I think if we bring this into the daily vernacular, just as I hope we can call in to work and say, 'I'm not going to be in today. I know it's been three years since my mom died, but it's her death anniversary, and it's really griefy."

"I have learned to trust my intuition and curiosity in exploring anything next and new and interesting. Keeping her alive means keeping her alive in ways that feel right to me, that feel on purpose to me."

"When you feel how calming, how connected, how wonderful it was to invite her in, it feels more like a calling in than a missing out. And before I could do that, the more I felt like my life was still so full and she was so proud."

Resources Mentioned

The Memory Circle: Founded by Barri Leiner Grant, The Memory Circle offers grief support and coaching. - https://www.thememorycircle.com

Practice You Podcast by Elena Brower: A podcast that aligns with heart-centered conversations and personal growth - https://elenabrower.com/podcast/

Motherless Daughters by Hope Edelman: A book that explores the experiences of women who have lost their mothers. - https://www.amazon.com/Motherless-Daughters-Legacy-Loss-20th-Anniversary/dp/0738217735

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: A book that introduces morning pages and other creative exercises to help unblock creativity. - https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252

Poetry Foundation: A resource for finding and listening to poetry - https://www.poetryfoundation.org

David Kessler: A renowned grief expert and author -