In this heartfelt episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne sits down with mindfulness teacher, caregiver, and dementia advocate Jessica Smith for a conversation that lives at the intersection of presence, purpose, and deep compassion.
For over two decades, Jessica has studied and practiced awareness-based meditation under the guidance of renowned spiritual teachers like Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, and Michael Singer. But it’s her personal journey as a long-distance caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more than ten years ago, that has shaped her work in the most profound way.
Together, Marianne and Jessica explore:
- The emotional layers of long-distance caregiving
- Navigating family dynamics in the face of a loved one’s diagnosis
- How mindfulness helps caregivers stay grounded, even on the hardest days
- The evolving relationship between parent and child through the lens of Alzheimer’s
- What it means to connect when memory fades
- Finding peace in “enoughness”
- How training as a death doula deepened Jessica’s perspective on legacy and letting go
- Practical ways caregivers can show up for themselves when time is scarce
This episode is a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of grief, there can be grace and that mindful awareness offers a path not just to endure, but to connect more deeply.
Resources & Links
Connect with Jessica and learn more about her work:
Connect with Marianne:
- Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne
- Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
- Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne
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