Episode Zero is an introduction to our new podcast, The Heart of Grief. Lorri Penner and I, Brian Magee, are recovering grievers and active Certified Grief Recovery Specialists® We are educators, not therapists or psychologists. We are journeyed guides who walk the path of recovery through a method that truly makes a difference to hurting hearts. We invite you to join us. We will endeavor to publish new episodes on the 1st, 11th and 21st of each month and on the 31st of months that have them. We welcome listener feedback to:
-email: feedback@theheartofgrief.com
-paper mail: The Heart of Grief C/O Martin Brother Funeral Chapels 610 4 St S Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4P3.
-The Grief Recovery Institute:

In this, our first, full episode, we will discuss the grief that results from changes and endings of various kinds. The covid-19 restrictions, concerns and uncertainties have created many losses in our lives that we would do well to recognize as grief events. Normal, grief responses should be expected. We examine how many of the typical ways we respond to loss and common messages we receive, are not helpful. We underscore the importance of acknowledging change both as a compounding factor in a bereavement, and a cause of additional grief experiences. Working Defn. “Grief is the wide ranging and often conflicting feelings that result from a change in or end of a familiar pattern of behavior.”

-email: feedback@theheartofgrief.com
-paper mail: The Heart of Grief C/O Martin Brother Funeral Chapels 610 4 St S Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4P3. https://www.mbfunerals.com
-The Grief Recovery Institute: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

In this episode we want to examine a very common response to a loss, choosing to grieve alone. We’ll talk about why this is so common and why it is not helpful. According to our program design, we will offer some practical ideas on how to move out of isolation into community. We will discuss the added difficulties presented by the covid-19 pandemic. We feature an interview with Chris Jong from Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels in Lethbridge Alberta, discussing responses and provisions for funerals and memorial gatherings under covid-19 restrictions.
-email: feedback@theheartofgrief.com
-paper mail: The Heart of Grief C/O Martin Brother Funeral Chapels 610 4 St S Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4P3. https://www.mbfunerals.com
-The Grief Recovery Institute: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

We believe that people have a spiritual nature. Our spiritual side is both affected by loss, and an important factor in how we deal with loss. In episode Zero, Brian will be providing a brief rationale for our periodic, Questions of Faith sessions. A general outline of what can be expected will be provided. Brian comes from a Christian perspective and will approach this topic from that point of view. Questions of Faith episodes are planned for publication on the 31st of months that have them.
-email: feedback@theheartofgrief.com
-paper mail: The Heart of Grief C/O Martin Brother Funeral Chapels 610 4 St S Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4P3. https://www.mbfunerals.com
-The Grief Recovery Institute: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

We will be focusing on one more of the top 6, most unhelpful ways to deal with grief, replacing the loss. We'll examine the common tendency to avoid dealing directly with the very difficult emotions of loss by redirecting our attention to substitute things, people or activities.
By avoiding the temptation to choose distracting substitutes at times of loss, we give ourselves the opportunity to honor each loss with healthy grieving.
Replace the Loss: John W. James, The Grief Recovery Institute
-email: feedback@theheartofgrief.com
-paper mail: The Heart of Grief C/O Martin Brother Funeral Chapels 610 4 St S Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4P3. https://www.mbfunerals.com
-The Grief Recovery Institute: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

We will be talking about the 4th of our Top 6 Most Unhelpful ideas about grief list, "Just Give it time" or "Time heals all wounds." Though this may be the most common suggestion given to grievers, and is normally given with genuine, good intentions, it may also be the most unhelpful. We will explain why this is; what time is not good for and what it is good for. We will offer suggestions on how time may be used in ways that benefit the grieving process. An on-location interview with mechanic and tire expert, Ken Fast provides a light-hearted illustration of our message.
FAST TIRE SERVICE, LETHBRIDGE
-email: feedback@theheartofgrief.com
-paper mail: The Heart of Grief C/O Martin Brother Funeral Chapels 610 4 St S Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4P3. https://www.mbfunerals.com
-The Grief Recovery Institute: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

“Be Strong” is a message that calls grievers to somehow deny the normal human feelings of vulnerability, fear and inadequacy at times of difficult loss. We will examine the unhelpful view of strength behind this idea and explain why it is not beneficial in loss, nor true to our humanity.
Proposition: By giving due recognition and attention to our human frailties, we are able to leave behind unhelpful concepts of strength and find the freedom to grieve in a more human and healing way.
-email: feedback@theheartofgrief.com
-paper mail: The Heart of Grief C/O Martin Brother Funeral Chapels 610 4 St S Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4P3.
-The Grief Recovery Institute:
-The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation:

In this first, full, Questions of Faith edition of The Heart of Grief, Brian interviews Chaplain John Moreman from the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge Alberta. John shares five of the most often asked questions that have come to him over his more than 20 years of Chaplaincy work.
-email: feedback@theheartofgrief.com
-paper mail: The Heart of Grief C/O Martin Brother Funeral Chapels 610 4 St S Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4P3.
-The Grief Recovery Institute: