Archive for May, 2019
Getting Lost and Being Here
Tuesday, May 28th, 2019
I have no sense of direction. Turn me around and I get lost easily. Even with GPS on my phone, I can still get lost. I rely on the kindness of others to help me find my way.
On a recent trip to downtown Manhattan for a meeting, I got off at a subway stop that was apparently a good 10-minute walk to the place I needed to go. As I walked in circles trying to find my way, I finally asked someone walking their dog for directions. They pointed me in the right direction, and I headed off to my meeting. When the meeting was over, I was told there was an easier way for me to get back to mid-town. I began following their directions and found myself lost again. Frustrated by my lack of knowing how to get where I wanted to go, I paused to take a deep breath. I looked up and there was a huge sign, “Here.” That’s all I needed to know. That’s the place I needed to be – here.
Rather than rush to a subway, I stood at the corner taking in everything. I walked for a bit and came upon a café. I stopped and enjoyed some food and wandered some more. There was no place to rush to. All I needed was to be here.
All we have is this moment – here. While I will always rely on the kindness of others to help me find my way, I will rely on my ability to get lost, to be found, and to savor being here, wherever that may be.
Support Within
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019
What’s the posture that will best support you right now? We can slow down. Relax.
What if you tuned into you? Connect to the essence of you. The invitation is to rest. Notice all the places in your life that support you.
Where can you relax? Listen to the rhythm of your breathing. Let your heartbeat be your guide. Just for today. Just for this moment.
What support do you need right now? Give yourself permission to ask for support. Notice what your heart needs. Notice what you need to be more fully alive.
What brings you back to yourself? Notice what is calling your attention. Notice what you are giving energy to and paying attention to.
Let go – for now. Surrender to yourself. Support yourself. Notice how you are supported from the inside. You are supported within.
Life After Suicide: Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss
Tuesday, May 7th, 2019
In Life After Suicide: Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss, Chief medical correspondent of ABC News, Jennifer Ashton, M.D., shares a heart-wrenching and hopeful memoir about the journey after the suicide of a loved one. Dr. Ashton speaks about the many stigmas attached to suicide and shares the stories of many families who have experienced the suicide of a loved one.
Dr. Ashton shares her personal experience following the suicide of her ex-husband, Rob. In Life After Suicide, Dr. Ashton opens up about her private life, including, her marriage, her divorce, her parenting, her therapy, and the emotions that follow the tragic loss of her ex-husband. She gives voice to the devastating experience of losing a family member to suicide. Her decision to share her deep pain came after the high-profile suicide of Kate Spade. Dr. Ashton realized the importance of giving voice to grief. By letting others hear her heartbreaking story, she recognized that it could provide comfort and solace to other families who have felt similar trauma and grief. In Life After Suicide, Dr. Ashton hopes her experience and words can remove some of the stigmas of shame and secrets. She hopes her story can inspire those who have gone through this to know they are not alone.
Life After Suicide is a reminder to all of us about this devastating epidemic. It is written as both a memoir and guide that includes the latest insights from researchers and health professionals. Dr. Ashton explores both the taboos surrounding suicide and mental health and provides a comforting voice to those who are seeking healing. And one of the biggest ways to get and give support is to allow the stories of loved ones to be shared.
Life After Suicide allows for a deeper conversation about suicide and the impact it has on families. Through stories of those who have lost a loved one from suicide, we can see the courage it takes to open up and recognize that healing happens when our stories come out of the dark. In the end we are left with our stories. The stories we tell one another, and the stories we remember about one another. What remains when we are gone is our story — and our stories give us refuge. Our stories keep us going when grief fills us. By sharing our stories of love and loss, we can open to stories of hope and healing. Dr. Ashton’s story of loss reminds us that the voice of grief needs to be heard. And that all our stories can honor those we have lost to suicide and those who have been left behind.
Dr. Ashton’s book is courageous and honest. Her voice is raw and vulnerable. We need more books like Life After Suicide that speak about this devastating epidemic. Only then can we change our culture. Only then can we fully understand that there is hope.
**I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.