David Kessler and Brené on Grief and Finding Meaning

In the 'Unlocking Us with Brené Brown' podcast episode featuring David Kessler, Brené engages in a profound conversation with the renowned grief expert, who has worked extensively on the concept of grief and loss. Kessler, who was a protégé to the pioneering psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler Ross, delves into the evolution of the five stages of grief, which were originally conceptualized as stages of dying. He emphasizes that these stages are not linear or prescriptive but rather descriptive of a general process, and that each individual's experience of grief is unique.

Brené and David explore the addition of a sixth stage to the grieving process: finding meaning. This stage, which Kessler introduced following the death of his own son, does not suggest that there is inherent meaning in death, but rather that meaning can be found in the way we live after a loss. The discussion also touches on the collective grief experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world grapples with the loss of normalcy and the multitude of changes brought on by the crisis.

Throughout the episode, Kessler shares personal stories, including the unexpected death of his son, to illustrate the profound nature of grief and the search for meaning. He also discusses the importance of not comparing losses, as the worst loss is one's own. The conversation covers the dangers of judgment in grief, the potential for gratitude in the face of loss, and the significance of meaningful moments amidst pain. Kessler's insights provide a deeper understanding of grief, encouraging listeners to embrace the messiness of emotions and to recognize the potential for growth and connection even in the darkest times.