Self-Care Practices for Life Beyond Loss (Audio Interview)

When Alysha St. Germain asked to interview me about self-care and loss, I paused before I said yes. Self-care? Do I even practice self-care? Am I a good candidate for this topic? My answers surprised me.

 

After reflecting, I realized that I actually practice self-care every single day. For me the foundation of self-care comes down to one thing: Choice. What am I choosing in any moment? How am I feeling based on this choice? Do I want to choose something else or not? How does this affect my experience of loss? My experience of life?

Join the conversation

I’m posting this interview not only to share my personal experiences of loss, self-care and more, but also so that we can have a conversation. I love open dialogue on these issues and I invite you to engage with me and others.

One of the questions Alysha asks me is: “What are your top three tips for being intentional with yourself after loss?” I’m curious if my practices and experiences resonate with you. And I’d love to hear your top three tips for self-care and other thoughts that surface after you watch the video.

Please join the conversation by leaving your comments below! 

Last but not least, I’m sending an enthusiastic “high five” and thank you to Alysha St. Germain for the wonderful work she is doing in the world. I encourage you to check out her inspiring blog at AnIntentionalFuture.com! She has countless gems to offer and is certainly a treasure to those who are discovering how to live beyond loss in fulfilling ways.

You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Jennifer Mathews, M.A., is a writer, spiritual cheerleader, and change maker. She currently calls both Bristol, Vermont and Mount Shasta, California home (when she's not traveling elsewhere, that is).

Based on her own exploration of death, grief, joy and optimism, Jen offers life-affirming perspectives and practical tools to support others on their journeys. In her personal and unconventional TEDx Talk, “Death is Inevitable – Grief is Not,” she invites us to break free from the limitations and language of a grieving process and change the way we think about and respond to the death of those we love.

Jen is a founding member and organizer of the Ashland Death Cafe and the Living/Dying Alliance of Southern Oregon. As part of the Community Outreach team of the award-winning film Death Makes Life Possible, she has facilitated conversations on death, dying, and the afterlife in the US, the UK and Ireland.

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6 thoughts on “Self-Care Practices for Life Beyond Loss (Audio Interview)

  1. Dear “senorita” Jenifer:

    I am deeply for your loss; however, your exemplary positive approach to confront it is really remarkable. My most sincere congratulations for sharing your inspiring experience , expressed in the three basic steps of: breathing, smiling and connecting which, by practicing them faithfully become the source of an authentic consolation or, a meaningful life beyond loss.

    May God bless you for your caring gesture to help grieving people restore their life. Most certainly, you have been tackling a very sensitive and delicate issue with much love as it well deserves.

    At the end of the interview, I felt immensely proud of you because you have confirmed the high regard and esteem I had for you when I had the unique joy of having you as one of my most outstanding student. In fact, I still have a tape of one of the Radio Programs in Spanish, in which you interviewed one of the CAMPUS student from El Salvador. What a joy it brings to my heart when I listen to it and to the rest of them, you and your classmates so enthusiastically participated in the. As Bob Hope used to say at the end of his show: “Thanks for the memories.”

    By the way, you look as lovely as ever.

    My wife joins me in sending our love to you.
    Luis R. Quiroz

    P.S. When you have a little spare time, I would love to receive a brief e-mail from you. In response I will share with you the providential circumstance, which made me face my father’s unexpected death, on December 28, 1960, just the way you advise people to do.

    • Muchas gracias, Professor Quiroz!! What a delightful surprise to receive your comments and to hear from you after all these years! Your comments here brought tears to my eyes. I am very touched by all your shared.

      You have been a stellar example and model of someone with a contagious zest for life, joyful spirit, and generous heart. Thank you, thank you for your words of encouragement and for all the light you have brought to my world and others. I’m looking forward to emailing you privately to connect more deeply.

      With gratitude,
      Senorita Jennifer

  2. Your three practices – breathe, smile, and connect – I am doing this right now! It is so simple and effective. Your interview was lovely! Congratulations!

    • Thanks, Mary. To me, you epitomize breathe, smile and connect in how you live your life. So inspiring ; ) Thanks for your comments.