Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief

I picked this book up during the week when my daughter would have been eleven years old had she lived. I found myself filled with emotion and so much pain. Having been through so many losses in my life- I felt that I had understood how to make meaning and to keep moving forward- changed forever but moving forward. I had marked this book in my samples to read one day when I am ready to write more than I had already written about my losses. I viewed reading it academically, clinically almost. Research. Till this week. Feeling so much pain and sadness and feeling lost- I started listening to David Kessler on a few podcasts. And then started reading this book. His clarity and kindness is evident in his words and writing. Every sentence is filled with warmth and caring. The stories and examples he shares are shared with a reverence and caring. The book is filled with personal lessons he has learned from his many losses and his own post traumatic growth. And the narrative leaves so much room for all stages of grief. He does not force a single idea on you but repeatedly reminds us to honor our pain- exactly how it is- right now. And to lean into trust that it gets easier. It does get easier and we do find meaning. I can attest to that. And then we do go back to grief bursts as he calls it. We also live in awe again. Our grief is individual and we learn and grow when we are ready. And layers come back to visit…. To remind us again of the love and connection we had. What this book does so well is remind anyone going through a loss that they have the permission to hurt as much and however they want to. This is a beautifully written book full of hard-earned wisdom from a life lived- you will find comfort, peace, strength, warmth and direction as you navigate your own grief or transformation journey. Please read it. Please live it. You too can move forward. The author illustrates this beautifully. 💜🙏🏽

My chaplain recommended this book after my extended grief. I found it helpful in moving through the grief journey and continuing without my loved one.

My book club read this and it helped me so much

This is a remarkable book. Given that all of us, unless we die young ourselves, will lose someone close to us, grief is a deep and painful wound that we will have to face. The author, a friend and close associate of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross the late author of Death and Dying, in which she elaborated the now very famous "Five Stages of Grief", has extended his mentor's work to a Sixth Stage --finding meaning. David Kessler's groundbreaking book explores many ways to honor a loss by embracing the uniqueness and value of the person or relationship that is gone. To describe these ways as celebrating, learning from, taking lessons from the person we've lost is to do this subtle and deep work a disservice. It's far more than that. No two losses are the same. David Kessler writes from experience, both as a grief expert and counselor, but also as a man who lost his son to the tragedy of addiction, shortly after the young man's twenty-first birthday. The pain but also the hope, the stoicism but also the humor that flavors these pages provide a comforting guide through our own grief. David Kessler has a wise and kind voice. I lost five people to whom I was very close in the last two years and derived immense comfort and meaning from this book, as well as an insight into my own needs for grieving, and for recovery. Highly, highly recommended.

David Kessler provides another empathic and comforting discussion around grief and loss, and offers a 6th stage-finding meaning. This stage encourages and empowers people to find meaning with the loss and the grief after losing someone. I do appreciate his gentle and knowledgable approach.

Helpful

Wonderful book!

I gifted this to my sister-in-law and close friend who had recently lost their father suddenly. I bought the workbook as well and they have both stated that it has been a helpful guide to navigate these complicated emotions regarding their sudden loss.

Buen libro

Although some of David's co-authored publications (i.e. with Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross and Louise Hay) have been published in German, too, I feel this book also could be very helpful for monolingual people in D-A-CH. Thank you everyone within the publishing market for considering this and also considering re-issuing the other aforementioned publications which appear to be out of print, thus preparing for a higher demand. For me, this is one of those books that I wish to keep and not put into circular economy. 🧡💙🙏

Really helpful for someone struggling after the loss of a loved one.

Excellent read for those who’s lost their loved ones & need more support

insightful book that offers hope and guidance for anyone navigating the pain of loss. David Kessler's compassionate approach brings a fresh perspective to the grieving process, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning as a way to heal and move forward. The stories shared in the book are heartfelt and relatable, making it feel like you’re not alone in your journey.