Ep #163: Navigating Death, Loss, and the Human Experience of Grief with Michael Henri

Grief is one of the most profound human experiences, yet many struggle to fully process and embrace it. In this episode, the speaker shares their personal journey of losing a close friend and the deep emotional impact that followed. They explore the universal nature of grief, whether it stems from the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or personal transformation. The discussion dives into both the emotional and neurological effects of grief, explaining how it alters brain function, heightens emotions, and affects hormone levels, leading to sadness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like broken heart syndrome. Drawing from yogic philosophy and neuroscience, the speaker highlights the importance of not suppressing grief but allowing oneself to fully experience it. They reflect on their own loss of a pet, which triggered unresolved emotions, emphasizing how unprocessed grief can resurface in unexpected ways. The conversation also touches on how different cultures approach mourning and the role of rituals, social support, and personal practices like journaling and breathwork in the healing process. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to move toward acceptance by creating space for grief rather than resisting it, fostering emotional resilience and deeper self-awareness. Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 - Navigating Grief and Loss 00:02:58 - Confronting Unexpected Loss and Grief 00:05:25 - Understanding the Stages of Grief 00:06:21 - The Stages of Grief and the Brain 00:09:30 - Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Grief and Loss 00:14:24 - Grieving the Loss of My Dog with Friends 00:17:49 - The Importance of Grief Rituals 00:20:23 - Techniques for Nervous System Reset and Grief Acceptance 00:23:03 - Navigating Grief: Allowing the Process Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/  Tags:  grief, loss, healing, emotional resilience, mental health, grief process, mourning, neuroscience of grief, emotional healing, self-awareness, acceptance, mindfulness, trauma recovery, letting go, grief support