What do you do when a difficult emotion shows up—especially when it feels like too much?

In this episode, we talk about a simple but powerful practice called the RAIN technique, developed by Tara Brach. It’s a four-step approach—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture—that can help you respond to emotions with more awareness, rather than getting pulled under by them.

But more than just explaining the steps, we talk about what this actually looks like in real life—especially in moments of grief, overwhelm, or emotional intensity.

Because difficult emotions don’t need to be fixed or pushed away…
but they also don’t have to take over.

This is a practical way to begin relating to them differently.

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in a wave of emotion and not sure what to do next—this conversation is for you.

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

There are moments that stay with us—
words that were said, or left unsaid, that continue to echo long after they’ve passed.

In this guided meditation, we create a quiet space to gently reflect on one small thing that brought you pain—something heavy that still lingers.

This isn’t about forcing forgiveness or letting go all at once.
It’s about softening your hold on what’s been carried… and allowing a little more space around it.

Through gentle guidance, you’ll be invited to notice, feel, and release—at your own pace, in your own way.

If something has been sitting with you, even quietly, this is a place to begin.

Find a comfortable space, and simply listen.

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

In this episode, you’ll meet Carol Banens—co-host of Grief Gurus and co-creator of our community.

This conversation comes from one of our Guest Guru Live Sessions inside the Grief Gurus community, where we have more personal, in-depth conversations about grief and life after loss.

Carol is a grief and loss counsellor, certified grief educator, coach, and published author who supports people navigating the deep and often complicated experience of loss—especially the loss of a partner.

But more than that, she brings something that can’t be taught—
the understanding that comes from walking through grief herself.

In this conversation, Carol shares the story of the love of her life—her husband, Brian—who died eight years ago.

Together, we take a deeper look at what that loss has meant, how it has changed over time, and what it looks like to continue living with grief while still moving forward.

We talk about:

• what grief actually feels like beneath the surface
• why time alone doesn’t heal
• and how having someone beside you can change the experience of loss

Because grief isn’t something you simply “get through.”
It’s something you learn to live with.

And it becomes more manageable when you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’ve been listening quietly and wondering what it might feel like to have support that truly understands this experience—this conversation is a place to begin.

You can learn more about the Grief Gurus community here:
www.thegriefgurus.com

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

This episode marks a new chapter.

The Healing Path is evolving into The Grief Gurus—a space that goes beyond understanding grief, and into not having to carry it alone.

If you’ve been listening quietly, this is for you.

In this episode, I share what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and why this next step matters—especially for those who have been navigating grief on their own.

Because while listening can help, it’s still something you’re doing by yourself.

And at some point, many people begin to wonder…
what it might feel like to not do this alone anymore.

If that’s something you’ve felt, you’re invited to explore the Grief Gurus community with two weeks of complimentary access:

https://www.thegriefgurus.com/landing/

And if you’re not ready for that, you’re always warmly welcomed here.

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

After enduring the unimaginable loss of my children, I've embarked on a journey of healing that I share with you in this deeply personal episode of the Healing Path podcast. My new book, "The Healing Path, Part One: Stay Present" is the first of a transformative three-part series where I explore the first three of ten stepping stones that have been pivotal in my healing. The episode invites you to understand how these steps can universally apply to various forms of loss, not just those of loved ones, but also careers and relationships. By blogging and podcasting for years, I've crafted a narrative that aligns with my goal of building a community grounded in shared experiences of grief and the power of healing together.

The episode also introduces "Scars 2 Medals," a virtual sanctuary where people across the globe can come together to transform their scars into strength. As I look forward to launching a structured healing course in 2025, I welcome you to join this growing movement through live events and a rich library of recorded content. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to our journey, your involvement can help create a meaningful life out of profound loss. Stay connected by visiting scars2medals.com, and together, let's cultivate a compassionate and supportive community where healing is possible.

Visit “Rooted in Connection” Blog at
https://lisamcfarland.com/blog-podcasts-online-support-community/

You're invited to schedule a complimentary Life Coaching intro session at:
https://lisamcfarland.com/collaborate/

Ever felt misunderstood while grieving? Join me as I share a touching story about a trip to Costco with my son, Zachary, whose non-verbal cues offer profound lessons in patience and understanding. Tune in for an episode rich with compassionate conversation and invaluable insights into the delicate process of navigating grief.

Visit “Rooted in Connection” Blog at
https://lisamcfarland.com/blog-podcasts-online-support-community/

You're invited to schedule a complimentary Life Coaching intro session at:
https://lisamcfarland.com/collaborate/

Have you ever found yourself trapped in a situation so stressful that it felt like there was no way out? Picture this: a family road trip designed to create memories takes a turn for the worse when our son Zach gets locked in a bathroom with a malfunctioning lock. With a lit candle adding a dangerous twist, our panic rose as we struggled to free him, ultimately needing the help of firefighters.

By examining these experiences, we uncover how our most challenging moments can drive growth and offer practical strategies for navigating caregiving and grief with resilience and compassion. Listen in for inspiration and actionable advice that will resonate deeply with anyone walking the path of care and healing.

For a visual of the crew that helped us get Zach out, visit www.lisamcfarland.com/the-z-suite/

Visit “Rooted in Connection” Blog at
https://lisamcfarland.com/blog-podcasts-online-support-community/

You're invited to schedule a complimentary Life Coaching intro session at:
https://lisamcfarland.com/collaborate/

What if the instinct to run away when life gets tough could actually teach us something profound? Join me, Lisa, as I unravel the concept of the "Inclination to Bolt," a powerful idea from Geneen Roth that has helped me navigate some of life's toughest challenges.

Drawing from my personal life, I open up about the daily challenges of caring for my 25-year-old son, Zach, who depends on a feeding tube and will never leave the nest. Parenting Zach has been both a gift and a Herculean task, filled with moments of overwhelming frustration and incredible insights. This episode is a raw reminder that we're not alone in our struggles, and that our scars are indeed medals of love if we decide that they are.

Visit “Rooted in Connection” Blog at
https://lisamcfarland.com/blog-podcasts-online-support-community/

You're invited to schedule a complimentary Life Coaching intro session at:
https://lisamcfarland.com/collaborate/