Grief Dreams: Reflections on 2022 and Hope for the New Year

As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to 2023, the Grief Dreams podcast offers a powerful exploration of how dreams can provide comfort, insight and healing after loss. In this special year-end episode, hosts Joshua and Jade revisit some of the most impactful grief dreams shared by guests in 2022, while also discussing their own personal growth and lessons learned.

Highlights from 2022 Grief Dream Episodes

Dr. Raymond Moody on Near-Death Experiences

In episode 211, renowned author and psychiatrist Dr. Raymond Moody discussed his groundbreaking research on near-death experiences and how they relate to grief dreams:

"After my grandmother Moody died, I had a dream in which she was just in this most amazing place of light. I mean, it felt more real than a dream - it had its own kind of reality. I've also had some recurrent dreams about friends that I've lost who were so dear."

Dr. Moody's work highlights the mysterious yet profound nature of these experiences. As Joshua noted, there are intriguing similarities between near-death experiences and grief dreams in how they can provide comfort and a sense of continued connection.

Parvati Markus on Dreams of Neem Karoli Baba

In episode 212, author Parvati Markus shared powerful dreams of the Indian guru Neem Karoli Baba:

"When I was in India with him, I would dream of him at night. It was sort of like I felt like I was with him continuously. There was just no let up in that presence, which was just absolutely wonderful."

Markus described how these dreams, as well as those of others, could be profoundly life-changing. They often conveyed a sense of unconditional love that many found deeply healing.

Addison Brazil on Dreams of Lost Loved Ones

Speaker and author Addison Brazil opened up about his vivid dreams of deceased family members and friends in episode 213:

"My brother - I had very vivid dreams where we would have like the best time ever, always so loving. Then there was always a point in the dream where I realized 'Oh, you have to go' and I would wake up bawling. It was like every night losing him again."

Brazil's experiences highlight how grief dreams can be both comforting and painful as the dreamer re-experiences loss. Yet over time, he found the dreams evolved in healing ways.

Rebecca Soffer on Processing Grief Through Dreams

In episode 214, Rebecca Soffer, co-founder of the Modern Loss community, shared how dreams helped her process the traumatic loss of her mother:

"I started having some really bad dreams...desperately trying to reach her on the phone and not being able to. When I reached her she was very disembodied and uninterested. These were very stressful and painful - it was like having my grief stoked all over again."

Soffer's experiences show how dreams can reflect our grief process, eventually shifting to more peaceful encounters as we heal.

Lessons and Reflections from 2022

As Joshua and Jade discussed their key takeaways from the past year, several important themes emerged:

Embracing Change and Transformation

Joshua emphasized the importance of patience during times of transition:

"This year was really about patience, transformation, and being okay with change. Looking forward to the new guests we're going to be having on this year, but also just life in general and what it's going to continue to provide me as I sort of try to play more in 2023."

Cultivating Gratitude

Jade reflected on finding profound gratitude in simple moments:

"These simple moments of like pouring a cup of coffee and just having a quiet moment in my home where I feel safe...I would feel overwhelming gratitude. I could cry my eyes out because I'm just grateful for that simplistic moment."

Letting Go of What No Longer Serves Us

Both hosts discussed the importance of releasing relationships or situations that are no longer healthy or supportive:

"Roads that lead nowhere in your life - they end on their own. We often don't have to orchestrate those pieces. Dead ends - they're just dead ends. I think it becomes more a conversation of our ability to release and let go when it is time."

Being Honest About Our Grief

Joshua highlighted how dreams can reveal our true feelings:

"These dreams can be very honest reflections on what we're actually still working with and trying to digest and integrate within our lives. They can be really helpful tools...to sort of see how I was truly feeling."

Finding Support and Connection

The hosts emphasized the value of having even one supportive person in our lives:

"The best feelings to have someone that supports you and is a cheerleader - you don't need a lot, you really only need one. But if you can find that one, that's amazing."

Hope for the New Year

As we look ahead to 2023, Joshua and Jade offered some final thoughts and wishes for listeners:

"I really just wish everyone this New Year patience, courage, and great change. And also some really amazing and comforting grief dreams, because they help us not just within our grief per se, but also within our life."

Jade cautioned against setting overly rigid resolutions that may lead to guilt if not achieved. Instead, she suggested:

"Be gentle with yourself about where you want to go. Sometimes that yields better results than the alternative."

Ultimately, the hosts emphasized the importance of self-compassion, allowing ourselves to feel our emotions fully, and remaining open to growth and healing:

"Whatever you need to feel and work through and feel inspired by - that's what I'm hoping for you. You're your own person, so you do what you need to."

As we enter the new year, may we all find moments of peace, connection, and meaning - both in our waking lives and in our dreams. The Grief Dreams podcast continues to offer a supportive community and valuable insights for anyone navigating loss and seeking hope.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVjqVmzHSAo