Grief & Its Nuances: Cultural, Personal, and Emotional Perspectives.
Welcome to Reaching Minds – Thoughts for Your Life Journey. In today’s episode, we’re exploring a topic that touches every single one of us, yet so often remains unspoken — grief. Whether it’s the passing of a loved one, the loss of a dear pet, or the endings we face in different chapters of life, grief is a universal experience that shapes who we are.Grief can arrive suddenly, leaving us breathless, or it can come slowly, as we anticipate a loss and prepare ourselves for what lies ahead. It manifests in so many ways — emotionally, physically, even spiritually — and no two people grieve in exactly the same way.In this conversation, we’ll look at grief through different lenses: personal stories of loss, the cultural traditions that shape how we mourn and heal, and the unexpected places where joy and meaning can still be found amidst sorrow. We’ll ask: how do our backgrounds influence the way we process grief? How do leaders navigate grief while holding space for others? And how can we find hope, even in the darkest of times?This isn’t just a discussion about sadness — it’s about understanding the richness, normality and complexity of grief, and how it can, paradoxically, deepen our connection to life. Maybe grief is not only something to endure, and also as something that can transform, teach, and even open us up to new dimensions of love, resilience, and joy.About Obehi Alofoje My guest today is Obehi Alofoje, who brings both lived experience and deep insight to this conversation. Obehi Alofoje is a psychologist, behavioural change specialist, and culture change consultant. She helps senior leaders manage stress, team conflict, and poor engagement through executive coaching, leadership development, and workplace wellbeing strategies. She’s also an ADHD coach for senior leaders and business owners. Obehi is the co-Founder and Director of Aurora Inc., a workplace wellbeing consultancy with a bespoke approach. Her Aurora clients include Allianz, The BBC, Cochlear, Michael Page, London School of Economics, and Imperial College. Obehi also co-hosts the award-winning ‘The Wellbeing Rebellion’ podcast and has been featured on NBC New York Live. A flat-white drinker and hearing-aid wearer, she brings warmth, clarity, and challenge to every conversation.Questions we pose in the podcast are: What are the different types of grief, and how do they show up in our lives?How do cultural backgrounds shape the way we grieve and mourn?How do sudden losses differ from anticipated ones, and what impact does that have emotionally?How have your personal experiences with grief shaped your understanding of it?Is there a “right” way to grieve, or is it always a personal journey?What message would you want listeners to carry with them about grief?Resources Aurora Inc Website https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/ On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss Paperback – 14 Aug. 2014 by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross David Kessler (Author)Finding Meaning– David Kesslerhttps://www.cruse.org.uk/understanding-grief/effects-of-grief/five-stages-of-grief/Books by Julia SamuelsEvery Family Has a Story: How We Inherit Love and LossThis Too Shall Pass: Stories of Change, Crises and Hopeful BeginningsEvery Family Has a Story: How We Inherit Love and LossIf you are interested in working with me individually or in a group contacting me on nita.sharma2319@gmail For individual coaching my fees start from £150 plus VAT.
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