Finding Meaning Audiobook By David Kessler cover art

Finding Meaning

The Sixth Stage of Grief

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Finding Meaning

By: David Kessler
Narrated by: David Kessler
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In this groundbreaking and “poignant” (Los Angeles Times) book, David Kessler—praised for his work by Maria Shriver, Marianne Williamson, and Mother Teresa—journeys beyond the classic five stages to discover a sixth stage: meaning.

In 1969, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first identified the stages of dying in her transformative book On Death and Dying. Decades later, she and David Kessler wrote the classic On Grief and Grieving, introducing the stages of grief with the same transformative pragmatism and compassion. Now, based on hard-earned personal experiences, as well as knowledge and wisdom gained through decades of work with the grieving, Kessler introduces a critical sixth stage: meaning.

Kessler’s insight is both professional and intensely personal. His journey with grief began when, as a child, he witnessed a mass shooting at the same time his mother was dying. For most of his life, Kessler taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about end of life, trauma, and grief, as well as leading talks and retreats for those experiencing grief. Despite his knowledge, his life was upended by the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son. How does the grief expert handle such a tragic loss? He knew he had to find a way through this unexpected, devastating loss, a way that would honor his son. That, ultimately, was the sixth stage of grief—meaning. In Finding Meaning, Kessler shares the insights, collective wisdom, and powerful tools that will help those experiencing loss.

“Beautiful, tender, and wise” (Katy Butler, author of The Art of Dying Well), Finding Meaning is “an excellent addition to grief literature that helps pave the way for steps toward healing” (School Library Journal). Grief & Loss Personal Development Thought-Provoking Grief Inspiring Relationships Classics

Critic reviews

"Grief expert David Kessler's narration has the stamp of a healer or mental health practitioner. The collaborator of Elizabeth Kubler–Ross discusses how the final stage of grief—acceptance—is not usually the end of the story for the loved ones of those who have died. Kessler sounds earnest, relaxed, and, above all, palpably committed to his work and message. His vocal intensity always sounds fitting and authentic. He recounts personal stories of loss from clients and his own life that are central to illustrating his point that grief is different for everyone and will always express itself in its own way. He says what's important is quieting ourselves enough to honor and listen to it, in ourselves or others, rather than smothering it with advice or denying it."
Helpful Grief Guidance • Meaningful Personal Stories • Practical Healing Framework • Insightful Grief Perspectives

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“We often believe grief will grow smaller in time. It doesn’t we must grow bigger. We must be the architects of our lives after loss.” David Kessler

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Out of all the grief books I read or listened to, this was by far the best and most helpful one!

Must read! So comforting

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An excellent and through understanding of the impact of grief on the life and living of the bereaved. Especially the final chapter when the author shared his own journey over the loss of his son. A respectful, honest and humble manuscript.

SO TIMELY

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I loved each part of this audio book. I enjoyed all the teachings. Will listen to it again and again

Thanks for this wonderful book, David Kessler!

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I have read and listened to many grief books since my wonderful husband, Bill, passed away in 2022. I savored every word of this book.. such good, sound advice and perspective. I hope to attend a retreat one day.

Best grief book ever!

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