In this episode of the Can You Just Sit With Me? podcast, host Natasha Smith sits with Dr. Mekel Harris, a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience. They discuss the various manifestations of grief, from silence to busyness, and emphasize the importance of community and support. Dr. Harris shares her personal journey with grief, particularly following the loss of her mother, and the concept of ‘relaxing into the pain.’ They discuss how to support yourself and others through grief.
I think one of the most helpful ways to support someone grieving is to show up and show up in the most flawed way. There is nothing you can do that’s going to change the fact that the person’s grieving, but you not showing up is going to significantly impact the person grieving.
Dr. mekel harris
Relaxing Into the Pain offers a glimpse into Dr. Harris’ grief journey thus far, a journey filled with peaks, valleys, and spiritual crossroads. Her candid journal entries, coupled with self-reflections about her experiences, provide insights into the overwhelming nature of, as well as the beauty within, grief and loss. Most importantly, Dr. Harris’ reflections offer Christ-centered inspiration and hope to those traveling along grief’s road and challenge the reader to consider its transformative depths.
Get the book here.
They also delve into the significance of grief literacy, the challenges of anticipatory grief, and offer strategies for navigating the holidays. Listeners are encouraged to connect with their support systems and allow themselves the space to grieve authentically. Here are some key takeaways from the episode:
Main Points:
- The Role of Grief Literacy
- Faith as a Companion in Grief
- The Importance of Vulnerability and Authenticity
- Supporting Those in Grief
Episode Talking Points:
- 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host
- 00:58 Personal Grief Experience
- 01:44 Guest Introduction: Dr. Mikhail Harris
- 02:31 Journey into Grief and Professional Focus
- 04:12 Grief Literacy and Organizational Support
- 06:41 Faces of Grief
- 12:03 Faith and Grief
- 19:56 Exploring the Complexities of Grief
- 21:11 Navigating Anticipatory Grief
- 22:40 The Importance of Community Support
- 23:35 Balancing Inward Reflection and Community
- 28:03 Recognizing and Addressing Grief During the Holidays
- 33:05 Supporting Someone Grieving
- 35:13 Final Thoughts and Resources
Other Ways to Listen to this Podcast with Dr. Mekel Harris:
About the Guest:
Dr. Mekel Harris is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience, she is a TEDx speaker, magazine and podcast contributor, and author of a memoir, ‘Relaxing Into the Pain: My Journey Into Grief & Beyond.’ She brings a wealth of experience in mental health, trauma, and grief-informed leadership. Connect with Dr. Mekel here.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Relaxing into the Pain by Dr. Mekel Harris
Can You Just Sit With Me and Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith
