Grief is not just an emotional experience—it transforms the body, mind, and soul. In this episode of The Grief Alchemist Podcast, Adele Anderson welcomes Jan Janzen, who shares her deeply personal journey through grief after the loss of her husband. Despite a lifetime of personal development, Jan was unprepared for the overwhelming and unpredictable nature of grief. She describes the unexpected emotional collapse she experienced long after her husband's passing and how she struggled with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and physical distress before discovering somatic healing.

Jan recounts how attending The Bridge retreat became a turning point, helping her process grief in a way she never thought possible. Through somatic exercises, guided reflection, and intentional shifts in her emotional state, she found a pathway to healing. Now, having integrated these practices into her daily life, she has rediscovered joy, creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose. This episode sheds light on how grief is stored in the body, why healing requires more than intellectual understanding, and how transformation is possible for those who feel stuck in their sorrow.

Key Takeaways:

• Grief is not a linear process, and delayed onset grief can emerge long after the initial loss.
• Physical symptoms of grief, such as restlessness, sleeplessness, and claustrophobia, can be overwhelming and often misunderstood.
• Somatic practices, including structured movement, breathwork, and nervous system regulation, can shift the emotional state and bring relief.
• Healing from grief requires more than knowledge; it requires engaging the body in the process of release.
• Returning to joy—whether through music, art, or movement—signals the deep integration of grief and healing.

· Grief isn't just emotional; it's stored in the body. Jan Janzen shares her journey of healing through somatic practices & deep reflection.

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Referenced Resources:

• Jan Janzen's Book: Unscript (Discussed in the episode, focusing on reclaiming personal choice in life)
• Somatic Healing Techniques (Alphabet exercise, breathwork, and guided reflection discussed as part of The Bridge retreat)
• HeartMath Institute Research (Referenced indirectly in discussions about nervous system regulation)