68. Poetry, A Way To Bridge Connection- With Neil Beresin

Neil D. Beresin is a counselor and interfaith chaplain, and specializes in helping individuals navigate the unstable and disorienting waters of grief and loss. Neil has worked with individuals and families in hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, schools, and private practice. Multiple lenses frame his practice, including the work of theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel, Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön, psychologists Francis Weller and Murray Bowen, Founding Director of the Zen Hospice Project, Frank Ostaseski, and the practice of mindfulness through poetry. Neil sees deep listening and reverent attentiveness as a spiritual practice. He meets individuals where they are and focuses on helping them increase their ability to cope with what are often extraordinary circumstances. It may include assisting individuals to connect or reconnect to practices, people, and principles that matter most to them. Neil may use poetry to provide additional comfort, deepen the space, and encourage reflection and opening. His article, “A Chaplain’s Notebook: Poetry as Spiritual Nourishment” was published by the Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling in March of 2020. Neil’s clients are often experiencing overwhelming heartache related to loss—on the tailwinds of divorce, the death of someone dear, or, from some other life-altering struggle. Others have been carrying loss and trauma for many years, and they suddenly experience an acute form of anxiety or anguish that pushes them to seek more effective strategies to cope with and relieve some suffering. Connect with Neil Beresin: www.griefandpoetry.com http://www.instagram.com/griefandpoetry Connect with Kendra Rinaldi for coaching or to be a guest: http://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com http://www.instagram.com/griefgratitudepodcast.com