In this heartfelt and introspective episode of "Our Dead Mothers," hosts Joy Solomon and Tracy Fink dive deep into the complex emotions surrounding guilt in the context of our deceased mothers. Contrary to popular belief and expectations, Joy and Tracy reveal that guilt wasn't initially a top concern for them. Join them as they navigate through the intricate web of feelings associated with motherhood, loss, and the lifelong quest for self-compassion.

The episode begins with a grounding physiological sigh meditation led by Tracy to help settle the mind and body. As they proceed, Joy and Tracy candidly discuss their personal experiences and the societal expectations tied to guilt. Tracy reflects on her journey of overcorrecting the use of guilt as a parenting tool, while Joy opens up about the liberating advice she received during her mother's lifetime: "You couldn't be better."

Through mindfulness practices and poignant storytelling, the hosts explore how the awareness between reaction and response can serve as an antidote to guilt. They also touch on the notion of toxic positivity and the importance of acknowledging and processing difficult emotions rather than bypassing them. The episode is beautifully rounded off with a reading of the moving poem "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye, reminding us of the profound lessons that emerge from grief and sorrow.

Tune in to Our Dead Mothers as Joy and Tracy share their wisdom and personal anecdotes, offering listeners a compassionate and nuanced perspective on navigating life's challenges after the loss of a mother.

Subscribe and listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as we continue to reflect, remember, reconcile, relate, and rejoice in the lessons learned from Our Dead Mothers.