The Alchemy of Loss

What happens when we finally stop running from our grief and instead learn to metabolize it? Grief Tender, Ayla Casey, joins us for a soul-nourishing conversation about reclaiming our power in the face of profound loss.

At the heart of this episode lies a revolutionary perspective: our grief, when properly tended, can transform into nourishment rather than remain as pain. Casey eloquently describes how "healing begins within," drawing a powerful parallel between physical wound healing and emotional recovery. Just as a wound must heal from the inside out to prevent infection, our grief requires acknowledgment at its core before authentic healing can occur.

The concept of "metabolizing grief" emerges as a centerpiece of our conversation. Casey explains that grief lives in our bodies and, like food, must be processed to provide sustenance. When we create space for our grief to move through us rather than becoming stagnant, it can transform into other expressions of love—whether through advocacy, creative endeavors, or deeper human connection.

Many of us have unconsciously "outsourced our power" by numbing or masking our emotions, especially during difficult seasons of caregiving or loss. Casey shares her personal journey of maintaining self-care practices like yoga and journaling while supporting her husband through terminal cancer. These weren't luxuries but necessities that enabled her to remain present through his illness and her subsequent grief.

For those feeling stuck or uncertain how to move forward, Casey offers a refreshing invitation: be curious. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to grieving, but there are countless modalities and practices available to explore. Whether through professional support, community connection, or personal rituals, the path forward becomes clearer when we listen to what our bodies and hearts truly need.

Reach out to Ayla at hello@alchemyforhumanhearts.com to learn about her 90-day mentorship program, end-of-life doula services, or her special workshop for listeners called "The Return Session" focused on reclaiming your personal power during grief.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
info@asiliveandgrieve.com
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Contact Ayla:
Ayla Casey's Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Reddit
Substack

Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Grief Advocacy
• 1:13 Meeting Ayla: Grief Tender & Self-Listener
• 5:26 The Power of Self-Compassion
• 9:00 Redefining Self After Loss
• 14:36 Healing Begins Within
• 18:23 Metabolizing Grief Into Love
• 22:31 Services for Grief Support
• 27:39 Episode Closing and Resources