We're exploring the second gate of grief from Francis Weller's framework: The Places That Have Not Known Love. Unlike the first gate (episode #249)—which dealt with more of the external losses—this gate turns inward to examine the parts of ourselves we've rejected, hidden, or banished in our need to belong. And this isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. It's about integrating the messy, uncomfortable, angry, scared, "too much" parts of yourself—and discovering that when you love what you've rejected, it loses its grip over you.

 p.s. Find your Simple Joy practice for this episode right here at our blog.

 

About: The Joy Lab Podcast blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy.

 

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Sources and notes:

• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Imposter phenomenon series:
  • Imposter Syndrome is a Myth (ep. 175)
  • What Imposter Syndrome Really Is (ep. 176) 
• Self-connection series:
  • Making Self-Connection Your Superpower in 2026 [ep. 243]
  • The Practice of Self-Awareness: Why You're Worth Knowing [ep. 244]
  • Stop Waiting to Accept Yourself: The Truth About Unconditional Self-Acceptance [ep. 245]
  • The Power of Self-Alignment & Reclaiming Your True Self [ep. 246]
• Self-acceptance episodes:
  • No Need to Hurry, No Need to Sparkle, No Need to Be Anybody But Yourself [ep. 160]
  • Accept Yourself Just As You Are & Then You Can Change [ep. 150]
  • How to Change: External vs Internal Motivators [ep. 145] 
• Authenticity series:
  • Unmasking Your True Self: Exploring Authenticity and Awe [ep. 216]
  • Embrace Your True Self: Accepted, Connected, & In The Game [ep. 217]
  • The Road Most Travelled: Awakening Through Suffering [ep. 218] 
  • Follow Your Bliss: Awakening to Joy [ep. 219]
  • The Still Small Voice: Awakening with Soulfulness [ep. 220]
•  Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller

 

Full notes, sources, and full transcript available here.

 

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