In this episode of 'Death on the Daily', I, Tanya Wilkinson am exploring the Winter Solstice and its themes of death, grief and deep rest.

Looking at the importance of rest, reflection, and honouring our grief. Discussing how the solstice symbolises both the longest night and the return of light, encouraging you to embrace the darkness as a necessary part of personal growth and transformation.

Through journaling prompts, you are invited to let go of what no longer serves you and to welcome new intentions as you move forward into the new year.

Are you journeying with grief?

Download my FREE Grief, Grace & Growth journaling ebook: https://tanyawilkinson.co.uk/newsletter

JOIN GRIEF COCOON, my new monthly virtual event - a sacred space for grief in busy lives:

https://tanyawilkinson.co.uk/grief-cocoon

Key takeaways

• The Winter Solstice represents a descent into the void.
• Rest and letting go are essential for personal growth.
• Nature teaches us the importance of honoring seasonal cycles.
• Grief is a natural part of life and transformation.
• Journaling can help in processing grief and intentions.
• The solstice symbolizes both endings and new beginnings.
• We must prioritize rest in our busy lives.
• Light returns after the longest night, symbolizing hope.
• Personal growth requires letting go of the past.
• Embracing the darkness can lead to deeper self-understanding.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Nor is it a substitute for professional support.

Follow Death on the Daily:

• Do Like, Comment & Subscribe to this channel @deathonthedaily
• Share this episode with a friend who might need it.
• Subscribe to my Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/deathonthedaily/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/death_onthedaily
• YouTube: http://youtube.com/@deathonthedaily
• Find out about my work as a Grief Coach and connect with me here: https://www.tanyawilkinson.co.uk

This episode is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com

The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.

You can connect with Katie and her music and beautiful Empowered Heart work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00: What is the Winter Solstice and how can we Embrace it?

12:54: Winter Solstice Journaling for Grief, Growth and Transformation

I am joined today by Kayleigh O'Connor, Holistic Grief Coach and founder of Good Grief where she trains other grief coaches including me. We explore the complexities of grief, focusing on the our patterns of avoidance, what we can and can’t control, and the impact of secondary losses.

We discuss the role of the nervous system in processing grief and the significance of connecting to and expanding our sense of safety in our body as we navigate grief. Emphasising self-compassion and the ongoing journey of grief, encouraging you to validate your feelings and take gentle steps forwards with grief as a part of you.

Takeaways

• We often have unrealistic expectations of ourselves during grief.
• Avoidance can manifest in various ways, including overworking and numbing.
• It's essential to validate where you are in your grief journey.
• Taking back control can start with small, manageable steps.
• Secondary losses are often overlooked but are significant in the grieving process.
• The nervous system plays a crucial role in how we experience grief.
• Finding safety in our environment can help regulate our nervous system.
• Self-compassion is vital in navigating grief and loss.
• Grief is not linear; it requires ongoing attention and care.
• It's okay to seek help and support in your grief journey.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Nor is it a substitute for professional support.

Follow Death on the Daily:

• Do Like, Comment & Subscribe to this channel @deathonthedaily
• Share this episode with a friend who might need it.
• Subscribe to my Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/deathonthedaily/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/death_onthedaily
• YouTube: http://youtube.com/@deathonthedaily
• Find out about my work as a Grief Coach and connect with me here: https://www.tanyawilkinson.co.uk

You can connect with Kayleigh O’Connor here:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodgrief_uk/
• Holistic Grief Coach certification which is enrolling now for January 2026: https://good-grief.mykajabi.com/holistic-grief-coach-certification-september
• Website: https://good-grief.co.uk

This episode is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com

The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.

You can connect with Katie and her music and beautiful Empowered Heart work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00: Intro and theme

02:26: The Journey of Grief and Avoidance

11:06: Taking Back Control in Grief

15:29: Navigating Secondary Losses

22:35: The Role of the Nervous System in Grief

32:15: Finding Safety and Presence in Grief

Let's talk about the profound impact of grief on Liverpool FC following the tragic death of Diogo Jota. Speaking to the individual and collective experiences of grief within the team, the emotional responses of players and fans, and the challenges of performing when we're grieving.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding grief as a universal experience that affects performance and team dynamics, advocating for compassion and support in navigating these difficult emotions.

Key takeaways:

* Grief affects every part of a connected system.

* Each person's grief experience is unique.

* Grief is not just sadness; it's a full body response.

* Professional athletes face challenges in performance due to grief.

* Grief doesn't have a set timeline for healing.

* Collective grief can shift team dynamics and morale.

* Fans also experience grief and can honor their loss collectively.

* Organizations need to support grieving individuals effectively.

* Grief can lead to identity shifts and changes in priorities.

* Compassion and understanding are crucial in the grieving process.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Nor is it a substitute for professional support.

Follow Death on the Daily:

• Do Like, Comment & Subscribe to this channel @deathonthedaily
• Share this episode with a friend who might need it.
• Subscribe to my Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/deathonthedaily/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/death_onthedaily
• YouTube: http://youtube.com/@deathonthedaily
• Find out about my work as a Grief Coach and connect with me here: https://www.tanyawilkinson.co.uk

The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.

You can connect with Katie and her music and beautiful Empowered Heart work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00: The Impact of Grief on Liverpool FC

04:35: Individual vs. Collective Grief

10:21: Fans in Collective Grief

12:19: Understanding Grief in Sports and Beyond