When life goes off-script, grief often feels like an enemy that robbed you of the future you were supposed to have. But what happens when you stop fighting the loss and make space for it instead?

In this episode, Lisa Michelle Zega uses Aramaic spiritual wisdom to explore what it means to "love your enemies" when the enemy feels like grief itself. Drawing on her own journey through divorce and loss, Lisa offers a gentle invitation to slow down, release the pressure of who you thought you were supposed to be, and discover how heartbreak can become a pathway back to your truest self.

Lisa explores the profound concept of unity and its intersection with personal healing, sparked by a powerful passage from Neil Douglas-Klots' book, The Hidden Gospel: Decoding the Spiritual Messages of the Aramaic Jesus.

The quote, "You cannot seek unity without being unified," serves as the foundation for a deep dive into the nature of human suffering, self-compassion, and the transformative power of the "witness".

Lisa discusses how observing our own experiences, emotions, and pain through a neutral, compassionate lens—rather than trying to constantly "fix" ourselves—fundamentally changes our relationship with our suffering. She shares reflections on major life transitions, including a past divorce and changing dynamics with their children, as pivotal moments that ultimately forced a reconciliation with self-belonging and naked vulnerability.

When I found out Gayle was in hospice, I began talking to her in my morning meditations. Somehow, I knew we were meeting in the spirit world and didn’t question the experience.

That changed when she let me know she’d be leaving her body on Father’s Day. I had to be making it up, romanticizing her reunion with her husband of more than 50 years, who exited his body on Mother’s Day. I became critical of my experience – even ashamed of my silly mind.

On Father’s Day, I confessed my foolishness to Sissi, who made space for all the feels and once again I was at peace. I laughed with Gayle at my silliness on my morning walk, and felt her spirit reaffirming that she was indeed leaving that day.

Then my hubby and I left to my cousin’s for a Father’s day celebration with the family. By the time we got home, fed the dogs,and began settling for the night, I’d forgotten all about the morning – I wasn’t thinking about it being Father’s Day because all the festivities were behind us.

Then my phone dinged with news of Gayle’s passing. I sat frozen in disbelief, then my body began to tingle as if connecting the dots. Tears mingled with joy, wonder, and the need to share all of it with my hubby.

More mystical experiences have continued to happen since then, some that you can hear in this talk.

The most recent was yesterday, when I sat down to journal. At some point I began writing to Gayle, which surprised me, and then I spoke out loud, “I need more play in my life and wonder if you would like to play with me”. This time I didn’t doubt her answer, knowing she said yes.

When I got an impulse to climb the tree I meditate under each morning, I wasn’t thinking of Gayle. That is, until I was perched up high laughing that I really did it and there she was. I sensed her presence, saw her smile in my mind’s eye and knew we were playing together.

It was so magical that I climbed down, got my phone, climbed back up, and sent a video message to Gayle’s daughter telling her about the experience.

So enjoy this tribute to my dear friend and notice what newness awakens in you toward your loved ones.