#235 Loss affects every area of our life. Whether we lose a loved one to death or divorce, or experience challenges financially, physically, emotionally, or spiritually, we can find ourselves struggling, questioning, confused, not realizing that instead of “going crazy,” we are simply grieving. What can we do to ensure that we honor the losses, grieve in meaningful ways, and yet live our lives with meaning and purpose, even joy?
In this episode, I will bring on a very dear friend, Don Damond, to help us answer that question. In 2017, Don’s life was torn apart by the tragic killing of his fiancee, Justine Ruszczyk Damond, at the hands of Minneapolis Police. Justine called 911 to assist someone she thought was being assaulted and, instead, ended up becoming a victim herself. While standing in her alley, barefoot and in pajamas, she was shot and killed by a police officer.
That loss led Don down a very difficult path, but her memory ended up becoming his guide through the tragedy. He learned so much about love, resiliency, the human spirit and healing. Since then, he has been working tirelessly to make sure Justine’s death leads to real public safety reforms, and so far so good, because there have been some really positive changes in their city.
By sharing his story with you, Don hopes that you will be inspired to start “the next chapter” of your beautiful life beyond the trauma of grief as you engage in deeper self-exploration and bring greater purpose and meaning out of the losses in your life so you can live intentionally and with joy. He will highlight several action steps that you can take including appreciating life, building a relationship with yourself and others, personal strength, new possibilities, and spiritual development, which are all vital to helping you heal. I hope our conversation will mean as much to you as it did to me. Enjoy!
About Don: Don Damond is enrolled with the Iroquois band of Oneida First Nations. He passionately worked for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, running their casino resort operations for 29 years. He is passionate about conscious leadership and leading with care, presence and love. He recently stepped away from that amazing career to step toward purpose.
He teaches meditation to incarcerated men and juveniles, knowing these teachings can reduce stress and anxiety and ultimately help these men create a different life. Don has led men's groups for several years and recently stepped into using ancient sacred plant medicines in sacred circles. Don teaches a weekly meditation course called High Vibe Tribe and he can be reached at [email protected] for more information.
Key Points Discussed:
How to Contact Don Damond:
About me:
My Instagram:
www.instagram.com/guyhlawrence/?hl=en
Guy's websites:
www.guylawrence.com.au
www.liveinflow.co
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