Finding Meaning cover art

Finding Meaning

The Sixth Stage of Grief

 Preview

Audible Standard 1-month free trial

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo + applicable tax after 30-day trial. Cancel Anytime
Try for $0.00
Compare plans

Finding Meaning

Written by: David Kessler
Narrated by: David Kessler
Try for $0.00

$8.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $28.95

Buy Now for $28.95

In this groundbreaking and “poignant” (Los Angeles Times) book, David Kessler—praised for his work by Maria Shriver, Marianne Williamson, and Mother Teresa—journeys beyond the classic five stages to discover a sixth stage: meaning.

In 1969, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first identified the stages of dying in her transformative book On Death and Dying. Decades later, she and David Kessler wrote the classic On Grief and Grieving, introducing the stages of grief with the same transformative pragmatism and compassion. Now, based on hard-earned personal experiences, as well as knowledge and wisdom gained through decades of work with the grieving, Kessler introduces a critical sixth stage: meaning.

Kessler’s insight is both professional and intensely personal. His journey with grief began when, as a child, he witnessed a mass shooting at the same time his mother was dying. For most of his life, Kessler taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about end of life, trauma, and grief, as well as leading talks and retreats for those experiencing grief. Despite his knowledge, his life was upended by the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son. How does the grief expert handle such a tragic loss? He knew he had to find a way through this unexpected, devastating loss, a way that would honor his son. That, ultimately, was the sixth stage of grief—meaning. In Finding Meaning, Kessler shares the insights, collective wisdom, and powerful tools that will help those experiencing loss.

“Beautiful, tender, and wise” (Katy Butler, author of The Art of Dying Well), Finding Meaning is “an excellent addition to grief literature that helps pave the way for steps toward healing” (School Library Journal). Grief & Loss Personal Development Relationships Grief Mental Health
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1

What the critics say

"Grief expert David Kessler's narration has the stamp of a healer or mental health practitioner. The collaborator of Elizabeth Kubler–Ross discusses how the final stage of grief—acceptance—is not usually the end of the story for the loved ones of those who have died. Kessler sounds earnest, relaxed, and, above all, palpably committed to his work and message. His vocal intensity always sounds fitting and authentic. He recounts personal stories of loss from clients and his own life that are central to illustrating his point that grief is different for everyone and will always express itself in its own way. He says what's important is quieting ourselves enough to honor and listen to it, in ourselves or others, rather than smothering it with advice or denying it."
All stars
Most Relevant
You know he knows what he is talking about, because you can feel it in his voice and words. Thoughtful and powerful. Thank you.

Too powerful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
David Kessler's book is so beautifully written and spoken, full of wisdom and love. While it brought me to tears over and over, it also opened my heart and mind. It speaks to anyone who has had a loss, including the loss of a beloved pet, and offers them a roadmap through the ever so challenging terrain they are walking. I have just sent a copy of the book to a friend who lost his wife and is still suffering. I feel confident that this will serve him well. Thank you David for all you shared here. Your words travel deep as does your compassion and love.

Beautifully written and read!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
the content of the book is very helpful, if you can tolerate the sound coming out of one side of the headphone... I have so many audiobooks, this issue happen with this book only.

I can only hear it through one side of headphone

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The author is truly an expert on the subject of grief and his delivery of the material is absolutely perfect. He also covers important topics like addiction, mental illness, and suicide, which really helps to round out the subject. This review was written by the Amazon member’s spouse.

Meaningful, well worth the time and attention, great delivery

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I found David so easy to listen to and follow. I would highly recommend this book, truly helpful for anyone grieving. No matter how long ago your loved one passed.

Soothing voice

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews