Finding Meaning

The Sixth Stage of Grief

By: David Kessler

Narrated by: David Kessler

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).

Critic reviews

"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."

I loved this book! I listened to it on Audible and hung on every word.

After being my mother’s caregiver for a lung transplant and losing her @ home on hospice winter solstice 2019 this book spoke to my soul. It helped me understand the grieving process, and I recommended it to a friend who lost her daughter to suicide - she is also loving it. Most excellent work Mr. Kessler. I’m going to listen to it again and I bought a hard copy too. 🙏

Essential book for navigating grief

This book touched my heart and explained the process of grief in ways I never knew I needed. The stories in this book are hard to hear at times and very shocking, but they illustrate the author’s message perfectly. Don’t hesitate to open your heart to these words in dealing with your own grief.

Very realistic, hopeful, and helpful.

This is the most helpful book I've listened to or read as I seek to gain some healing after my adult daughter's death. I wept with grief and felt gratitude for the true perspectives given. I was comforted and felt healing. This book has given me realistic hope. I borrowed the book in digital audio from my local library, but then purchased it on Audible, because I believe I will return to it in the future.

Gems Galore

I discovered David Kessler after listening to Brene Brown’s podcast. He is so full of wisdom and insight. And his memorable quotes abound. He does speak fairly slowly, though. I had to ratchet up to +1.5 to find a comfortable rate of speech for my listening. Otherwise, excellent!

This is truly extraordinary

By far the most helpful and healing book I have found to help me navigate grief and loss