Choosing Light

Mindful photography and self-reflection can be invaluable tools for grievers struggling to create meaning from loss. Learning to slow down, notice, create, and reflect inspires a sense of confidence, inner strength, gratitude, meaningful insight, and wisdom. Written for death and grief practitioners and educators as well as for those experiencing grief, Choosing Light teaches the Within and Without therapeutic method and how it can be transformative for individuals, groups, and communities. Guided steps and real-life exemplars guide readers through a healing journey to find authentic meaning and peace.

Jessica Thomas, PhD, MS, is a professor at Lewis & Clark College, clinical supervisor at the California Institute of Integral Studies, therapist, grief educator, and organizational consultant. Jessica has served on the not-for-profit board of the NW Association for Death Education and Bereavement Support for over eight years. She has been a hospice volunteer and a proud volunteer and advocate for Death Cafes, working to increase awareness of death and dying in the greater community. She offers both professional and community workshops, presentations, and talks on death and grief, transpersonal psychology, and the Within and Without therapeutic method. Some of Jessica's favorite projects involve consulting with organizations and developing death and grief education, as well as facilitating creative training sessions and meaningful group practices. More information can be found on her website: https://drjessicathomas.com/

Foreword by Ji Hyang Padma
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Reflecting on Death, Grief, and Loss
Anticipatory Grief
Complicated Grief
Preparedness
Notes
Chapter 2: Expanding Awareness
Mindfulness
Aesthetic Perception
Creative Expression
Notes
Chapter 3: Open Your Eyes. Open Your Heart.
Mindful Photography
Photography, Death, and Dying
Developing Your Practice
Notes
Chapter 4: Within and Without
Magnificence and Insignificance (Anticipatory Grief)
Veil of Grief (Bereavement Grief)
Feeling Cared For (Grief with Life-Threatening Illness)
Mind and Spirit Free at Last (Lingering Grief)
Chapter 5: Choosing Light
Meaning-Making
Symbolism
Photographic Equivalence
Notes
Chapter 6: Transformative Growth
Befriending Grief
Continuing Bonds
Sacred Outlook
Notes
Chapter 7: Therapeutic Photography
Healing Ritual
Reflection Groups
Healing In Communion
Notes
Conclusion
Note
Resources
References
Index
About the Author