{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F35d3ed30-0fdb-48d0-9d11-f26ebcdd7295","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Mindful Writing for Grief: Turning Pain into Clarity and Craft with John DeDakis","description":"Journalist-turned-novelist John DeDakis joins The Mindful Living Podcast with host Sana to explore how mindful writing can help us face grief without numbing it. Drawing from 45 years in journalism (including 25 at CNN) and six novels where loss is a recurring thread, John explains practical ways to start writing when you \u201cdon\u2019t feel like a writer,\u201d why moving toward difficult feelings creates relief, and how journaling builds inner clarity. This conversation is direct, grounded, and actionable\u2014designed for listeners who want a simple, sustainable practice to process loss and find meaning. SEO: mindful writing, grief journaling, healing through writing, resilience, emotional wellbeing, creativity for healing, grief processing, mental health storytelling.\nAbout the Guest :\nJohn DeDakis is a novelist, writing coach, and former CNN editor with decades in high-stakes journalism. He helps writers transform lived experience\u2014including loss\u2014into clear, compelling stories that serve both writer and reader.\nKey Takeaways :\n\n\nWriting can be therapeutic even if you\u2019re not trying to \u201cheal\u201d\u2014clarity is a byproduct of consistent practice.\n\n\nStart messy: journal privately for yourself; focus on feelings, not craft or audience.\n\n\nCapture emotions in real time; revisiting entries later reveals growth and forgotten intensity.\n\n\nGrief isn\u2019t only bereavement\u2014loss of health, work, relationships, or innocence also deserves space on the page.\n\n\nDeadline discipline from journalism\u2014brevity, clarity, \u201cwrite it now\u201d\u2014helps you show up when it\u2019s hard.\n\n\nMove toward the pain: avoidance numbs; honest engagement releases pressure and allows forward motion.\n\n\nCreativity is broader than prose\u2014poetry, music, dance, photography, and art can all be mindful outlets.\n\n\nThe \u201csixth stage of grief\u201d is meaning-making; writing helps make sense of the senseless.\n\n\nSolitude and community are complementary: craft privately, then connect for feedback, accountability, and encouragement.\n\n\nPractical starter: set a 10\u201315 minute daily timer; write one truth you\u2019re avoiding; end with one sentence of meaning or next step.\n\n\nHow to Connect with the Guest:\nWebsite: johndedakis.com (spelled: J-O-H-N D-E-D-A-K-I-S)\n\nWant to be a guest on The Mindful Living ? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\n\u00a0\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\n\n\u00a0\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it\u2019s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty\u2014storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate\u2014this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:\n\u2022 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being\u2022 Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth\u2022 Holistic Healing & Conscious Living\u2022 Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment\nWith over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.\n\ud83d\udc49 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.\nContact\ud83d\udcbc Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ud83d\udce7 Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.com\ud83c\udf10 Website: www.healthymindbyavik.com\ud83d\udccd Based in: India & USA\n\ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.\nCHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:\ud83c\udfa7 Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik\ud83e\udd1d Be ","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/b1eff17c-4201-4259-ab8d-b059a3277892/the-mindful-living-artwork8wndb.png"}