Check out the latest Blog Posts by Rev. Jess McKimmie on Grief, Bereavement Counseling, Meditation, and more.
- How Grief Affects Us Physically (Part 1): Common Symptoms of Grief and LossAs a grief and bereavement counselor in Seattle, a common topic I discuss with clients is our physical responses to grief. Our bodies are constantly giving us information, and the more we slow down and listen, the more guidance we’ll… Read more: How Grief Affects Us Physically (Part 1): Common Symptoms of Grief and Loss
- What Do I Do With Their Ashes? Creative Ways to Honor Your Loved OnesSo you made it through the difficulty of a sudden loss, or diagnosis, illness, and death, and the memorial celebration is now behind you. If your loved one was cremated, perhaps they left specific directions on what to do with… Read more: What Do I Do With Their Ashes? Creative Ways to Honor Your Loved Ones
- Do I Need a Grief Counselor?The Importance of Grief Counseling After the Loss of a Loved One Many people wonder if they would benefit with grief-specific counseling after the loss of someone close. Perhaps you’re already working with a therapist but it seems like you… Read more: Do I Need a Grief Counselor?
- Beginners Meditation Series in Seattle, May 9-June 13Beginners Meditation Series in Seattle, May 9-June 13 Beginners Meditation & Mindfulness 6-week Series, led by Jessica McKimmie. Drop-in to one session, several, or enjoy the development of your practice through the whole series. Thursdays beginning May 9, for 6… Read more: Beginners Meditation Series in Seattle, May 9-June 13
- Just TulipsDedicated to: My Mom Last week in my chaplaincy internship, we were asked to select a photo from a spread on the table, and write a story. Afterward, we each shared with the group and discussed how the story reflects our theology… Read more: Just Tulips
- Grief Finds YouGrief finds you Just when you think you’re free when you think you’ve buried it completely or washed it away or cursed it off or sang through it in joyous revelation. Grief finds you when you think it’s been too… Read more: Grief Finds You
- Self-Judgement on the PathEntering a new environment of any kind can bring up wonder, curiosity, fear, anxiety, joy. The experience was no different as I entered the zendo (Buddhist temple) at Upaya Zen Center for the first time. Although I had been studying… Read more: Self-Judgement on the Path
- To Hold Death in One’s HandToday, I found a bird on my porch. It must have flown into the window and suffered enough damage to not wake up again. A fitting day with death, I thought, just days before I depart on my journey toward chaplaincy.… Read more: To Hold Death in One’s Hand
- My Path to ChaplaincyAll moments in our lives lead us to the present moment. With the support of family, friends, and mindfulness community (sangha), the cumulation of many moments has led me to the path of Chaplaincy. In March I began studying under Joan… Read more: My Path to Chaplaincy
- Love Wins.I just spent a beautiful weekend in San Diego where I had the opportunity to officiate the wedding of my dear friends – who happen to be a same-sex couple. Their ceremony told a story of their foundation of friendship,… Read more: Love Wins.
