Navigating Loss in a Time of Crisis

by Jules de Vitto

This book explores the many forms of loss that can happen in times of crisis. These losses can range from loss of business, financial security, routine, or structure, to the deeper losses of meaning, purpose or identity. The author draws on her background in transpersonal psychology, integrating spiritual insights and mindfulness practices to take the reader on a journey in which to help them navigate the stages of uncertainty that follow loss. The book provides several practical activities, guided visualization and meditations to cultivate greater resilience, courage and strength and also explores the potential to find greater meaning and purpose through times of crisis. The "Resilience Series" is the result of an intensive, collaborative effort of our authors in response to the 2020 coronavirus epidemic. Each volume offers expert advice for developing the practical, emotional and spiritual skills that you can master to become more resilient in a time of crisis.

80 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2020

Reviews

[Carlos Valdes-Dapena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jules DeVitto's, "Navigating Loss in a Time of Crisis" is an owner's manual for the soul. It provides a complete set of directions, exercises that, step-by-step, take us into ourselves. During a time when we have lost so much, this book reconnects us with who we are at our core. She draws on many sources for these exercises; yogic breath work, zen meditation, and Jungian psychology, to name a few. But this is not a showy academic treatise. The COVID-19 pandemic has so disrupted our lives and expectations; it has been heart breaking. Ms. DeVitto reminds us that when we are most broken, we are also most open to new possibilities. Her book is a practical guide that anyone can apply to hearten and strengthen themselves when they need it most. [Carlos Valdes-Dapena]

[Linda Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic practices for moving through difficult feelings

In a world where everyone is uncertain and many are dealing with their own grief, it can be hard to find someone to be present with us in our experience of loss. Jules De Vitto makes readers feel not only that she is speaking to them, but that she is listening. Many will find these practices both helpful and hopeful.

[Steve Cann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of 10 short volumes compiled for the ‘Resilience’ series back in early 2020.
As the world went into lockdown, 10 different experts in emotional and spiritual skills were approached to each come up with a new book in just 40 days - one to reflect on our changing times, and offer peace, hope and emotional support.
Each author rose to the challenge and the books were delivered on time.

This one, by Transpersonal coach and therapist Jules De Vitto, offers a positive message and gentle mind exercises to those who are experiencing loss.

For me, I could really see myself in those times when I’ve felt hopeless - such as a breakup of a relationship, a job loss and the loss of a loved-one.
Jules covers a wide area of topics to explore inner resilience when dealing with loss - finding strength, emotional resilience, compassion, and perspective.

I found the book a very useful top-up of my own personal work on these areas over the years, and Jules has covered all the key points well - adding some useful and reflective ‘feel-good’ exercises along the way, plus her own personal insights.

I really enjoyed my journey through the book, and came away feeling peaceful, grounded, grateful and full of hope.

I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone who needs a little comfort and optimism during any time of loss - and who wants to take on some wisdom and encourage some useful personal growth for what the future may bring.

[John Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. It rings true, compassionate, kind, and insightful. I especially like her personal sharing – of her departure after six years in Shanghai to come home to London and then, suddenly, the coronavirus lockdown, and the lessons of transition, loss and grief she learned along the way; I like the story she tells about her Italian grandfather’s POW experience and how he and fellow prisoners transcended their physical limitations to find creativity and friendship, even with the guards; and her use of those powerful “big” dreams that come along to provide us with meaning and revelation in hard times. Inviting others into her transpersonal orientation, Jules sensitively teaches mindfulness meditation, gratitude practices, and ways to cultivate the resilient self for the tremendous growth possibilities available in times of crisis. Finally, she reminds us that we are not our stories or our beliefs, but so much more. This book for personal growth in a time of crisis, and well worth reading.

[Joseph F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very timely and useful as the entire world experiences loss in so many ways. Author Jules DeVitto posits that Resilience is the key to getting through the tsunami of losses in our world in this time of coronavirus. I am reminded of that old saying, that which does not kill us, makes us stronger. DeVitto shares that trying as these times are for us, we can come out of them stronger by being resilient and building our capacity to bounceback. She simply defines loss, grief and the stages of grief and then offers acitivites to use and practice in order to better know ourselves and increase our capacity to be resilient. It is a quick, easy read that can help place you on sound footing in dealing with our stay at home, work from home and socially distanced world, isolated from so much that gives us meaning. You will be thankful you read this one.

[Tim Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loss is a big topic, and during the pandemic, it will surely touch us all - whether loss of a job or a regular routine, or the loss of a friend or family member to the virus. Even more, as our world up-ends, there is this sense of loss of the future...it might just be my regular summer vacation to the place where I restore my soul, a teen's loss of their high-school graduation, or a college student's loss of a year abroad - and I know people who are dealing with each one of these kinds of loss. By and large, we are not good at it. So, this is the book. We can't escape loss...but se can learn to navigate our emotions and make creative, life-affirming choices even in the midst of it. The soulful and authentic depths of the author makes her an ideal companion on this uneasy voyage.

[Gleb Tsipursky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing your business, your health, your safety, your connections to others, your hobbies and entertainment activities... your future. The pandemic has resulted in all that for so many people. I've been struggling with these issues, and processing them occasionally. This book helped me improve the way I process loss and cope with it in a more healthy manner. Build your resilience against loss in the pandemic by reading this book!

[Alan D.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, directo y lleno de meditaciones útiles. Me gustó cómo la autora explicó no solo la pérdida de seres queridos, sino también situaciones, oportunidades e ideas. ¡Es una gran herramienta para aquellos que luchan por mantener la cabeza fuera del agua y sanar cuando todo parece perdido!

Simple, straight forward and filled with useful meditations. I liked how the author explained not only the loss of or loved ones but also of situations, opportunities and ideas. It is a great tool for those fighting to keep their heads above water and heal when everything seems lost!