Healing Through Meaning: Leonidas’ Journey of Grief and Music

Healing Through Meaning: Leonidas’ Journey of Grief and Music

Introduction

Grief is a journey with unique paths, and it was uniquely challenging for Leonidas Reimer, a young adolescent. Losing Kennedy, his girlfriend, to suicide, Leonidas found himself engulfed in a sea of emotions. However, in the depths of his sorrow, he discovered solace and expression through music. His story is one of healing and transformation, a narrative that resonates with the power of purpose and passion. Although Leonidas’ world turned upside down when he lost Kennedy, he was determined to channel his pain into something meaningful.

The Healing Power of Music

Music became Leonidas’ refuge, and he started working on his album, “Songs for a Long Train Ride Home.” He poured his heart into melodies and lyrics, each note a step towards healing. His songs, raw and honest, are a tribute to Kennedy; they are a way to keep her memory alive.
Because music is his passion, I wanted him to meet Marlow Rosado, an amazing human being and accomplished musician. He is the winner of two Grammys and producer of my upcoming audiobook in Spanish, “Déjame vivir mi duelo…y sanar de adentro hacia afuera” (Allow Me to Grieve…and Heal From the Inside Out). Leonidas visited Marlow’s studio when we were recording, and he had the opportunity to learn from Marlow’s experience and share his story.

In the sanctuary of Marlow’s studio, surrounded by instruments and echoes of creativity, Leonidas shared his album “Songs for a Long Train Ride Home.” Marlow listened to Leonidas’ journey, and with an open heart, he offered more than just musical advice; he provided sensitive insights on healing through purpose. Leonidas’ encounter with Marlow was profound as it confirmed his mission: to use his music as a beacon for others traversing the dark waters of grief. It touches my heart to see how Leonidas has embraced the transformative power of music, demonstrating how it can be a vessel for grief, carrying it from the shadows into the light.

Leonidas’ story is a poignant reminder that a melody of hope can emerge in the depths of despair. Through his music, he honors Kennedy’s memory and offers a guiding light to those who have experienced similar loss. Furthermore, his journey continues after his music. He is also working on a film, “The Kennedy Project,” to introduce a proactive stance to suicide prevention.

Reflection

Grief is a profound and complex emotional response to loss, particularly when we lose someone significant in our lives. Although the process varies significantly from person to person, being witnessed in grief is crucial. What helps the most is to express our emotions in a safe and understanding environment, validating our feelings and experiences. Healing from grief is a gradual process of re-engaging with life, finding new meanings, and living life with a renewed sense of purpose.

As I reflect on Leonidas’ journey, I am confident he will continue showing the resilience and compassion of his human spirit, and his ability to find solace and meaning in creativity.

Paying Attention to What Really Matters

Paying Attention to What Really Matters

Learn how to separate the majors and the minors.

A lot of people don’t do well simply because

they major in minor things.

— Jim Rohn

Our days on this Earth are limited. Although we may avoid thinking about this reality, we are not immortal and our loved ones are not immortal. Are we appreciating every moment of our lives? Are we paying attention to what is important or are we spending too much time on trivialities?

Working with so many people facing life transitions, especially the death of a loved one, I have come to realize many of us live blindfolded just to regret it afterward. It is time we remove the bandage from our eyes and start paying attention to what matters most. The time is now. Let’s not wait until something tragic happens that may force us to change our perspective. The time is now and it may take just a few minor steps to live a more fulfilling life.

As you read this, some things may come to mind. Take a pause and reflect on the following:

What are you doing on a daily basis? Are you expressing your love to your loved ones? Are you sharing time with them? Are you focusing on their qualities and appreciating them, or are you focusing on their shortcomings and complaining about them? Are you doing the things you enjoy doing or do you live thinking “I will do it later”? We do not know what the future will bring…so, if it is under your control, carry on with your dreams and goals, and do it now. You may be aware of the film “The Bucket List” with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.  Let’s not wait until we are close to the end of our lives to do the things we always wanted to do – let’s do them now.

What about the kind of person you are? Are you satisfied with how you are or do you think “I will change later”… Later may not come and the memories your loved ones will have of you are of who you are now. If you know you should make some changes, like embracing more forgiveness and gratitude in your life or being more humble….do it now. Do not leave it for later. In his book “The Four Things that Matter Most”, Dr. Ira Byock shares with us what are the things people regret not saying more in their lives. In case you haven’t read the book (which I highly recommend!) these things are:

“Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you.”

What about your daily activities? We are living the era of technology, and although the progress has been wonderful, we have paid the price of devoting too much time to emails, texting, or surfing the web (I can identify with this issue and am working on it)! Let’s be more selective about how we spend our time.

Let’s make sure, as Jim Rohn said, that we are not majoring on minor things.  This brings to my memory what my father, Julio Martínez used to say, “because minor things are plenty, they become important.”

I know this can be challenging because it is so ingrained in our modern lifestyle, but just by taking few steps and making minor changes we may find ourselves connecting more with people (I mean, really connecting)!, living more in harmony, and knowing that if something happens, then we will have in our hearts peace of mind knowing we lived according to what mattered most.

 

Remember….your life has meaning!

Have a beautiful day,

Ligia/18