Meditative Story Creating space to stand in truth, by Susan David
Mar 3, 2026
Susan David, psychologist and author known for emotional agility, shares a personal story of grief and the teachers who taught her to make space for feeling. She explores fear of loss, honest courage, the healing power of being seen, and learning to hold others’ pain with compassion. Short reflective prompts invite listeners to practice gentle presence.
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Facing Mortality Teaches Courage
- Facing mortality early normalizes difficult emotions and reduces denial.
- Susan David recalls nightly childhood terror and her father's gentle truth, We all die, which taught her fear is normal and courage is presence despite fear.
Faith Led Dad To Let Insurance Lapse
- Her father's terminal cancer diagnosis led him to seek religious explanations and reject pragmatic protections.
- Influenced by visitors, he let his life insurance lapse believing lack of faith caused his illness, leaving the family financially vulnerable.
Teacher's Light Pencil Letters Became Lifeline
- A teacher, Mrs. F., gave Susan an unremarkable notebook and invited honest journaling after her father's death.
- They exchanged light-pencil replies, creating a tender correspondence that helped Susan process grief and feel seen.