Giving Grief Meaning

It is often major and seemingly insurmountable obstacles that enable us to realize our highest potential and imbue life with greater meaning and purpose. While Lily’s journey is no exception to that edict, the work she’s developed as a result is exceptional and a powerful way for others to find meaning and peace in the face of trauma and grief.”

Reverend Michael Beckwith, New Thought minister, author, and founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, from the foreword of Giving Grief Meaning

Death and loss are potent experiences that can overwhelm a person for life. This could have been the fate of Lily Dulan after her beloved newborn daughter Kara unexpectedly died. Her moving account of how her daughter's memory eventually led her to a life's vocation of helping others is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.”

Sharon Salzberg author of Real Happiness and Real Love

Lily Dulan had to bear the unbearable, a loss that is every parent’s nightmare. This book relays her journey from the valley of excruciating pain to a peaceful life on the other side of it. She began the journey not knowing if peace would ever be hers again. She was rewarded for each step she took in trying to find it, discovering keys that indeed unlocked the way for her and which now she can share with others.”

Marianne Williamson

Lily Dulan has written a courageous book filled with depth and vulnerability. Through the devastating loss of her beloved daughter Kara, Lily was inspired to create the process of 'The Name Work.' I’m sure that it will prove to be an accessible and useful tool for many people to give meaning to their grief. This book is filled with real-world examples of love overcoming despair. Lily encourages the reader to feel their own truth and develop empowering thoughts in sync with that truth. For all who are grieving, this book fulfills its promise to bring readers a sense of renewal, love and ultimate peace of mind.”

Judith Orloff, MD, Author of The Empaths Survival Guide

I recommend Lily’s Giving Grief Meaning and The Name Work to the black and brown communities. Lily is a real student and creator in this field. and has been ahead of the curve in terms of recognizing her own privilege and working towards positive change.  Lily does this through her teaching as well as the Kara Love Project, the foundation she started in her daughter’s memory.

I can speak from experience on how this type of work has helped me in my life. I was raised by a single mother, grandmother and aunt here in Los Angeles. My mother had me at 14 years old. My grandmother was a Jewish Holocaust survivor. She had black children in the 60’s during the civil rights era. And was a single mother to 3 children. Social and economic racism was a part of our life. We lived in the ghetto of South LA until I was 6 years old. Then moved to Mid City LA. My father was in prison for most of my life. I had no male role models in my life. I remember thinking if I wanted to make it out and be successful In the world, I needed to play professional sports, sell drugs, or become a famous musician or entertainer. Those were my options.

Practicing affirmations really played a big role in me reprogramming my thinking and taking responsibility for my life in my 20’s. Even though I was not a good student in public schools, I learned to enjoy reading as a young adult. And through that, I discovered affirmations and the power of positive thinking. The Heart of the Buddha was the first book that opened my eyes in a spiritual way. Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich affirmations and work helped me financially get started on my journey. Lily’s  Name Work method is a fresh and new approach to working with affirmations. Working with names that are special to us makes the work tangible and will definitely inspire the next generation of seekers.  I am a firm believer in this type of work. And If I can do it, I think so many more kids from my background can too. I think getting it in the hands of kids at an early age can really make a big difference. Starting off with affirmations each day is a step forward. The books, reading materials, and homework found in works such as  Giving Grief Meaning should be a part of the everyday public school curriculum. I think the self reflective affirmations will help heal the traumatic experiences that so many of us have had. So thank you Lily for inspiring us and the next generation with Giving Grieg Meaning and The Name Work. I know it will and is continuing to change lives.”

Michael Henderson