Suicide, cancer, and life after loss: an interview with Jasmin Jenkins
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Jasmin Jenkins, Founder of Fall Up
Jasmin is no stranger to loss: her mother died of ovarian cancer while Jasmin was in high school. A few years later, Jasmin’s brother, Rory, took his life. She shares deep wisdom from her journey towards healing for those that have been affected by suicide and loss and speaks on the invitations of grief. Jasmin is the founder of Fall Up, a community driven platform that brings people together to navigate the spectrum of grief. She believes that your grief is as unique as your fingerprint and that through exploring the invitations within your grief, there is greater presence and joy to be found in this one, precious life -- for all.
You can listen to this episode of the Handle with Care podcast on Google Play, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Or just click the link here:
Jasmin and Rory in autumn
Here are three reflections from my conversation with Jasmin
Presence is so important. As Jasmin said, in the aftermath of suicide, there is no way to take away the pain. But showing up, being willing to hold space and be with someone that is grieving, that speaks volumes.
Avoid phrases like, “It was his time” or “He is in a better place”. This flattens the experience of a grieving person, reducing it to an easy cliché. Instead of trite phrases, consider some of the meaningful gestures that Jasmin mentioned: send a card, plant a tree, visit the grave of the deceased. These are gestures that don’t cost much in time or money, but they convey intention and meaningful care. Perhaps you know someone who is no longer in the acute stages of grief; these gestures still matter. As a friend or coworker, you can show support by remembering birthdays of those that died or significant anniversaries with gestures like a cake or a kind word.
If you are in the midst of grief, consider the four invitations that Jasmin described: the invitation to find your sacred pause, to feel your breath, to feel your emotions, and, finally, to heal. You can find more information on Jasmin, her work, and her writings below…
Jasmin and Rory, older siblings
If you would like to learn more about Jasmin and her work through Fall Up, Quilt, and the four invitations of grief, here are some resources:
The Four Invitations Article