They say lightning doesn't strike twice. But what if it does? What if it strikes... four times? Orit Mark Ettinger lost four of her closest family members in seven years: first her father, then her older brother, her cousin who became her pain, and then, her little brother. I know what you're thinking. How do we move on from here? How do we believe? How do we move through the world without fearing the next lightning bolt? This episode raises a question mark over everything we think we already know about loss, hope, and the meaning of life. How did I find myself smiling over and over again from such a sad topic? This conversation opens the heart, especially when its topic sounds so closing. It's full of pain and kindness that mix together. Orit's love of life, her optimism, her growing up alongside her childhood – it's contagious. Talking to her reminded me of how sure we are that we know, and in fact, we don't. How many strengths we didn't know were waiting within us. How, after so much loss, does she still have anything left to give? How does she find faith after so many disappointments? How do we open our eyes to the good in the most difficult times? And how, despite everything, does she choose – choose life? Today, in this episode of Thinking Well, we will explore how one can choose life – despite everything. ************* Photographer and Editor: Naor Menninger ************* Orit Mark Ettinger's website https://oritmarkettinger.com/ Orit Mark Ettinger's book - Broken Light Beam https://ybook.co.il/products/3626668 ************* Upcoming events: 3.2.25 Irrational and Not Promoting - On Inhibiting Thoughts and Peace of Mind Alma Hotel, Zichron Yaakov https://bit.ly/3OyP0sk 24.2.25 How do we decide? Quick, logical and happy decisions Zappa Tel Aviv https://bit.ly/3ZumA7V ************* "The Voice in Your Head" - a 17-episode digital course https://bit.ly/3ke19DC For online viewing! My recorded lectures are waiting on the website https://www.judithkatz.me/lecturent ************* Want to book a lecture from me at your company, organization or private event? Talk to Nitzan: 050-526-0526 [email protected] 00:00:00 Opening 00:02:19 Introducing the guest 00:04:39 How would your father introduce you 00:05:52 How old are you 00:07:24 A moment of pain and a moment of light 00:10:46 How do you define pain? 00:11:20 It hurts me but it feels good 00:13:27 Dealing with the news about my brother Fedya 00:18:54 Aren't you afraid that it will happen again? 00:20:37 Dealing with death 00:24:35 Pain and suffering in Buddhism 00:27:26 Blaming God 00:31:39 Thoughts that promote and hinder 00:33:58 Moments of lack of faith 00:36:26 Yehudit's connection to a higher power 00:38:23 Exercise - a moment of gratitude 00:42:35 How to surrender 00:47:07 What is the explanation for joy? 00:49:10 Have you ever gone to therapy? 00:52:26 Post-traumatic growth 00:54:50 Orit's association 00:59:28 What can we do? 01:01:03 Exercise - A Day of Compassion 01:01:56 Chapter Summary 01:04:16 Song by Ohad Hitman