How to survive grief | Barbara Schaer | TEDxZurich

Loss and grief are inevitable parts of life—but how can we survive them? Born in 1943, artist Barbara Schaer has faced more than her share of hardships, from personal tragedy to societal barriers. In this deeply moving and insightful talk, she shares her journey through loss, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. With wisdom, warmth and a touch of humor, she explores how determination, creativity, and a dung beetle’s spirit can help us navigate the toughest moments and live a happy life. If you’ve ever struggled with grief, this talk offers a powerful perspective on healing and hope. Born in the USA in 1943, Dr. Barbara Schaer pursued her studies in Art and Industrial Design at a time when girls were not welcomed in education. With a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering, a Master of Pedagogical Education and a Doctorate of Philosophy, her career teaching environmental and engineering design brought her from the USA to Germany, where she was the assistant of Artist/Architect Max Bill, and to Switzerland. In Ticino, Dr. Barbara Schaer created her gallery of watercolors, oils, incision prints and sculptures. She depicts nature in an expressive-realistic style that presents subjects abstracted to present their inner qualities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx