Grief in the circle of neurosurgery: observing through the lens of science, spirituality, and philosophy.

The experience of grief within neurosurgery extends across a diverse range of individuals, including patients, but also caregivers, neurosurgeons, trainees, advanced practice providers, and the nursing staff who care for neurosurgical patients. This congregation of individuals constitutes the sacred thread woven in the circle of neurosurgery. This interconnected circle is united by a string of life-changing experiences, most of which are profoundly rewarding. However, some experiences leave a deep, regretful mark on the "self," even when the highest standards are upheld in the operating room. In this article, authors from different expertise combine to discuss the factors that encompass the experience of grief among those who face the terminal phases of their lives, their loved ones, and those who incurred grief from the act of doer-ship (neurosurgeons and providers). The authors discuss the different dynamics of grief at play between these cohorts, which may be insightful for those caring for them, and delve into psychological and spiritual reflections on their potential roles in coping mechanisms. They introduce the concept of ikigai in the context of grief, particularly in conjunction with evidence-based breathwork and meditative practices.