Here is a list of ways to help manage grief during the holidays- a time that may be particularly hard when dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The Stages of Grief
The stages of grief are not meant to be prescriptive, but rather a descriptive tool to help our minds understand what the abstract term “grief” tangibly may look and feel like.
Grief and Joy
grieving well means having resilience for feeling the pain, but also knowing that you are okay, that you will make it through, and, as a result, that you will experience both immense pain and immense joy.
The Art of Comfort
Responding to another person’s grief can be incredibly difficult, not because we don’t care, but because we simply don’t know what to do. We can’t fix the situation, but we can be a presence that conveys care and comfort to those dealing with grief.
Being Present With Grief
Grief is best served when witnessed by a loving presence. This is the ointment needed to soothe the wounds of a grieving person, according to renowned grief specialist, David Kessler. Just being present with grief means more than we know.
A Mindset of Successful Grieving
It is not a question of whether we will experience loss and pain; it is a question of when. Although grief is unavoidable, it does provide options. We can choose to face mourning with the mindset of grieving successfully.
Letting Go of Understanding
Have you ever experienced a traumatic or extremely disappointing event in your life? Maybe you lost a loved one or special friend unexpectantly; or a significant relationship ended and you were devastated. Often times, we seek to understand the purpose of these painful events. We may have many unanswered questions about the hurtful event.
Grief That Doesn’t Fit In: Part 2
If you have experienced a grief that is disenfranchised or if you recognize that others in your life may have, it is vital to find a way to make space for open mourning.
Often, when grief is disenfranchised, it is a result of beliefs about the way things should work and how people are supposed to relate to their world.
Grief That Doesn’t Fit In: Part 1
Disenfranchised grief is the category that covers grief that doesn’t have a socially accepted place to be recognized or expressed.
Basically, it is grief that people feel they have to hide because others won’t understand it, will dismiss it as trivial, or may actually get angry about.
Lamenting a Loss
When loss occurred, the community took the time to surround those who had suffered and allowed them the emotional space to offer a cry of sorrow and grief. Often the community itself offered a cry of sorrow for a loss. This is far from our modern day thinking about grief.
