I’ve been thinking about the grief you may be experiencing due to the surprising, unexpected changes in our world.
Typically, we think of grief due to the death of a loved one or someone we care about deeply. But, each day we have other types of grief, both small and large. Perhaps you notice a child getting older, your aging body, a relationship losing its meaning, lack of fulfillment, or unwelcome changes in family relationships.
Now, with the uncertain times concerning our health and stability, you may be feeling oddly uneasy. This is grief too.
Below is a condensed, four-part process to help you work through what you may be experiencing. Although I made the exercise easy to follow, it may feel unfamiliar if you have been pushing down your feelings. That’s ok… go slow and be gentle with yourself.
The steps are to be aware of your feelings, notice emotions with attention, express them, and practice this process regularly.
1. Awareness: Take an inventory of the grief you may be experiencing right now.
- Loss of normalcy
- Loss of routine
- Loss of financial resources
- Loss of safety
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of control
- Loss of planned events (weddings, baptisms, graduations)
- Loss of freedom
2. Attention: Name your grief and the feelings it is bringing up.
- Disbelief
- Anger
- Sadness
- Shock
- Regret
- Uncertainty
- Anguish
- Fear
- Loneliness
3. Expression: Allow feels to naturally move through you.
You may be afraid if you feel all your painful emotions, the pain may not cease. By resisting emotions, your pain will persist longer than necessary. Instead, when you release sorrow little by little, the uncomfortable feelings begin to gradually recede and disappear. Feeling equates to healing.
Remember, all feelings want to be felt. They come up to be felt, so feel them.
That is their sole purpose. Emotions want to be in motion.
Once you express your emotions, they will transform and dissipate.
4. Practice: Make it a habit of allowing daily time to be with your emotions.
You’re likely not used to noticing what’s occurring for you in an expressive, non-judgmental way.
Whatever you’re feeling right now is okay.
All emotions and feelings are acceptable, even the ones you think aren’t.
Practice being with your emotions using love, compassion, and gentleness.
Spend 10 to 15 minutes a day alone in a quiet, safe space to be with your thoughts.
How can you honor your feelings?
For more healing practices to work through your grief, read more about my new book, The Sudden Loss Survival Guide – 7 Essential Practices to Heal Grief, which is available for order now:
It’s an indispensable and compassionate guide for those who’ve experienced a life-changing loss and are in the healing process to find peace and hope.
It’s everything you need to know about grief. It’s straight from my heart to yours…
Order Today for yourself or those who need support during difficult times.
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