When I first began planning this week’s newsletter, I felt that Gratitude was the natural topic. As it got closer to writing time, I began to feel as though we’re already inundated with the topic of gratitude as Thanksgiving draws closer. I decided to go in a different, perhaps more meaningful direction (but don’t worry, I WILL circle back with Gratitude at another time).
I landed on Nourishment, which also felt suitable and rich with content.
That is until I stepped back, and really thought deeply about my dear friends, my community and family…as well as the world at large.
And, this is how I landed on the topic of Healing & Grief (During the Holidays).
I have several friends who have recently lost very, very significant loved ones. My heart aches as I do small things to offer support, knowing that they are preparing to honor this holiday season without their beloved family members.
I have coaching clients who are suffering, friends and family members who are also suffering.
We cannot deny the daily atrocities and the continual suffering of the world at large.
The ache is real. Wide open. And so fresh.
So, as we prepare for this holiday season which officially kicks off this week, I’d like to do my humble best to address this heavy topic of Healing & Grief (During the Holidays).
Please forgive any oversights or blindspots. I honestly don’t feel fully equipped to do this topic justice but I deeply feel it’s importance and I will do my very best. Thank you. ❤️
“The holiest of holidays are those kept by ourselves in silence and apart;the secret anniversaries of the heart.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Something to Read
| Here are a few articles on how to help someone who is grieving. It can be hard to know how to help, what to do…but hopefully these reads provide insight, perspective and inspiration. From HelpGuide.org, Helping Someone Who is Grieving From WeSaveLives.org, Coping with Grief During the Holidays From Grief.com, Grief & The Holidays, Dealing with the Pain |
Something to Try
If you are suffering personally, you might try this exercise from Dr. Kristin Neff, “Self-Compassion Break.“
I utilized this practice recently. Upon acknowledging the “moment of suffering” I was experiencing, I felt the emotion absolutely well up from deep within…from quiet, covered places I had not explored in quite some time.
And then, I let the grief come.
I let the ache fill my chest. My throat. It was overwhelming, quite literally painful, all consuming…and ultimately, it was cathartic.
I know I heal through movement. Through the movement of emotions, the movement of my body, the movement of tears.
And, this experience was part of processing for me as it represents moving through.
And, while the grieving process is certainly not done, it’s a start and a step and is progress…and just a bit of relief for now. I hope it might provide the same for you or someone you love.
Something to Create
Enjoy these inspirational coloring pages from Aubrey Boyer and Legacy Magazine.
Something to Consider
“The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing each other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” — W.C. Jones
I wonder, whose burden needs lifting, whose heart needs tending, whose hand needs holding this holiday season?
Maybe it’s yours…
And if so, may you be rich with support, patient with this messy season and gentle with yourself every step of the way. ❤️
Closing with Hope
“And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.” — Maya Angelou
Thank you for being here, for being you.