Navigating your thoughts and emotions through grief is an individual process and there’s no one right way to do it. How do we find ways to cope during times of extreme tragedy, exhaustion and life changes? The answer isn’t the same for everyone. Filling your own “Grief Toolbox” is a gift to yourself. Do you have one started? Have you ever thought about what you would fill yours with? Let’s start with some basics that you could build yours with.
Create space for all the feels: Acknowledgement of those uncomfortable, dark, hopeless emotions is part of the grief process. It’s ugly, but exposing it is the first step in working through it.
Finding your tribe: Whether that be a local support group, church group, or friends, surrounding yourself with people that understand your loss and support you wherever you are in your grief. The people who “wait” for you to get over it are not your tribe. Communicating and sharing with others who feel your same pain bring community and belonging to your life.
Leaning into your faith: The bible is filled with scripture to hold and encourage you in this time. Here are 3 good ones.
John 16:22 “Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice and no one will take your joy away from you.”
Ecclesiastes 31:4 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Isaiah 43:2 “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
Invest in yourself. Explore bodywork such as massage, educate yourself in proper nutrition and trust your gut when it comes to physical discomfort. Get yourself outside and move. Find activities that meet your needs and abilities. Start with 5 minutes of walking outside each day. Your body is trying to take care of you. Listen to the messages it gives you.
Meditation: Try our Yoga Nidra classes with Jill Weston and Restorative Yoga with Karen Penfold. These practices are comforting and calm you.
Counseling: If you are able, find a trusted bereavement therapist who is invested in your wellness. Many hospices and health insurance have some therapy available for grief. We currently have a Grant Therapy Program to help those who have exhausted all other counseling opportunities. To apply for our program please fill out our GRANT THERAPY APPLICATION.
Creative Arts: Activities such as art, writing or even dancing to express your emotions and feel heard.
Filling your toolbox with small, easily attainable tools is a start. From there you can add to it as you learn what works for you. We hope this helps get you started in filling your own.