Navigating Grief During the ‘Holidays’
In my culture, the holiday season with its twinkling lights and festive cheer, almost forces us to focus on joy and celebration. However, amidst the merriment, there's a topic that often gets overlooked – grief. Missing a loved one or a cherished pet during this time can evoke a range of emotions, from guilt and shame to plain sadness, especially when it seems like everyone else is immersed in celebrating.
Acknowledging these complex emotions and allowing ourselves to sit with the grief can be challenging but is essential for processing the losses we may be feeling. It's in these moments of reflection that we create space for healing and pave the way for connection and new experiences to enter our lives.
Francis Weller, explores the themes of grief and emptiness. If you don’t know him already, Francis Weller, MFT, is a psychotherapist, writer and soul activist. In one interview, Weller delves into how the societal emphasis on individualism has led many of us to question our identity in a way that isolates us from our communities and a sense of belonging.
In a world that often asks, "Who am I?" from an individualistic perspective, Weller suggests a more profound inquiry – "Who am I in relationship to the world?" The shift in focus from self-centeredness to interconnectedness is pivotal in combating feelings of isolation during times of grief.
So as we navigate the complexities of grief during the holidays, it's crucial to open up about our thoughts and stories. Sharing our experiences not only helps us process our own emotions but also creates an opportunity for others who may be going through similar struggles.
“This is the first, wildest and wisest thing I know, that the soul exists, and that it is built entirely out of attentiveness”
Creating a space for open dialogue about grief allows us to foster connections and build community. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to unite people through shared experiences, providing solace and understanding in times of emotional turbulence.
In the spirit of fostering connection and embracing healing, I invite you to join me in a virtual Forest Bathing experience on Dec. 31st, from 11 am to 12:30 pm PST. Nature has a remarkable way of grounding us and facilitating a sense of belonging. We’ll come together via Zoom to explore reciprocity in nature, and the mental and physical benefits this offers in this guided experience.
By recognizing and addressing the grief that often accompanies this time of year, we can collectively pave the way for a more compassionate and connected holiday seasons for ourselves and those around us in the future.
Or, if you want to chat, book a 15-minute call with me HERE.