Adrift in an Ocean of Grief
March 21, 2010
Sometimes there is such helplessness we feel when we are grieving. It’s like being adrift in the middle of an ocean in a life raft, but with no oars to propel us forward or navigation system to help us find our way. You’re in a place that’s unfamiliar, unwelcome, with no way to get out. All you know is that you don’t want to be there, feeling what you’re feeling.
You feel as though you are at the mercy of the water moving around you. At times, it may be a gentle rolling presence; at other times, the waves may toss you about…moving over you without warning and giving you no time to recover before another wave of grief hits again. The waves may leave you feeling defeated, exhausted and overwhelmed. And if there is one truth I have learned, it’s “the only way out, is through.”
The Grief Interlude SeriesTM set of guided meditations offers a therapeutic break—an interlude—a chance to step away from your grief, take a deep breath of relaxation, gain a different perspective and feel some restorative peace. I’ve found that from this calmer place I can better navigate grief’s tumultuous storms.
Remember that if we hadn’t felt love, we would not be feeling grief. Love and grief are on the same emotional continuum. If we can experience a way to move along the space that connects the two emotions and focus on the love we have known, we may find some peaceful lulls between grief’s waves. And, lovingly, find our way through…
Sharon Clark
March 21, 2010
Is Grief a Universal Language? 3/4/10
March 4, 2010
As I watched the faces of the most recent earthquake survivors in Chile and those in Haiti, I knew what they were feeling even if I couldn’t understand the words…it was grief.
Relief agencies are usually onsite within hours to provide assistance to meet the immediate needs, such as water, food and shelter. But we know that once those physical needs are met, there are other emotional needs to be addressed as well. And, it may be a long-term task. I’ve said before “Grief is the residue that remains in our heart after the tears have dried on our face”.
And, this residue can remain for years…often so deeply ingrained from inattention or pushing it down, that it can suddenly reappear without warning, reminding us that it has never been resolved.
Grief is an “equal opportunity” emotion—it knows no race, creed, or gender. It’s often accompanied by feelings of anguish, disbelief, anger and fear. That’s why it’s so important for having ways to express our grief; and promote a dialogue about what is often a “taboo” topic. Our country, as is the case with many other cultures, is a grief-illiterate nation. It’s painful to talk about grief…but then, grieving is a painful process, but a necessary one.
Given its universal nature, we need more discussions about grief, and more support available for those grieving.
Sharon Clark
www.griefinterlude.com
