Truly spring has arrived this week as the birds sing brightly and the sound of the spring peepers fill the night air. For some, these signs of renewal can be inspiring and give a sense of hope. However, for others it may be hard to see signs of new life while they are feeling sad, lonely or even numb as the result of a loss experience. It is a reminder that the cycle of life keeps going and it can heighten the feelings of missing the person you have loved and lost. Although there are no easy answers to “get over grief”, there are things you can do to work with these waves of grief and in this springtime season.
Spend time in nature
Nature has the ability to calm, soothe and even help with healing. I often encourage walking for at least 20 minutes outside each day. As the weather warms up in the spring, this becomes an opportunity to take in the world around us, grounding us in the present moment and just giving ourselves permission to step outside the waves of grief and be nourished by nature itself. Research indicates that spending time in nature at a psychological level can lower our stress hormone levels which can improve our mood, lower blood pressure, and boost our immune system. In addition, often getting out in the fresh air helps you sleep better and improves your ability to cope with the emotions of grief.
Holding Grief and Gratitude
Research on resilience in grief indicates that focusing on the positives in your life can help you feel happier. It is still important to both acknowledge the grief you are feeling, being curious about what makes it more present for you in this season and to also think about what you are grateful for. Capturing these thoughts in a journal gives an outlet to process your grief. If writing in a journal is not for you, just making a note on the calendar about what you are grateful for today, can be helpful in those more difficult moments of grief.
Remembering and Honouring Your Loss
It is true that the memories of what we have loved and lost can be painful as we recall others spring times (or other seasons) linked to those experiences. However, the connection we felt isn’t held in the pain, but rather in the memory of those times. Embracing these memories rebuilds that connection in a new way and at the same time honours the impact our loved ones have had in shaping who you are now and in how we will continue to live on in the world of tomorrow. I often encourage the use of ritual to help us remember our loved one. Perhaps it’s a flower that brings a connection, planting a tree, or a favourite springtime tradition you experienced. Whatever it maybe, build in time to remember and honour your loss as you rebuild that enduring connection.
Reach Out
Social support is especially important in navigating your grief. Seek out family, friends, a local grief support group or a counsellor to share your moments of sorrow, times of self-discovery or dreams of tomorrow. Finding that positive support that will listen openly and allow you to just be yourself in that moment, can be quite healing and may bring new insights for you in the midst of the experience. Whatever this spring brings for you remember we are never as alone as we feel.
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