💌 Connection #11: Being present to grief

1 idea, 1 practice, 1 question

Hi friend,

Here’s 1 idea, 1 practice, and 1 question to create more expansive connections.

One idea to consider

In moments when a loved one is engulfed in grief and profound sadness, it's natural to feel intimidated by the intensity of their emotions and unsure of how to respond.

Remember, this is not about you; it's about being a compassionate witness to their experience.

Listen more than you speak: Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply listen. Allow them to express their feelings without judgment or the need to fix the situation. Being heard can be a significant comfort.

Acknowledge their pain: Recognize their suffering without diminishing it. Avoid platitudes like "They're in a better place" or "You'll get over it." Instead, validate their feelings with statements like "I can't imagine how hard this is for you."

Offer practical help: Grieving can make daily tasks overwhelming. Offer specific forms of help, like bringing meals, handling errands, or taking care of pets. This type of support can be especially appreciated.

One practice to try on

Grief manifests in myriad forms — while it's natural to recoil from its touch, consider instead greeting it as an old friend.

Yet, what if we welcomed grief as an intimate ally?

It's not solely the shadow of significant loss; grief can unfold in the quiet moments of our lives. Examples of such subtle grief include the end of a cherished friendship, the loss of a familiar routine, or even the nostalgic ache for a time gone by. These moments, though seemingly small, carry a profound emotional weight, inviting us to acknowledge and honor our feelings of sorrow.

One question to ask

"How do you envision healing? What does moving forward look like for you?"

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