Funerals are difficult occasions. Some people skip them altogether; others turn them into a ‘celebration of life’, and others have a more traditional gathering. There are tears of weeping, and perhaps as we tell stories about our departed loved one we also have moments when we smile through those tears. I hope so. We can…
Many people who have been bereaved feel guilty, even though there is usually no reason to feel this way. This article looks at the importance of finding ways of coping with any guilt feelings, otherwise they can cause damage to ourselves and others.
What rituals have you developed since your bereavement? Some of us light candles. Some visit the grave. Some talk to a photo. Some wear a piece of significant jewelry. Some say ‘good morning’. Some have a little special place in the home, a corner of remembrance. Anything like this can be helpful. Following short rituals…
(A post that will mostly be applicable to those with a faith-based outlook.) We might have been dealt a massive blow with the death of our loved one, but that is not the end of our troubles. Life continues, and so new challenges arise. Life after bereavement. What is it? It is much the same…
Grieving creatively is the name of this series of articles. Today’s idea is quite simple: Sit and be. Focus on nature for 2, 5, 10 or 20 minutes. Really observe, really listen. Imagine the scene. You’re sitting on a bench after walking through woodland for about 20 minutes. The bench is on a hill part…
Register for Grief Companion Training today. The six part course on Zoom starts on 1st October.
This is a post especially for people who are in the very painful early days following their bereavement. I hope it will give you some hope that as difficult as life is at this moment, it won’t always be like this. Some people have described the death of a close loved one as like being…
What words or actions by others have made your grief easier to bear? What words or actions – or inaction – by others have made things more difficult? – A reflection on finding our keep our equilibrium even in the midst of the storm of silly statements, insensitive questions, and thoughtless behaviour.
A Valley Journal 
You must be logged in to post a comment.