Grieving is a deeply personal journey, and this month, I want to explore this profound experience with you. At some point in our lives, each of us has faced the pain of losing someone dear—a close friend, a parent, a child. But how do we navigate this heart-wrenching process?
Grief can feel like a jagged knife piercing through our hearts, leaving behind a trail of devastation and anguish. Each of us encounters grief uniquely, yet the depth of our pain is a shared experience. We don’t simply “get over” grief, nor should we be expected to. Over time, the intensity of our sorrow may soften, but the scars remain, and we carry on with a piece of our hearts forever altered.
Albert Gyorgy’s sculpture, Melancholia, located at Lake Geneva for me personally represents exactly how grief is.
Its evocative form captures the essence of grief perfectly. Before experiencing loss, we are whole, like a complete figure. But once grief strikes, we find ourselves trying to rebuild, all the while navigating a space that feels incomplete—a void in our being.
For those in the midst of grief, it’s crucial to remember that this doesn’t mark an end but rather a transformation. Keep your loved ones’ memories alive by sharing their stories, celebrating their achievements, and engaging in rituals that honor them. Choose photos to create collages, light candles, or arrange flowers—whatever helps you feel close to them.
I share what’s worked for me, though your path may differ. Find your unique way to commemorate your loved ones, for death is not the end but a profound change. Picture grief as a cloud that dims your inner sunlight. Initially, it seems as though our brilliance is lost. Yet, with time, support, and self-care—through the kindness of family, friends, music, nature walks, or simply a chat over tea—our light gradually returns. It may not shine as brightly as before, but it will still warm your heart.
If you’re supporting someone through their grief, here are a few ways to offer your help:
- Sympathy: Express your condolences from a respectful distance, letting them know you’re sorry for their loss.
- Empathy: Make an effort to understand their pain, imagining the weight of their sorrow.
- Compassion: Extend practical support, whether it’s preparing a meal, offering a listening ear, or providing a comforting touch. Remember to care for yourself as well, so you don’t lose yourself in the process of supporting others.
To end on a lighter note, in my family, whenever we gather for a celebration and open a bottle of wine, we pour a little out and say with a smile, “This is for you, old man.” Despite my dad passing away too soon, we like to think of him aging gracefully in heaven, sharing in our joy. It’s our way of keeping him part of our celebrations, even in his absence.
Meditation and family yoga 