Grief can be a life-shattering experience, but it can also be seen as a mystical journey that opens up vast new horizons of spiritual growth. It can bring valuable soul lessons and expose us to the natural ebb and flow of human experience. The Nature of Grief is a study on grief evolution, examining common Western psycho-spiritual beliefs related to loss, trauma, and grief.
Greeting consciously involves walking mindfully into the process with our hearts wide open, as our logical mind often becomes overwhelmed by pain and sorrow. Intuition plays a crucial role in grieving, bypassing the logical mind and tapping into a deeper understanding of the pain. Grief can express itself in various ways, such as beauty, ravishing love, eros and devastation, loss, melancholy, and more. Hallucinations, communications, dreams, visions, and visitations are common experiences of grief.
Mystical Mourning is an 8-day self-guided grief relief program that consists of mind, body, and spirit work designed to provide a nurturing and comforting experience. The magic we ultimately need is a resurrection that lasts forever, undoing all the bad things, un-killing the dead, un-ties the knot, and braids it into a new state.
While mysticism cannot be equated with grief, it might provide a framework within which unresolved grief, especially from childhood loss, can be addressed. The five stages of grief, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and rebirth, are essential for healing and growth. Understanding grief as a mystical journey can help us accept and embrace impermanence and work with the natural ebb and flow of human experience.
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Why does grief come in waves?
Grief is a natural process that occurs in waves, akin to an oscillation between old and new life forms. It causes pain and can manifest through changes in oneself after death or loss. The healing process begins when these oscillations lessen over time, gradually restoring balance. Common grieving behaviors include non-stop crying, sleep difficulties, absentmindedness, social withdrawal, loss of food appetite, and craziness. The timing of the next wave is uncertain, but it can happen at any time, and resurfacing grief can lead to another wave. Eventually, the waves will become smaller and farther apart.
What mythical creatures represent grief?
The Algea were personified spirits who represented pain, suffering, grief, sorrow, and distress. They were related to Oizys, the milder spirit of misery, and Penthos, the god of mourning. Their opposite numbers were Hedone (pleasure) and the Kharites (Charites, Joys). The Algea were represented by two parents: Eris (no father) and Achter and Gaia (Hyginus Preface). Algos, used by Hesiod, was the personification of sorrows and griefs, represented as daughters of Eris.
What animal symbolizes grief?
Apollo, a dog, symbolizes grief through juxtaposition and recognizable grief. Dogs are often considered the epitome of devotion due to their long association with human society and their unassailable place in stories and myths worldwide. The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols, a compendium of analyses on symbolism in world myth, dedicates seven pages to the dog, while the equally charismatic dolphin has earned only one.
Dogs have been featured in numerous stories, such as Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Balto, and books like Where the Red Fern Grows, Old Yeller, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Call of the Wild, White Fang, Marley and Me, Because of Winn-Dixie, Shiloh, Cujo, and The Hound of the Baskervilles. These stories rely on the bond between humans and dogs, even in horror stories, as it is more terrifying than a trusted friend turned foe.
Is there a goddess of grief?
Nanna, the goddess of grief and consolation, is renowned for her affection for Balder. Forseti, the deity associated with justice and reconciliation, was Nanna’s son and was symbolized by the moon.
What is symbolic grief?
Grief and loss are often associated with death, but there are other types of losses that people may experience in life, including symbolic losses. These losses may include breakups, divorces, job losses, moving to new locations, loss of identity, hopes, dreams, expectations, and health. People may not realize they are grieving, but they may be experiencing symptoms similar to those of grieving a death. Symptoms may include sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, anxiety, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, and physical symptoms.
Symbolic losses are less recognized and acknowledged, so they may not feel like they are allowed to grieve. However, it is important to remember that you are allowed to grieve these losses and deserve time and space to do so. Grieving a loss of any kind is a normal and human response, and it is essential to recognize and acknowledge these types of losses.
What does grief mean spiritually?
Grief can lead to intense emotions, physical illness, and changes in behavior. It can also impact one’s spirituality, as losses can test beliefs and challenge faiths. Spirituality can provide both comfort and challenges in simplifying beliefs to bring meaning to loss.
Religions often encounter death and loss, and their beliefs can be complex. Spirituality can provide comfort through rituals offered by faith communities, such as during illness and after death. However, it may also prompt individuals to examine and modify their beliefs as they adjust to life without a loved one, especially when the loss was sudden, traumatic, or intentional.
The resources of a faith can serve as guides in navigating spirituality after a loss. Each faith has books and teachers to help make sense of the loss, as well as rituals that offer comfort and help search for meaning. The support of a faith community can be essential for many. Books like A Grief Observed, The Shack, and When Bad Things Happen to Good People can also offer insights into faith struggles.
Why does grief drain your energy?
Grief can cause emotional stress, hypervigilance, and hyper independence. The nervous system is activated and releases stress hormones, leading to physical exhaustion. Grief can trigger a traumatic response, causing individuals to be on high alert and ready to activate their fight, flight, or freeze response. This hyper-vigilance can be exhausting. Additionally, grief can push individuals to become overly independent, avoiding seeking help or seeking help again. Feeling alone and doing everything alone can quickly drain energy levels. Chronic or prolonged stress can contribute to physical exhaustion.
What is a grief monster?
A young client was asked to draw a hairy green grief monster, representing their feelings, emotions, thoughts, and questions related to their loss. This monster kept them awake at night, making them scream, cry, hide, and lash out at people. They tried to avoid it, but it showed up the day the child’s loved one died and stayed for good. They agreed to try to get used to it, possibly becoming friends and sharing memories together.
As children grow older and process their experiences, their grief monster also grows. Their relationship evolves, and they may understand each other differently. They ask questions they didn’t ask before, and they feel differently about their grief monster. They do different things together, sometimes hateing him because he makes them cry, but they also love that he shares memories, continues bonds, and helps them live on in a way that their loved one would have wanted.
Why is grief so scary?
Grief and fear share similar feelings due to their inherent uncertainty. We often assume that good habits, such as living well, eating well, and being loving, will lead to rewards and safety for loved ones. However, when the worst happens, we question our identity, God, and the direction we should take. This uncertainty makes caring seem fruitless, and we feel unsafe in our own skin. Fear becomes our reality, and if we feel and believe it, we have created our own reality. This is our worst nightmare come true. Grief support groups often discuss the significant impact of fear on grieving individuals, recognizing the profound impact it has on their lives.
Is grief an energy?
Grief is a powerful energy that can cause feelings of tightness, heaviness, and sadness when we lose a beloved companion animal. This emotion can also be experienced when we lose people close to us, a home, a job, a friendship, or even the person we thought we were. The loss of a pet is particularly significant as it feels unique due to the fact that animals never grow up, never leave home, and never argue with us. They raise us and the planet up, providing immense joy and healing.
The energy of grief can cause depression, sadness, and even defeat. Despite our best efforts, we cannot shift the energy alone. However, there are ways to alleviate the heaviness of grief, which requires some effort on our part. By understanding and addressing the emotions and feelings associated with the loss of a pet, we can work towards a more fulfilling and fulfilling life.
What is a grief warrior?
The elimination of assumptions about the nature of grief and the demonstration of respect for the process of grief itself allows for the recognition and respect of grief as a natural state of being, thereby becoming a “grief warrior.”
📹 FACING AN IMPENDING LOSS – Dealing with Anticipatory Grief – 5 Strategies to Counteract it.
Anticipatory Grief. What does it mean and how do you deal with a loved one who is dying? We will all experience the loss of a …
Thanks for perusal this article. I hope it will shed some light on what you might be experiencing during the time that a loved one is sick and facing the end of their life, and provide you with some solid information on what you can do to make this time a little bit less taxing on your soul. Leave a comment if you are experiencing anticipatory grief and what you’ve done to make it a more special time for you and your family member.
I’m perusal this as my mother is living through later stages of liver disease. My father is always in the fighting mode, trying to find the next big thing that’s going to make her healthier. We all know deep inside that she’s very ill. I’ve been grieving and crying hard and many nights I lay overwhelmed with sadness and anxiety. Your article really helped me, especially the part about redefining hope. Lately I’ve been hoping a lot that my mother doesn’t have to go through a lot of pain when things start getting worse for her. To anyone out there experiencing this pain currently: you are not alone.
I was looking for articles like this because I haven’t lost someone close close to me yet. I’ve lost an aunt, uncle, and good acquaintance but I didn’t know them very well. But now, it seems like any month it could be my grandpa who I love so so much. I know death is a part of life, and at some point we all have to learn how to cope with it. I know the best thing I can do is enjoy him now, but tbh it doesn’t make it any less painful. I wish I didn’t have to see him deteriorate and I wish he wasn’t going through all this chronic pain. I wish I could have more time with him and having more memorable moments with him especially now that I can remember more as an adult than a kid. There’s just so many emotions to it. If you’re also struggling, I’m sending y’all a big internet hug.
My mom has always been my person. We’re not just mother and daughter–we’re soulmates. I’m 28 and I have a 2 year old who absolutely worships my mom…but my mother is dying. They give her a few weeks at most. I’m terrified–I’m so heartbroken. I see my daughter miss my mom and ask for her, not understand why she’s not here, why nana can’t play…and I cry so much, so hard. I feel like I could puke sometimes I cry so hard. I don’t know how to live without my mom. I don’t know what to do.
My grandfather is dying from Cancer and I only have him and my mother, I have been crying and feeling really strange knowing that I am going to lose him, all I want to do is spend a lot of time helping him in every way possible. I love him and he is my everything. My grandma also died from cancer. I do know that we are here on earth to Experience and learn in order to get us ready for our next life.
Thank you Sofia- this is helpful. Although it seems we will never feel totally prepared for such solemn events – these are definitely great “pointers” to help us lessen the burden. I think what hurts me the most is feeling that I’m going to lose my 92 year old mother soon without ever being able to help her through so much past trauma & grief which is making each passing day more difficult & depressing to her. Yet, God does know that I’m trying my best & I am still so grateful for the moments when she seems to be a little more comfortable & somewhat pleased (outdoors on warm sunny day, etc.). Sending much gratitude, love & blessings! ❤🙏💕
Thankyou so much, been feeling overwhelmed and so scared. Seeing my mum deteriate and be in pain. My family and I are all reacting in different ways. For me I try to be strong and do the practical things for my mum alongside my 3 younger sisters. We have had a few pictures and a laugh but there has been tears too. Especially when my mum is so scared and having panic attacks. It’s all so draining but your right about hope. The small things we can do to brighten her day both emotionally and practically is most important. I tell her I love her always. This has really calmed me down thankyou x x x
Thank you Sofia for your wisdom and well thought out articles full of compassion and practicality. I live far away from my mom, half way across the world and it’s been 25 years since we’ve been together like before (i had to move away as I got married)… I adore mom… she’s in her 80’s now and I can see changes in her behavior, which I’m attributing to cognitive decline, and maybe also me living far away … it’s really hard for me as I feel guilty of not being there for her in her old age… now she’s closer to my siblings who live closer to her but that makes me feel alienated and further removed from her despite my wanting to be closer to her specially now. Sorry, I may not be making much sense as I’m not probably explaining it too well… but I hope you get the point . Thanks again 🙏❤️🙏
I’m 28 and my grandad has just been diagnosed with cancer in his lungs, bones, brain and spine. He has very little time left. He’s in hospital and due to COVID restrictions. Our family can’t see him. He is my best friend and I’m struggling to come to terms with this. I’m avoiding the emotions inside me due to the fact I want to be there for my Gran. I’m just so angry all the time now and I don’t know what to do
Thank you for this. I’m currently going through this. My father is a disabled veteran and has just been diagnosed with dementia. Not to mention several other health problems. It’s so difficult to see but you are right and I’m going to do everything in my power to let him know he is loved dearly before he leaves this earth.
I’ve had this since I was 9 years old. I’m almost 42 now and it has just gotten worse. It’s to a point where I cannot cope anymore. There is no eminent danger but any small health issue turns into ( they’re dying ) pets and mom mostly. Therapy is not helping. I’m at a loss and I no longer enjoy living at all
My mom has a little time left. She has dementia, crazy thing is. On Thanksgiving day last year, I heard a voice loud and clear in my ear, it said that, that would be her last Thanksgiving 😭 Now She is towards the end. Last Thanksgiving she was healthy. But I knew we’d be here now. How can I be strong for myself, as well as my siblings who are in complete denial. I’ve actually had a year to process this.
What if your loved one suddenly experiences two life threatening events that could result in a life saving surgery that poses a big risk for death? One week they are fine and taking long walks and the next they are in the ICU, mind slowly encumbered by confusion. This person is my whole world. I expected thirty years with them, and now I have to come to the terms with the fact that I may never see them again, hear their voice, their laughter, their anecdotes and unconditional love. I simply can’t imagine life without them and I am so young, still a teenager. I’m not ready to say goodbye. I don’t want them to leave.
Not sure if this helped. Grief is about you and your loss, not the person dying. When I’m with my wife, we try and stay as positive as we can. But it is hard making necessary plans for the future without her in the plans. It’s the times, I’m along and my thoughts go there without her that are devastating. Like being on the tracks waiting for train and knowing it will hit you. She has stage 4 breast cancer. She is 59, I’m 64. We are not going to be that cute old couple!
Thank you SO much for this article. A few days ago, my loved one was told he’s going to die – and I can’t bear it… I realise I am grieving before he is gone (Anticipatory Grief) I am overwhelmed with guilt; I don’t seem to be able to think or concentrate on any good times we might have had – only the times we fell out, and/or I said horrible things when he used to ignore me when I was in distress… How will I ever come to terms with this? I can only see one way out when he is gone… I already said sorry, asked his forgiveness, told him I love him more than anyone, and told him that none of it was his fault – and I meant every word, but I don’t feel any better… What’ll I do? Please help!
I’m taking care of my mother with Alzheimer’s dementia stage 5 to she’s obese and bedbound, and taking care of my brother who’s had cancer and all sorts of health issues hypoglycemia, diabetes, they both have stage 3 kidney disease, and doing all by myself 24/7. And there’s all sorts of meds meals laundry.. I would not put them in a nursing home. My sister who is older than me, is not helping at all she doesn’t offer to help me say how come help you because she has her own you know she has a epilepsy. But she’s not there for emotional support she doesn’t try to say okay. She ordered the wrong supplies, she doesn’t get them on time, she ignores my phone calls, shut your phone off, and I have no control of money I have no transportation and they cannot be left alone. And I’m perusal this all by myself both of them go away slowly and I’m trying to bring them back and they can’t do what I ask them to do and they they won’t do that to do it’s hard. And I have no time to go anywhere and do anything no time I get short of breath I’m crying all the time I can’t bring it everything has to be done at the same time the dinner the dog the laundry and everything everything the commodes the urinal
Thank you for uploading this article, especially during periods of high stress associated with the coronavirus pandemic. My grandmother sustained a very serious fall yesterday and she’s 90 years old with advanced stage dementia. Her other ailments include congestive heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes. She suffered a broken nose and a head injury that resulted in an aneurysm in the brain. The doctor said it’s only mild, yet if they cannot stabilize the bleeding in the brain, then we’ll have no choice but to send her to hospice.
What if this person is on the verge of suicide because of a chronic illness and he has been turned down by too many doctors that he can’t seem to find any hope anymore, do I understand the suffering he is going through and just let him do it or do I just support his decision and make him have just good last days ? Please help me I’m in so much pain to think of what’s the right thing to do