Understanding Grief

Observing our personal reaction to loss without judgment promotes healthy grieving. We need to face what is true about the deceased, relationship, death and loss. Being able to name the good and the bad helps us understand and honor the personal aspects and impact of the loss.

We are challenged to translate our grief into mourning, meaningfully expressing our grief. Identifying and acquiring support can be a difficult, but support is an important component for getting through our grief. Grieving in isolation adds to our pain.

Integrating the experience of loss is crucial for an optimal outcome of grieving and mourning. How we, and our life, have been changed by loss is important. Integrating our experience of grief and change adds meaning to our experience of loss and pain. Maturity and wisdom are the fruits of the labor of grieving and mourning. These are important and useful qualities for living.