Reflections of Grief and Loss
Writing Series Hub
Overview
Reflections of Grief and Loss Virtual writing series is designed to help put your thoughts on paper and address the concerns and struggles you may have about grieving. As well as better understand the essential value of your feelings, honoring your personal stories, and integrating your past and present realities into a new chapter of life. This writing series is for you and about you. Together we can navigate the ebbs and flows of grief. Together we can heal; you are not alone.
This is a three-month writing series where we meet bi-weekly to discuss the topics provided in your workbook. We will be meeting from 5 pm -7 pm (MST).
DATES
April 12 & 26
May 10 & 24
June 14 & 28
Objectives of the workshop
- To provide a safe place to share our stories, move from isolation to connection, and from judgment to compassion.
- Work through our fears, anger, and shame to be more open to love, joy, and self-kindness.
- To further understand the grieving process of old and current losses.
- To learn the use of healthy emotions to live more fully in the present to create a life that honors your loved one.
- To find balance in our physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual lives.
Topics / Resources
The Hurt of Remebering – It may hurt to recall the life we once shared with our loved ones. Sometimes we may even feel that the kind of happiness we once had can never exist again. It is as if all joy is forever gone. Remember that your loved one’s life is part of your life and no one can take away those moments you shared.
Life on hold – When a loved one dies, the familiarity of our old life is overlooked and replaced with feelings of loneliness and emptiness. One’s dreams, hopes, and plans for the future may have evaporated. For the time being, life seems to be on hold. Though we know that our life must go on, our hearts cannot bear such a reality. To heal, we must let our hearts slowly mend. Take a moment to identify small actions you can take to help you heal.
Grieving My Own Way – It may be hard on our friends and family to see you heartbroken and hurting for what seems to them like a long time. They may want you to get better as quickly as possible. However, their timetable and understanding of grief do not need to be yours. We are all entitled to have our grief. Take a moment to identify healthy ways to set healthy boundaries with people who want you to ‘Get over it’.
Love Finds A Way – Many sights, sounds, and smells remind us of our loved ones. At that moment, we often find ourselves smiling, tearing up or both. While we may miss the life we shared with our loved ones, we are grateful for the simple objects and mementos that remind us of our shared life. We must trust that our message of love and connection found its way to our loved one’s hearts .
Lack of Concentration – With most of your energy expended on grieving, your mind naturally loses its ability to concentrate and stay focused. You may find yourself on “Auto Pilot” as you are preoccupied with your loved one’s death. It’s important to recognize that focusing mentally, physically, and emotionally on your loss is a normal part of the trauma. Be gentle with yourself.
The Right to Grieve – How often have people tried to help you as you grieve and said all the wrong things? When someone we love dies, a variety of emotions will surface. There’s no need to justify your feelings because there are no terms or conditions on who can grieve or for how long. We all have the right to grief. Your feelings are your own and are not something that can, or should, be taken away.
Guided Meditation – Practicing Gentle Kindness toward Ourself
Click the image below to download it and save it as your phon’s screen saver
The Window by Rumi
Your body is away from me
but there is a window open
from my heart to yours.
From this window, like the moon
I keep sending news secretly.
A Changed Life – Losing a loved one to homicide is a painful and daunting experience. It abruptly changes your life and disrupts daily routines. As you navigate the rocky terrain of grief, remember that your loved one gave your life significant meaning and purpose. This ‘new’ chapter in your life is incomprehensible yet you can feel its weight on your soul. Take a moment to reflect on how your sorrow is a tribute to the love you have for your person.
Feeling Unprepared – Although death is an inevitable part of the cycle of life, we will never be prepared to lose our person to homicide. Homicide Grief is complex; it shocks and surprises us. Can we be prepared? Maybe? Take a moment to identify ways, tools, or techniques that help you when overwhelmed and help you find some clarity.
Feeling & Emotions
Everyone experiences different feelings and emotions throughout the day. By learning how to identify your feelings and emotions, you will be able to process them; thus making it easier to manage difficult situations.
#SurvivorStrong Music Playlist
BENEFITS OF EXPRESSIVE WRITING
According to a study done by Cambridge University, writing about traumatic events has improved physical and psychological health. Expressive writing can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; improve our sleep and performance. When used as a tool, expressive writing can help improve your mood; and bring us greater focus and clarity as you move forward in your healing journey.
Bulletin
Use the sections below to post your drawings, answers to the workbook prompts, and ask questions, all while remaining anonymous (unless you choose otherwise). If you are having difficulty viewing the bulletin, click here.
