Befriending Your Grief

Befriending your grief may sound like a strange concept, however it’s been one of the most helpful shifts in perception for me over the years as I’ve learned to live open-heartedly, allowing space for both grief and joy. Because grief can be so uncomfortable and painful (especially in the beginning), it can be easy to want to run from it or treat it as something negative. However, the more I’ve accepted grief as an integral part of life – just like love and joy – I’ve been able to process my grief in a way that feels more grounded and even gentle. 

I’ve learned over time that the heaviest weight of deep grief does not last forever. The intense pain gradually releases as we allow it to move through us and transform us. Rather than a scary or overwhelming energy, our grief can become a sacred space where we are fully authentic with what exists in our heart and our body. Grief gives us permission to be within our truth and acknowledge all of the love we carry. 

There is nothing wrong with us when we grieve. In fact, I feel that we are in one of our most natural human states when we allow grief to be our companion. Grief may awaken us to important reminders – such as the depth of love we have for life and those in it, and the gratitude we hold for moments of beauty and joy, no matter how brief. Grief allows us to break open and expand without being broken. It can give us a deeper, more intimate view into who we are and what truly matters. 

I invite you to begin viewing your grief as a friend and teacher. Allow it to be a wise guide through your loss, keeping you mindful of your needs and connected to your innermost self. This is essential when it comes to our self-care and healing. When we fully surrender to the grief process, even through the messiness, we build awareness and trust within ourselves for the journey ahead. There is so much gentle wisdom that grief provides when we allow it to show us the way.