Loss of loved ones

"People do not die for us immediately but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive. It is as though they were traveling abroad." Marcel Proust

The death of those closest to us presents challenges not imagined, even though death is a natural part of life the sadness, grief, shock and confusion that may present itself at the time may feel like it will never go away...

The sadness typically diminishes in intensity as time passes, but grieving is an important process to overcome these feelings and continue to embrace the time you had with your loved one. Memories keep loved ones close.

Talking about the death of your loved one makes it real, celebration of their life and reflecting on your relationship are ways of keeping their memory alive rather than denial. Looking over old photographs are a part of the process 

If your relationship with the deceased was difficult, this will also add another dimension to the grieving process. It may take time before you are able to look back on the relationship and adjust to the loss.

Remember to take care of yourself and your family, someone else may need your support to cope with their grieving. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions come up for you. There is no timeframe for grieving, however, if you are experiencing intense grief, anxiety, or depression over long periods of time then you may consider talking to a professional.

Learn more about ceremonies for loss and grief in our TCN's for Everyone  section.