The Power of Nature in Transforming Grief

There are many benefits to taking time out in nature whilst grieving.  Too often we do not give ourselves the space that we need.  By going to nature we can create this space.  What is even more powerful is that nature has the ability to reduce our stress and boost our immune system.  By being outside feel-good chemicals are released in the brain that can help change the way that we feel.  Our brain in nature experiences the same frequency as it does when we meditate which means our pain naturally lessens in nature.

By looking to nature we can also find metaphors that represent our current emotions.  We may find that the howling wind of a storm reflects the whirl storm of emotions that are within.  The torrential rain may reflect the tears that we shed.  The dead silence of freshly fallen snow may represent the numbness and disbelief we feel at what’s happened.  Next time you are outside have a look at what part of nature draws your attention and see how it reflects how you are feeling as you move through the grief of your loved one dying.

Spending time outside in nature also offers us the opportunity to explore what death means for us.  One of my favourite quotes is by the poet Charles McKay, “In nature nothing dies.  From each sad moment of decay some forms of life arise.”  When you next spend time in nature think about this quote and see its self-evident truth.  Allow yourself to explore how this affects what you think about the death of your loved one. 

Many nature-connect tribes believed that when their loved one died they returned to the earth.  They believed that they could hear their loved one on the wind and see their spirit in some aspect of nature.  This brought them closer to their loved one and allowed them to still feel connected to their loved one.  Explore this when you are out in nature next and discover if there is a way for you to feel connected to your loved one.

Commit to going outside and spending some time in nature today.  Find a place that you feel safe and secure in, a place where you feel supported.  Give yourself permission to explore whatever it is that comes up inside you.  As you do, trust that the energy within nature is helping you to move though whatever comes up for you.  Find something you are attracted to in nature and think about how this could offer you insight into whatever is coming up from you.

Questions for Self-Reflection:

• Think about a time in nature that is really special for you.  What sensations made this memorable?
• How did it make you feel?
• Where is your favourite nature spot?
• How could you bring nature more into your life to help support you as you move through grief?