Five Words To Direct Your Grief

To grieve is inevitable, a condition of existence. Attempts at avoiding or ignoring this healing process leads eventually to increased and unnecessary suffering. Bottom line: feeling the pain, facing it day after day, allowing it to take its natural course through you, brings greater self-awareness, acceptance, and new awareness.

While allowing the natural progression to take place there are a number of thoughts and behaviors we can entertain that will reduce pain and strengthen our inner lives. Here are five words to contemplate and build upon as you let go of resistance and confront the many changes that lie ahead.

1. Intention. Success in any field of endeavor, but especially in coping with the death of a loved one, depends initially on a single powerful belief: that you can meet the challenge before you. For those mourning it means "I will adapt to this great change in my life." That commitment, that intent, has to be in the forefront of your thoughts day in and day out. Make plans on how to renew your intention as you begin each day. What will you say to yourself? What will you do to act as you wish to be? The key question to answer is: What do I want? Spell it out, and go for it.

2. Regularity. The repetition of new thoughts and behaviors result in new habits and routines, a crucial part of coping well. These habits, routines, and rituals are necessary parts of your new life without the physical presence of your loved one. And most do not want to begin them. However, be motivated to adapt by the following belief: you will always have a connection to your loved one. The key word here is always. Death cannot destroy that connection. He or she will forever be in your heart, just a thought away. Our loved ones are well aware of our trials. The important understanding is that you can love in separation and prepare to accept the new conditions of your life. These two elements are not mutually exclusive.

3. Balance. One of the damaging mistakes many of us make in mourning the death of a loved one is to forget about self-care. It is absolutely essential to realize that one of the most useful coping responses is to balance our deep sadness with care of the self. This means taking time each day to do something that replenishes our energy and gives us a time out from our sadness. "Me-time" is a period of replenishment giving body and mind a break. Start building a list today of the things you like to do. Add to it each day as new ideas or memories pop into mind. Then each day take time just for you. And be sure to analyze your diet and walking routines which can highly influence the course of your grief work.

Read More: http://EzineArticles.com/7155461