During this uprecedented pandemic, many of us are taking stock of our lives. We are taking the forced down time to reflect, really reflect, upon the ones we care about, our experiences, both good and bad, and grieving over ones lost. Sometimes new waves of grief come even when a loved one has passed away years ago. We may have triggers pop up unexpectedly. Please, my tribe, do not try to stuff down feelings. We are entitled to all of the facets of our lives. We do not have to put on a brave face. Besides, our faces are covered with large protective masks most of the time, so sob away.
Grief is not a linear model. The stages we may feel over the loss of a relationship through a break up or a move away may feel deep, oh so deep as death. We do not have to get over loss. We must get through loss, one day at a time, more like a wild rollercoaster ride rather than a sleek linear train ride. And, that is enough. It is more than enough. It is good to grieve. It is good grief. Yes. We can have grief that is good. It is good for us to work, really work through our actions propelled by the feelings we feel. The best part of grieving (if it can be said there is a best part) is that although we may feel lonely at times, we are not alone. I think especially now, we are not alone. So many humans around the world are experiencing the same things in the same time frame. We are an important part of history.
I leave you with this. Reach out to your friends, family, colleagues in the many ways there are to communicate. Imagine the isolation of the early 20th century when the flu pandemic was widespread. Those folks were more isolated than we are, with no tv, phones, cell phones, text, facetime, skype, zoom, etc. We can call upon each others' strengths and humor to connect. We can connect with our creative expression through the many art forms, uniting the human family. Good grief builds resilience. I accept. Do you?
I want to hear from you.
Blessings.
KJ Landis
Grief is not a linear model. The stages we may feel over the loss of a relationship through a break up or a move away may feel deep, oh so deep as death. We do not have to get over loss. We must get through loss, one day at a time, more like a wild rollercoaster ride rather than a sleek linear train ride. And, that is enough. It is more than enough. It is good to grieve. It is good grief. Yes. We can have grief that is good. It is good for us to work, really work through our actions propelled by the feelings we feel. The best part of grieving (if it can be said there is a best part) is that although we may feel lonely at times, we are not alone. I think especially now, we are not alone. So many humans around the world are experiencing the same things in the same time frame. We are an important part of history.
I leave you with this. Reach out to your friends, family, colleagues in the many ways there are to communicate. Imagine the isolation of the early 20th century when the flu pandemic was widespread. Those folks were more isolated than we are, with no tv, phones, cell phones, text, facetime, skype, zoom, etc. We can call upon each others' strengths and humor to connect. We can connect with our creative expression through the many art forms, uniting the human family. Good grief builds resilience. I accept. Do you?
I want to hear from you.
Blessings.
KJ Landis
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