Grief is a part of life—but how do you take it in stride? Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal journey—and it’s one that unfolds differently for everyone. While there’s no “right” (or wrong) way to grieve, understanding the bereavement process can provide clarity, compassion, and tools for navigating this challenging time.
Read on to learn more about different steps you can take if you’re handling the loss of a loved one, or if you’re navigating any sort of bereavement and grief process.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Judgment
The bereavement experience can evoke a wide spectrum of emotions—including sadness, anger, confusion, and even relief, at times. It’s easy to allow these emotions to catch us off-guard, possibly putting us into a state of defense. However, it’s important to resist this natural tendency to restrict, allowing these feelings to surface without judgment.
If you find this difficult, try to remember: Each emotion plays a role in helping you process the loss. Embrace the freedom to speak your truth how you can, being your authentic self. If you don’t prefer to verbalize your feelings, journaling or speaking with a trusted confidant can be a safe way to release and explore them.
2. Recognize the Stages of Grief
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief—known as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—are often referenced to describe how many people experience loss. The potential concern with this model is that grieving is rarely linear.
For example: You may cycle through stages or revisit certain emotions—so acceptance of all points of the bereavement journey is essential.
3. Seek Support From Your Community
Isolation often deepens the pain of bereavement. If you’re grieving, consider reaching out to loved ones, friends, or support groups to share your thoughts and memories. You may also consider professional counseling or human design if you feel stuck in your grief. Many people find comfort in connecting with others who understand their experience, despite the initial feelings of discomfort that can surface when you start.
4. Create Space for Healing Rituals
Honoring the memory of your loved one through rituals—whether lighting a candle, planting a tree, or writing a letter to them—can be a meaningful way to process grief. These acts can provide moments of peace, mindful intention, and connection to your loved one’s legacy, helping you preserve their memory for a lifetime.
5. Be Patient With Yourself
Lastly—you need to be patient with yourself. Healing takes time, and the human condition prompts us to try to “rush it” because it’s painful.
The unfortunate bereavement truth is that there’s no timeline for grief. You may find moments of joy, and then feel overcome with sadness. You may even experience both at once, very intensely. However, you don’t have to let it catch you off guard. Both are part of the process. Instead, you can be intentionally kind to yourself and recognize the strength it takes to keep moving forward.
Are You Experiencing the Loss of a Loved One?
Bereavement and grieving, as practices, can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Lean into the support of your community and give yourself the time and space you need to heal. Remember, grief is an expression of love—and through it, healing is possible. Even when you’re not mourning a person but a relationship.
Looking for support as you walk through the bereavement process? At VelaMira, we create a safe, supportive space where you can process your emotions and honor your healing at your own pace. If you’re navigating grieving and need compassionate 1:1 support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with us today to learn more.