a word about grief

Grief is a normal part of the human experience, yet our Western culture does not honor this important part of the life cycle. The message to those grieving has frequently been to

"get over it" or to "move on" when what we need is for someone to be with us in our grief. Our friends and family may not be available. Fear that grief will be overwhelming is common. Sometimes we can’t find our grief or feel ambivalent or guilty. We know now that the grieving process is an essential part of healing; avoiding it, or moving on too quickly, actually has negative repercussions such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. We can feel grief for a range of losses, from rejection or dissappointment, to a death. As we work together through this important process, we can ultimately find strength and acceptance.