Grief is a landscape we all must traverse at some point, a winding road of sorrow, confusion, and transformation. Whether mourning a loved one, an ended relationship, or a life we once knew, grief manifests in many forms, refusing to be contained within neat stages or timelines. While the pain of loss is inevitable, healing is possible—though it rarely comes in the way we expect.

This piece explores how we heal, the spiritual practices that can guide us, and how to support those around us who are grieving.

The Nature of Grief: A Personal and Universal Experience

Grief does not follow a straight path. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s famous five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) offer a framework, but in reality, grief is nonlinear. Some days, we may feel numb. Other days, sadness, guilt, or even laughter may arise unexpectedly.

Modern psychology suggests that grief never truly "ends"; rather, we learn to carry it differently. In many ways, grief is love with nowhere to go, an echo of connection that lingers long after loss.

How Do We Heal?

Healing is not about forgetting, moving on, or finding closure—it’s about learning to integrate loss into our lives while still moving forward. Here are key ways people find healing:

1. Acknowledging the Pain

Avoiding grief only prolongs suffering. Healing begins when we allow ourselves to feel, without judgment. Journaling, speaking with a therapist, or simply allowing emotions to surface without suppression can help.

2. Finding Meaning in Loss

Grief can shift our perspectives, revealing what matters most. Some people find meaning by honoring a loved one’s legacy—through storytelling, creative expression, or acts of service. Books like "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion or "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl explore how meaning can emerge from suffering.

3. Reconnecting with the Body

Grief often feels like it exists only in the mind, but it lives in the body too. Somatic practices such as yoga, breathwork, and movement therapy help release stored emotions.

4. Seeking Connection

Grief can be isolating, but healing often happens in the community. Support groups, grief counselors, or simply opening up to a trusted friend can provide comfort.

Spiritual Practices That Can Support Healing

Different traditions and belief systems offer wisdom for navigating grief. Whether religious or secular, these practices can provide solace:

1. Meditation & Mindfulness

Practices like loving-kindness meditation (Metta) allow us to direct compassion toward ourselves and those we’ve lost. Mindfulness helps us sit with grief without being overwhelmed.

2. Rituals & Ancestral Honouring

Many cultures practice rituals to honour those who have passed. In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of remembrance. In Japan, Obon festivals honor the spirits of ancestors. Creating a personal ritual—lighting a candle, writing letters to the deceased, or maintaining an altar—can provide a sense of connection.

3. Sound Healing & Music Therapy

Certain sounds and frequencies are known to ease emotional pain. Binaural beats, singing bowls, and mantras can calm the nervous system. Listening to music that holds personal significance can also facilitate emotional release.

4. Nature as a Teacher

Many find healing in nature. Walking in the forest, sitting by the ocean, or simply observing the cycles of the seasons reminds us that life is always in motion and that death is not an ending, but a transformation.

How Do We Support Others in Grief?

When someone we love is grieving, we often feel helpless. What can we say? What can we do? The most important thing is to hold space without trying to fix, minimize, or rush their process.

What Helps

✅ Presence: Sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply sit with someone in their grief. No words needed.
✅ Validation: Avoid phrases like “at least they lived a long life” or “everything happens for a reason.” Instead, acknowledge their pain: “I can’t imagine how hard this is for you, but I’m here.”
✅ Acts of Service: Bringing food, handling logistics, or just offering a distraction (a walk, a movie night) can be incredibly supportive.

What to Avoid

🚫 Toxic Positivity: Telling someone to "just stay strong" or "be grateful for the time they had" can make them feel like their grief is invalid.
🚫 Rushing Their Process: Grief doesn’t have an expiration date. There’s no “should” in how long it takes.
🚫 Making It About You: While sharing your own experiences can sometimes help, ensure it doesn’t overshadow their moment of pain.

The Beauty of Grief: A Reminder of Love

Grief is not something to "get over." It is proof that we have loved deeply, that something mattered. In time, the sharp edges soften, and while the loss remains, it becomes woven into the fabric of who we are.

By embracing the process, leaning into spiritual or creative practices, and supporting those around us with patience and care, we can navigate grief not as an enemy but as a teacher—one that ultimately reminds us of the richness of being alive.