It may seem like a no brainer. But for many people facing grief there is a belief that they will “get over it” quickly and in a lovely straight progression.
If only!
Unfortunately grief is not like that.
It is more like a twisting tangle that progresses and regresses, that goes up towards your goal of “getting over it” and down towards the original pain.
This is what my two “Demeter’s Journey” groups have been discussing.
All of them agreed their experience of grief was not the straightforward “recovery” they expected it to be.
That idea is so pervasive in our culture, that most of the group felt they were failing or were mentally ill because they were not experiencing a straightforward “recovery”
It was such a relief to them to know they were experiencing the ups and downs, the forward steps and backward steps, the going around in circles, of the rest of the group.
As many have said to me, “I thought I was going mad. Now I know I am just like everyone else.”
All the group participants found it useful to see a counsellor, someone knowledgeable about grief and objective, who could listen without judgement.
The reality of grief is that it is never a straight line.
And that is perfectly okay.
If you would like to talk to me about how I can help you with your path of grief recovery, please contact me on 0409396608 or nan@plentifullifecounselling.com.au
Next year I will be running Demeter’s Journey again on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. If you are interested in being part of that, please email me.
If you would like to learn more, I write a regular newsletter with interesting information, tips, information on courses, and the occasional freebie. At the moment I have a free mindfulness meditation for anyone who signs up to my newsletter. This meditation offers a way to safely explore your feelings and learn to be okay with them. If you would like to subscribe please click on the link here: http://eepurl.com/g8Jpiz