There are many rituals for honoring and mourning the dead. There are funerals, wakes, burials, shrines, etc… Among all of this it is easy to lose ourselves
A colleague wrote about how she made a commitment to herself during a particularly difficult time in her life. She made a ceremony out of it with flowers and a ring to wear and remember this commitment. I thought this was fantastic! This is something we should do in the midst of our grief – make a commitment to tend our minds, bodies, and souls.
Take time to make one of the rituals for yourself. You are worth self-love and self-care during mourning… especially during mourning. This can be a time to commune, or feel the presence, of your loved one. To talk out loud with them and share everything you’re thinking and feeling.. It’s a time to feel every emotion you have without restraint and without fear of others’ opinions.
- Some ideas for a self-care ritual:
- starting (or continuing) therapy
- cooking a special meal once a week
- going to a special spot you shared
- walking in a cemetery
- hear me out… no one bothers you in a cemetery.
- no one will think twice about seeing you sobbing
- the grounds are well-maintained and beautiful
- swimming
- writing
- painting/drawing
- turning on the music and having a private dance party
Don’t limit yourself to my ideas – do what makes your heart sing!
There will seasons of grieving with others and then seasons of grieving alone. They are both important in the balance of life. The important thing is that you continue to engage with your life while remembering, honoring, and mourning your loved one.
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