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Jesus Wept. Why Can’t We?
In the US, when someone we love dies, there are a myriad of ways we convey the death of a person to those around us: They “passed on.” They are “no longer with us.” They are “in a better place.” It’s all very sterile and removed from the reality of death. The way we speak…
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Mother’s Day- It’s Complicated
A lot of money and energy is spent on and around Mother’s Day to promote the celebration of mothers. When many think about Mother’s Day, images of breakfast in bed and presents surrounding a grateful and gracious matriarch come to mind. It’s the one day universally recognized as the day moms don’t have to cook,…
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The Problem with “But it’s not as bad as…”
We’ve all said it. We’re struggling over something and we’re feeling it, but instead of allowing ourselves to sit in the feelings, we remind ourselves that we shouldn’t be complaining. After all, this other person we know (or don’t) is going through something far worse. Right? What we’re actually doing when we normalize this comparison…
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The Grief Retreat- September 7th-10th, 2023
Moon Rising Retreat Center, Blowing Rock, NC This weekend retreat is a supportive space to feel and heal. Grief is something we all must move with and through when someone we love has died, but it can be difficult to put in the time and energy in a fast-paced world where everyone expects us to “have…
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The Holiday Grief Retreat
The Holiday Grief Retreat – Nov. 16-19, 2023 The Heartwood House, Blue Ridge GA The holidays can be particularly painful when you are grieving. The Fall Grief Retreat is intended to grant you the space to move through your fears surrounding the holidays, find new rituals that can help you honor your loved one, and find a…
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What We Can Learn from “Dancing Stones”
Modern architecture, with all our advanced technologies, can be a wonder to behold. Cantilevered structures seemingly defy gravity as they sit hanging off mountain sides or jutting out, mid-air, over crashing ocean waves. But the wonder quickly fades in the wake of natural disasters. Throw an earthquake into the mix and those structures are left…
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Grief Rituals as a Way to Stay Connected to Your Loved One
Long after the funeral/celebration of life, we continue to love our loved ones. Engaging in grief rituals allows us to acknowledge our loss and continue to connect with that special person. Research has also shown a decrease in depression and anxiety for those who participate in grief ritual on special days. Here are some ideas…
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What Art Can Teach Us About Grief
Art has been a therapeutic outlet for grieving for me. It always has been. Something I continue to be amazed by is how much I want to control the outcome of my art (much like my life) and how often things go unexpectedly, despite my best efforts. When I focus on controlling the moment and…
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Being Irritable is Completely Normal in Grief
Did you know it’s completely normal to be irritable when you’re coping with grief? Irritability can come from poor sleep patterns, feeling out of control or powerless, feeling frustrated with how your family and friends are responding to your loss, and more. Here are some ways to cope: Irritability is a symptom, not a primary…
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Why Society is Not a Good Example for Processing Grief
I attended the funeral of a high school friend last year and the eulogy was given by a pastor. In his talk, he looked at my friend’s mom and told her she didn’t need to cry anymore- on the day of her son’s funeral as she sat looking at him in his casket. I was…
Lionheart Grief Coaching 