“Men who suffer not, attain no perfection. The plant most pruned by the gardeners is that one which, when the summer comes, will have the most beautiful blossoms and the most abundant fruit. - Abdu’l-Baha”
Specific pain coping skills often include some of the strategies outlined above, particularly relaxation and pacing of activity level.
"Close your eyes and imagine a beautiful place. A cool breeze is blowing gently."
Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. Meditation may significantly reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, and enhance peace, perception, self-concept, and well-being. With practice, meditation can create a structured space to allow yourself to just be, feel, and accept.
"Be strong, don't let others see you upset."
Some people may struggle to carry out daily activities. Individuals with severe grief or complicated grief could benefit from the help of a licensed mental health professional Therapist, Psychiatrist or clinical Psychologist expert in grief counseling.They can help by providing a safe place to talk about what you are feeling. Counseling can be done face-to-face or online via E-therapy and digital platform Quenza. E-therapy is provided via e-mail, video conferencing, virtual reality technology, chat technology or combination of these.
"Books are good company, in sad times and happy times"
Books on Grief are our invaluable companions. They help us understand what is happening to us. Books make us feel less alone and help find more grief coping strategies. Reading about how others have come to terms with their losses can be very useful in finding our own way through our grief journey. Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses literature to support good mental health. Many grief books contain great wisdom and offer guidance, solace and information to make the most difficult of times a little easier to navigate.
" When you miss someone, every song you hear seems to be written and sung with them in mind."
Music calms the body and mind. Music has also been associated with emotional expression of sadness. Inescapable grief seems to require musical accompaniment. Music provides a safe space to feel the emotions of loss. Soft, soothing music fosters healing. It helps us process those feelings and move toward a place of acceptance. When we sing or listen to music that moves us, it’s hard to avoid our feelings. It helps us to express ourselves and release emotional stress. Music connects us with the memory of our loved ones.
We are not human beings trying to be spiritual. We are spiritual beings trying to be human - Jacquelyn Small
Spirituality includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life. It is a universal human experience - sacred or transcendent or simply a deep sense of aliveness and interconnectedness. Some may find that their spiritual life is intricately linked to their association with a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue. Others may pray or find comfort in a personal relationship with God or a higher power
“Art can permeate the very deepest part of us, where no words exist.”
Different forms of Art like Painting and Photography are used to express human sufferings. While we are struggling with our grieving process, creating artwork can be very therapeutic. Creativity gives a sense of control and allows you to tell your story. It can help contain, understand and express your feelings, it also helps release your painful, stressful emotions bottled up inside and brings inner peace , relaxation and calm. Participating in a creative activity encourages us to use our imaginations, and detach ourselves from the pain we feel in moments of sadness.
"When grief rains down in far too many pieces nature still holds my one blue soul"
Nature can provide solace in grief. Being in restorative environments like Gardens, parks, River sides, Lake side, mountains, jungle reduces stress and nurtures our mental and emotional health. Emotional support may come in the form of new bonds with animals, plants or natural landscapes. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.Nature also teaches about the circle of life. You may find comfort by visiting scenery that has been dear to your loved one.
" Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories. – Ronald Reagan"
Help others dealing with the loss. Spending time with loved ones of the deceased can help everyone cope. Whether it’s sharing stories or listening to your loved one’s favorite music, these small efforts can make a big difference to some. Helping others has the added benefit of making you feel better as well. It can be a meaningful way to honour a loved one. In the wake of your own loss, you may feel emotionally fragile and overwhelmed. So please be self-aware of your boundaries, limitations and when feeling of burden.
"The struggle you are in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow." – Robert Tew
Engaging in physical activities like easy forms of exercise including walking especially outdoors and yoga are very good and positive tools. Exercise stimulates endorphins, which help to relieve stress and anxiety. Walking with others helps ease feelings of loneliness.Doing it regularly will also keep you active. Try less strenuous options and avoid putting pressure on yourself. Tai chi, a non-competitive martial art is especially beneficial to those who are moving through the grief process. It combines gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness.
“Pets are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras
Animals have great healing power. Keeping a pet is a responsibility but having said that, Pets are man’s best friend. In times of hardship and struggle pets offer emotional support, someone to talk to and help grieving people cope with the void. They reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and relieve us of depression and can just cheer you up. Pets, especially dogs are extremely intuitive and can sense if their owner is feeling down. Pets fulfill emotional needs like love, comfort, security and companionship.
You can unsubscribe or change your preferences at any time, simply call or email us.
DISCLAIMER This website does not provide medical advice.
Please Note: This website is for informational purposes only. No content on this site, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers for any health-related questions you may have. IMWIDU does not endorse or recommend any commercial products or services.
IMWIDU FOUNDATION is a nonprofit charity registered in INDIA