Episode 18: The Language of Grief - Part 2
“The Truth will set you free.” - John 8:32
Summary: In this episode, the speakers discuss the importance of creating space for grief and the different orientations of grief: restoration and loss. They share personal experiences and strategies for navigating these orientations, such as setting boundaries, creating safe spaces, and practicing self-compassion. The speakers emphasize the need for realistic expectations and gentle self-talk during the grieving process. They also touch on the challenges of returning to work while grieving and the importance of self-care. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of honoring and embracing all parts of your grief as you learn more about integrating and healing with Jesus. They conclude by acknowledging that the journey of grief is unique to each individual and offer practical tips for navigating between loss and restoration orientation.
Takeaways:
Moving between loss orientation and restoration orientation is a lifelong process of growing in our capacity to hold space for both sorrow and joy.
Communication and sharing our feelings can help us move between these two states and regulate our emotions.
Finding trustworthy people to share our grief with is important for healing and growth.
Caring for ourselves and seeking help from mental health professionals or spiritual directors can facilitate the healing process.
The journey of grief is unique to each individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It may take time, trial and error, and experimentation to find what works best for us.
Explore creating safe and private spaces for grief to fully experience loss orientation.
Set realistic expectations for yourself during the grieving process.
Practice self-compassion and gentle self-talk.
Find strategies to contain and express intense emotions, such as watching sad movies or dosing grief in small increments.
Recognize the challenges of returning to work while grieving and prioritize self-care.
