Grieving Well:

Body, Mind, Soul, and Spirit

Grieving Well: Mind, Body, Soul, and Spirit

by Meagan Good, MA, LPC; Founder of Take Heart

October 9, 2024

Grief is universal. 

 

We all experience grief and loss. Perceived or real, our losses are valid: loss of loved ones, loss of abilities, loss of friendships, loss of work, loss of goals, loss of opportunities, loss of health… and so many more.

Grief also impacts each of us differently, and there are many factors that influence how we grieve. There is no shame in struggling with grief and loss.
 
You may find grief support in a variety of ways – Sometimes what we traditionally think of as supportive is hard to find, such as a grief counselor. But grief impacts our body, mind, soul, and spirit – and we must address it in all these areas as we process.

Body: movement, which can vary for each person, is healing. It can be gentle movement like yoga or stretching or walking; expressive movement like dance or art; connecting movement like spending time with animals; or vigorous movement like hitting the gym or taking a kickboxing class. It helps to release all the stressful energy!
 
Mind: we all process things differently. Creative endeavors like art, crafting, or journaling one’s thoughts; connecting and talking about the person or experience of loss; talking with a counselor if any anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles arise because of the grief.
 
Soul: our emotional self is of course going to feel a wide variety of emotions! We must allow the emotions to come without judgment. Sadness is usually “accepted,” but sometimes we invalidate our feelings of anger, guilt, or fear surrounding loss. Again, activities like journaling or artwork, or talking with each other or a therapist, can be helpful in processing emotions.
 
Spirit: no matter one’s spiritual background, loss often brings up existential questions. Faith can be a real source of comfort – we know that Jesus himself experienced grief and all the emotions that come along with it. If you are a person of faith, you may be able to pray with others who also experienced the same or a similar loss, or hold a small memorial to help bring closure and connection. Even if not, some kind of way to remember and memorialize the person or situation can be meaningful: looking through pictures, notes, writing a letter, or memories of the person or situation surrounding the loss. 
 

It’s also important to note: Don’t Grieve Alone.

 

If you are struggling with grief, look for connection. Share with someone you can trust.

 

And if you’re not sure who that is in your life, or if you just need some extra support, we are here for you. It’s powerful to allow yourself to experience honest emotions with a therapist and horses who can just hold space for you. 

Ready to start your
life changing journey?

Wherever you are at on your journey, we are here for you. Our human and equine team will walk alongside you so you can find hope, healing, and wholeness in your life. You are worth it. Don't hesitate, reach out to us today.

Book Now