Finding Peace and Comfort During Grief

Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. – Pema Chodron

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, I want to talk about finding peace and comfort during grief. Whether your grief experience is recent or not, it takes internal strength to find true peace and comfort while coping with the pain after the death of a loved one. So, instead of living your life worrying about the “what ifs”, spend time preparing your mindset with peaceful thoughts. Here’s a few examples to help you get started:

Find & recite your favorite scripture or prayer
Recite positive affirmations & quotes
Listen to motivational podcasts
Read an inspirational book
Receive uplifting words from a family member or friend

At the end of the day, what’s important is that you’re at peace because your intentions are good, and your heart is pure.

FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF

Grief…for those of us who understand, no explanation is needed. For those of us who do not, no description is possible. – Fran Solomon, Founder HealGrief.org

Now, let’s go over a few important facts about grief. First, we all experience grief differently. Second, there are no set rules to follow when grieving. Third, grief is often described in five stages as described by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:

Denial – This can’t be happening.
Anger – Why did this happen? Who is to blame?
Bargaining – Make this not happen and I will …
Depression – I can’t bear this: I’m too sad to do anything.
Acceptance – I acknowledge that this has happened, and I cannot change it.

Although grief is often described in stages, each stage may last for a different period of time and it’s important to note that everyone may not experience all of the stages. Either way, make sure you acknowledge some or all of the stages as you experience them so you will understand what may be happening in your life.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF

I’m unsure which pain is worse…the shock of what happened or the ache for what never will. – Unknown Author

Next, let’s discuss the common signs and symptoms of grief so we can begin the healing process a lot sooner.

Shock and disbelief – You may feel numb or question whether the loss really happened.
Sadness – Profound sadness can lead to a feeling of isolation.
Guilt – You may feel guilt over things you said or did.
Anger – You may be angry with the person, caregivers or God/Higher Power.
Fear – You may begin to fear your own mortality or facing life without your loved one.
Physical – Nausea, fatigue, lowered immunity, weight loss or gain, insomnia, aches and pains.

It’s my hope that you may be able to cope with life once you understand what’s happening during the grief process.

WAYS TO FIND PEACE AND COMFORT DURING GRIEF

Today I choose: calm over chaos; serenity over stress; peace over perfection; grace over grit; faith over fear. – Mary Davis

You can find peace and comfort during grief by speaking peace into your life every day. Examples – 1) Today, I am totally safe and surrounded by love, light, peace, and joy. 2) Today, I invite peace and harmony to dwell in me and surround me at all times. 3) Today, I have the freedom and power to create the life I desire.

Here’s a few more ways to find peace and comfort during grief:

Talk to someone you trust – family, friends, therapist, grief counselor, etc.
Take a walk outside and enjoy nature.
Listen to your favorite music to help calm your spirit.
Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises.
Establish a self-care routine for yourself.
Find something that you enjoy doing – a new hobby, learn a new skill, take a class, etc.
Stop feeling shame and guilt.
Make gratitude a part of your life.
Acknowledge and release negativity.
Practice doing relaxing activities – writing in a journal, reading, painting, coloring, etc.

Keep in mind that you already have peace within you, right now, in this very moment. Instead of ignoring and judging others, let’s be more supportive to others who may be struggling with finding peace and comfort during grief. After all, just lending a listening ear will do wonders.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Journal writing is a voyage to the interior. – Christina Baldwin

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!

MIND

Meditate on peaceful thoughts. Define those thoughts in detail and write about them.
What takes your mind away from peaceful thoughts?
What is one thing I can do this week to improve my meditation time?

BODY

What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
How can I honor my body on today?
Does your self-care need improvement? How would you improve it?

SPIRIT

How do you cope with struggles? What set a spark in your soul? Write about it.
Wat am I grateful for and why?
How much you are trusting God with your life right now?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Please share what brings peace into your life during grief. What stages of grief are you currently experiencing? Are you familiar with any of the common signs and symptoms of grief? How do you find peace within? How can you write yourself into a peaceful state? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!