The Journey of Grief: Finding Healing in the Darkness
Embracing Grief:
Grief is a natural part of life, yet it can be one of the most difficult experiences we face. It can be hard to find the words to express our emotions, and we may feel overwhelmed by the weight of our pain. However, there is a way to work through grief and find healing. In her poem "Heavy," Mary Oliver describes the profound sense of loss that can accompany grief. She writes, "This massive darkness makes me small. / You be the master. / Make yourself fierce. / Then my great grief cry will happen to you." Oliver suggests that by being present with our grief, we can transform it into something powerful.
The underworld of grief
When we experience grief, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone. However, it is important to stay awake in these experiences and to go into the underworld of ourselves in that place of the soul. It is the hardest, but there are gifts waiting for us there. This is not where the story ends.
The Many Faces of Grief
Grief can manifest in many different ways. We may feel bitterness, as if the universe has taken things away from us that we need. We may feel as though our hands have been cut off, leaving us without agency in the world. Acute grief can make it hard to remember where we put our keys, but being kind to ourselves during this time is welcome.
Finding Support
When we are in the midst of grief, it can be hard to see a way forward. We may feel as though we are wandering in a dark forest that we have never explored before. However, just as the protagonist in Oliver's poem found help from the birds and squirrels that brought her acorns and nuts, we can find support from unexpected sources. We can trust that we will find our way.
The Path to Renewal:
Eventually, we may come upon a great castle with a moat or an orchard full of pear trees. We may feel desire for the first time after going through the dark forest. As we reach for the things we want, we begin to feel a new strength. Our calloused hands are not the same as they were before, but they are ready for the new person we are becoming.
Regeneration and Support: Embracing the Sacredness of Grief
It is easy to feel as though grief has changed us irrevocably, and in many ways, it has. Our bodies are calloused, and we may no longer feel as soft as we once did. However, there are currents of support and regeneration that can help us find our way back to ourselves. The person who is grieving is most awake and holy. They stand at the threshold of the spirit world, and it is proper to ask them for their help. They have a deep natural wisdom, and the space in between grief and healing is holy ground.
Grief work is a journey that requires patience and compassion. It may be a dark and difficult path, but there are gifts waiting for us along the way. We may feel as though we are wandering in a dark forest, but we can trust that we will find our way. By staying awake in our experiences and asking for help when we need it, we can transform our grief into something powerful and healing.
