It can be hard for someone who has suffered the loss of a loved one to let friends and relatives become close. An event that causes shock and sadness sometimes makes us want to withdraw from life–as if remaining withdrawn will keep us protected from the world. But during those times, it is important to reach out to those trusted and precious people who care about us the most. One good resource for a thoughtful discussion about grief is the dailyom.com, which believes that “Sharing grief allows us to ease our burden by letting someone else help carry it…We may feel guilty or selfish, as if we are unloading on someone who has their own challenges. Although, if we think about it, we know that we would do the same for them, and their protests would seem pointless. Remember that not sharing feelings with others denies them the opportunity to feel. We may be the messenger sent by the universe for their benefit, and it is on this mission that we have been sent. By sharing our hopes and fears, joys and pains with another person, we accept the universe’s gifts of wisdom and loving care.” Copies of this article, titled “Sharing Grief: Opening to Receive Comfort” were in a basket at the home of a cousin who passed away suddenly recently. Also in the basket were copies of an article, titled “Growing Through Grief”, by Thomas Moore. Perhaps not suprisingly, comforting words and healthy perspectives on confronting grief and grieving often come from religions and belief systems other than our own. During times of great sorrow, we don’t seem to notice.
