Mourning Pages
Aftercare
Writing your way through grief can be scary. Allowing the tears and emotions to hit the page can feel intense. Sometimes we use other things to numb or distract us but those distractions only lead to delayed healing. By joining Mourning Pages you are giving yourself at least an hour of grace and courage to show up and be who and what you are in that moment, knowing that is all that is needed. It is enough.
This process isn't about wallowing in pain. It isn't about blame or staying stuck in grief. It is about giving space to feel free enough so that the feelings can find a healthier way to be present and move on.
In addition to our time together, here are practices you may consider incorporating:
Writing your way through grief can be scary. Allowing the tears and emotions to hit the page can feel intense. Sometimes we use other things to numb or distract us but those distractions only lead to delayed healing. By joining Mourning Pages you are giving yourself at least an hour of grace and courage to show up and be who and what you are in that moment, knowing that is all that is needed. It is enough.
This process isn't about wallowing in pain. It isn't about blame or staying stuck in grief. It is about giving space to feel free enough so that the feelings can find a healthier way to be present and move on.
In addition to our time together, here are practices you may consider incorporating:
- Try to not schedule a meeting immediately after our session, if possible, so you won't feel you have to push aside the feelings that may have come up in your writing. You might want/need to move your body instead by exercising/walking or dancing. Movement is healing. too.
- As the rule goes with Morning Pages, don't read what you wrote when you're done. Let it exist on the page and let it be... unless you're using our time to work on something you want to have published :-).
- Allow yourself time to rest. Your nervous system needs extra care when you're grieving. Maybe take a long bath or shower. Drink plenty of water (less alcohol).
- Love yourself fully! This means no judgement about your writing (quality or quantity), your feelings, your productivity, etc. Give yourself grace.
- Implement journaling throughout your week and not just days we meet.
- Find a grief counselor or group in your area, if you haven't already.
- Start your own writing circle (we can't have too many).
- Check out "The Art of Losing," a poetry anthology edited by Kevin Young, if you haven't already. It has been one of my favorite companions. You might enjoy it as well.