Approximately half of Americans are celebrating right now, and half are grieving.
Celebration posts are easy to find. But what of those who are not celebrating? Already I've seen calls to move forward and to be honest, I struggle with the pace of those messages. While they may be easy proclaim when the author sides with the victor, or is ambivalent, or already in a personal place of peace, it is not so easy for those still reeling from the punching bag of the last few days.
In order to move from profound sadness and fear to acceptance, hope, and solid ground, sometimes we pass through a place of grief. And as we recall, there are stages in this process.
So, if you are (or someone you love is) stuck in the uncomfortable emotions of denial, bargaining, and anger, take a deep breath and know that this is normal. It is okay to rest here for a moment.
Once we acknowledge that this space is valid, we can consider ways to process our emotions and move to a happier disposition- both internally and eternally.
A few ideas on how to do this:
- Find a safe place to express your fears. As Emily P. Freeman often says: "name the unnamed things within you." The things you are afraid to say outloud or in most circles, but still need to process.
- Consider what is not lost. Recall what is present, what is good, what offers joy and peace in this moment.
- Take some time alone to center your thoughts
- Listen to music or read poetry that reflects your mood.
- Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea and visit another world, travel to Middle Earth or Downton Abbey or perhaps a galaxy far far away.
- Take a long walk in nature. Listen to the birds. Feel the sun and the breeze.
- Pray for comfort and peace
Whatever your feelings today- may you have joy in your gladness and hope in any sadness. And peace that settles deep.
Photo by Lukasz Szmigiel on Unsplash
Words by Kristen
