Gratitude & Grief there is room for both
Can you hold the space for both gratitude and grief?
"Remember that if you look for the light in your life, and move towards it, you will find something wonderful. Remember even in the darkest of nights, you can look up, and see the stars and know there is something much bigger than you guiding you through your days. And remember that it is our responsibility, much like the light on my tree, to be the lights for others who cross our path on this earth.
Be the light for someone today, and the next day, and the next day, and the one after that too. Be the light that may help someone find there way out of their own dark night." -Kelly Buckley
I can't think of a day that has gone by since last December that I hadn't cried at least once. I typically make space each morning for the grief to arise from all the losses and traumas over the last several years. 2020 has been quite the year for all and we are grieving together on a global level, because we have all lost who we thought we were, and are finding out what is important to us, whether we want to or not. So, even though I start my mornings off with many tears, heart ache, and pain, both physically and emotionally, I still find time for gratitude and love. I still choose the path of love and light rather than darkness. I start my morning off with some coffee, a journal, and a colored pen of my choice for what resonates with me that day. I write what's on my mind even if it's not "positive" or "good" or "grateful". I write positive affirmations about myself and love letters to myself. I write a page of gratitude. Some days I simply just don't feel grateful, and that is okay too. I make space for it all to be there.
I meditate each morning and find time for some mindful movement. I'm not sure what I would do without these practices. I used to walk each morning with my dog and enjoy the beauty that surrounds me, and haven't had the courage or willingness to walk alone since her passing. I'm working on finding a new healthy habit that resonates with me until I get another dog. I'm resting more. I'm nurturing myself more. I'm discharging more. I'm reading self help books. I'm focusing on myself and my spiritual journey. I try to spread love and light wherever I go, and sometimes this isn't being nice and is setting healthy boundaries. I put myself first, so that I have the capacity to help others. I try to be present and mindful with every task I do. I try to focus on compassionate and non-violent communication. I go to bed early and wake up early. I'm mindful about what I put into my body. When the pain is too much to be bear I reach out to others that can help me process and hold room for it to move through.
How do you show up for yourself to make room for both gratitude and grief? I'd love to hear from you.
Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light. ~Norman B. Rice
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