What IS the Best Way You Can Support Someone Who Is Grieving?
The Love we show saves the Love we hide,
the way a sprig in sun feeds its unseen roots. ~ Mark Nepo
The email invitation from the United Kingdom to answer the question:
“What is the best way you can support someone who is grieving?”
arrived as a surprise. It began with this:
“This is a bit of an odd question but I was wondering if I could feature you in a blog post? I’m In the process of putting together an expert roundup post for the website and I would love for you to be a part of it. If you had just a few minutes to answer a question that would be amazing.”
Here’s the topic I’m going to do the post on:
What is the best way you can support someone who is grieving?
Getting your insights on it would be really great. If only something quick or a general thought (although if you can spare the time to elaborate further then the more the better!)
I Have Begun a Poll to Answer this Question
To date I have these responses:
- Simply sit and listen.
- Touch with their permission – a long hug, or a hand on their shoulder.
- A card, with heartfelt sentiment.
- Sitting and listening to music together.
- A movie. Gets them out into life again.
Now it is your turn. Please REPLY with your response and permission to share your name if you wish and website or profession.
YOU make a difference each and every day. As a grieving person, or someone supporting the grieving, you know first hand what Does and Does NOT work.
Looking forward to your response.
Warmly,
Georgena
The best way I find comes after the initial rush of cards, casseroles, and invitations. Just staying in touch, especially if someone is left alone, by a phone call, email, or “thinking of you” card. I have also helped people connect to their loved ones when messages came through dreams so now I have started a business as a psychic and medium with much good results! Thanks for the query Georgena!
Share that grieving is very different for each person. Sometimes they need permission to feel the way they feel. Feelings are neither right or wrong, they just are. Go for walks, be in nature. If no health concerns, be around pets, visit a pet store, or visit a horse farm, visit a Nursery with flowers and plants. Encourage to see a grief specialist or touch therapist.
I agree with all the responses so far, Georgena. It was also helpful to me after my son died for a friend to take me to a coffee shop and encourage me to tell my stories. She counseled that laughter and crying are very similar energies, and both would help move the grieving process along.
So many thoughts :
1: with both strength and gentleness , hold healing thoughts for the grieving person . The vibration of collective consciousness works 24/7.
2: when offering to help, a meal, an errand, a back rub… be specific. Often in the darkest moments any decision is huge so offer: I can bring dinner at 5 pm on Thursday. I am going to Costco and Walgreens in the am. What can I get for you . Etc:
3 . Honor options: Ask: Do you need comfort or
space ?
4: Be honest about your own need to “ help.” and
be clear that it is about the other person.
Often I my ego needs result in straying out
of my own lane, so to speak.