Unleashing the power within to become whole again while grieving

Grief is a deeply personal experience that can shake our very foundations and leave us feeling lost, broken, and alone. It can be difficult to imagine a way forward, let alone a way to become whole again. But the truth is, we all possess a tremendous inner strength that can help us not only survive but thrive in the face of grief. It’s time to unleash the power within and rediscover the resilience and hope that resides within us all. In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which we can tap into our inner strength and use it to heal and grow as we navigate the desert of grief. So, take a deep breath, let go of your fears, and let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation together.

In this article, we explore the insights and practices from neuroscience and other psychological and spiritual aspects of trauma that can help you find forgiveness, cleanse yourself of guilt, and remove shame and discover the new colours of your life.

painting your life with new colours to unleash your power within while still grieving Photo by Gilberto Peralta Bocio

The science behind grieving

As we navigate the terrain of grief and loss, it’s essential to recognize that trauma can have deep and long-lasting effects on our bodies, minds, and spirits. But the good news is that by understanding the biological, psychological, and spiritual aspects of trauma, we can learn to heal and grow in ways that may seem impossible at first.

One key insight from neuroscience is that trauma can affect the way our brains process information, leaving us stuck in a cycle of negative thinking and emotional turmoil. But with the right interventions, we can retrain our brains to break free from these patterns and find new pathways towards healing.

One effective technique is mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus (the brain region responsible for memory and emotion regulation) and reduce activity in the amygdala (the part of the brain responsible for the fight-or-flight response). By practicing mindfulness regularly, we can learn to calm our minds, regulate our emotions, and build resilience in the face of trauma.

On the psychological front, forgiveness can be a powerful tool for releasing ourselves from the grip of guilt and shame. But it’s essential to understand that forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting or excusing the harm that was done to us. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the pain, letting go of the anger and resentment, and finding a way to move forward in a way that honors our own values and needs.

finding a safe space in your heart from where you can find yourself again and become whole. Photo by Ian Keefe

Grieving and growing into a whole new you

Spiritually, many traditions offer practices that can help us cultivate compassion, forgiveness, and self-compassion. For example, the Buddhist practice of Metta (loving-kindness meditation) involves sending wishes for well-being to ourselves and others, even those who have harmed us. This practice can help us soften our hearts, develop empathy, and find a sense of connection even in the face of loss and trauma.

While grief can feel overwhelming, we can find hope in the insights and practices offered by neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality. By understanding and working with these aspects of our selves, we can learn to tap into our inner strength, find forgiveness, cleanse ourselves of guilt and shame, and move towards a place of healing and wholeness.

Unleashing the power within during the grieving process

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult, traumatic experiences anyone can experience. Grief is a complex and emotional journey that can take time to navigate. How to become whole again during your grief journey? Trauma can leave deep emotional scars that affect us in countless ways. It can make us feel stuck, disconnected, unfulfilled and alone. However, with the right mindset and practices, it is possible to move beyond the pain and find wholeness once again.

Grief is a natural process that occurs when someone experiences loss. It can be triggered by the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any significant change that disrupts our sense of normalcy. The grieving process can take different forms and lengths of time, depending on the individual.

Acknowledge and Express Your Emotions

The first step to becoming whole again during your grief journey is to acknowledge and express your emotions. It’s essential to allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with grief, such as sadness, anger, guilt, and denial. Acknowledge and express your emotions in a way that feels comfortable to you, whether it be through journaling, talking to a friend or family member, or seeking professional help.

Self- care and seeking support

Grief can be physically and emotionally draining, so it’s crucial to take care of yourself during this time. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. Engage in activities that bring you joy and take time for yourself, such as exercise, meditation, or reading a book.

It’s okay to ask for help during your grief journey. Seeking support from family, friends, or a grief support group can help you feel less alone and provide a safe space to express your emotions. If you’re struggling to cope with your grief, consider seeking the help of a therapist or counselor who specializes in grief and loss.

Finding your life purpose and honouring your loved one

Finding meaning and purpose in life after a loss can help you move forward and become whole again. This can be achieved by focusing on your values and what’s important to you. Consider volunteering, pursuing a new hobby or passion, or taking on a new challenge that aligns with your values.

Honoring your loved one can be a way to find closure and make peace with your grief. This can be done in many ways, such as creating a memorial or tribute, planting a tree or garden, or participating in a charity or cause that was important to your loved one.

Embrace change through self-compassion activation and connecting with Nature

Grief can be a challenging and emotional journey, so it’s essential to practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to grieve in your way and at your own pace. Avoid comparing yourself to others or judging yourself for how you’re feeling.

Connecting with nature can be a soothing and healing experience during your grief journey. Take a walk in the park, sit by the ocean or river, or simply spend time in a garden or forest. Nature can provide a sense of peace and perspective that can help you process your emotions.

Grief can bring significant changes to your life, and it’s essential to embrace these changes as part of your journey. This can include changes in your relationships, your lifestyle, or your goals and aspirations. Embrace these changes as opportunities for growth and healing.

how do you start unleashing your power within while grieving? Photo by Debby Hudson

Practice gratitude to reframe and process the pain of the past

Practicing gratitude can help shift your focus from what you’ve lost to what you still have in your life. Make a list of things you’re grateful for each day, whether it be a kind gesture from a friend or a beautiful sunset. Focusing on the positive can help bring a sense of peace and comfort during your grief journey.

Experiencing trauma can be a defining moment in our lives, but it doesn’t have to define us. In order to move forward, it’s important to reframe and process the pain of the past. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as therapy, journaling, or meditation. By examining our past experiences, we can learn to understand them in a different light and reframe them in a way that empowers us rather than holds us back.

Reconnecting with yourself is a meaningful process that will help you allow new people in your life.Trauma can often leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and others. But by taking time to reflect and connect with ourselves, we can begin to heal and rebuild our relationships. This can involve practicing self-care, such as meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature. It can also involve seeking support from loved ones or joining support groups to connect with others who have had similar experiences.

Becoming the whole of you and living in the moment

Living in the moment is a powerful tool for healing. By focusing on the present moment, we can re-imagine our lives at our own pace as we heal on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. This can involve practicing mindfulness or simply taking time to appreciate the present moment. By doing so, we can become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, which can help us better understand ourselves and our reactions to certain situations.

Healing from trauma is a process, and it’s not always easy. However, by taking the time to reflect, connect, and live in the moment, we can begin to find wholeness once again. Forgiveness, letting go of guilt, and removing shame are all important steps towards healing. By embracing our past experiences and using them as a tool for growth, we can become stronger, more resilient, and more connected with ourselves and others.

planting the seeds of a whole new you while grieving . Photo by Christian Joudrey

Finding your true self in the power of now

Ultimately, the power of now lies in our ability to take control of our thoughts and emotions, and to focus on the present moment. By doing so, we can reframe our past experiences and find wholeness once again. While the journey towards healing may be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable. By embracing the power of now and practicing self-reflection, we can become whole again.

Self-reflection is a powerful tool that can help us become whole again after experiencing trauma. By examining our thoughts and feelings, we can identify patterns of behavior that may be holding us back and learn how to reframe our experiences in a more positive light.

Insights and practices from neuroscience and other biological, psychological, and spiritual aspects of trauma can be instrumental in finding forgiveness, cleansing ourselves of guilt, and removing shame. Research has shown that trauma can have a lasting impact on the brain, affecting everything from memory and cognition to emotion regulation and social behavior.

However, studies have also shown that the brain is highly adaptable and can be rewired through intentional practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and therapy. By focusing on the present moment and cultivating a sense of self-awareness, we can begin to re-imagine our lives at our own pace as we heal on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.

Living in the moment is only possible by intention and allows us to let go of the past and release any negative emotions or limiting beliefs that may be holding us back. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or traumatic events, we can focus on the present moment and take steps towards a brighter future.

Becoming whole again after experiencing the trauma of losing a loved one is a process that takes time, patience, and self-compassion. By practising self-reflection and focusing on the present moment, we can learn to heal and reconnect with ourselves and others in a more profound and meaningful way. Remember, the power of now is within you, and it’s never too late to start living your best life.

Grieving and growing into a whole new you

Grieving is a difficult process that can leave us feeling lost, broken, and unsure of ourselves. But it’s also an opportunity to grow and transform into a whole new version of ourselves. By learning to live in the present moment, we can tap into the power of the now and find new meaning, purpose, and joy in our lives.

One key to living in the present moment is to cultivate a sense of mindfulness, which involves paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment or attachment. Mindfulness can help us break free from the past and future and connect with the richness and beauty of the present moment.

One effective mindfulness practice is to focus on the breath, using it as an anchor to bring us back to the present whenever our minds start to wander. Another technique is to simply notice our surroundings, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the world around us.

As we learn to live in the present moment, we may start to discover new aspects of ourselves and our lives that we may not have noticed before. We may find new passions, interests, and relationships that bring us joy and meaning. We may also find new ways to connect with others, share our stories, and make a difference in the world.

But perhaps most importantly, we may start to see ourselves in a new light, recognizing the strength, resilience, and beauty that has always been within us. We may begin to appreciate our own worth and value, even in the face of loss and grief.

While grieving can be a challenging and painful process, it’s also an opportunity to grow and transform into a whole new version of ourselves. Learning to live in the present moment and taping into the power of the now, can help us find new meaning, purpose, and joy in our lives. So, take a deep breath, let go of the past, and embrace the possibilities of the present moment.

woman in white spaghetti strap top standing on the seashore
Sharon Rosenbloom
Sharon Rosenbloom

A Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Bereavement, grief & loss specialist, Sharon Rosenbloom is the author of Widowed with Kids and supports bereaved widows & widowers through deep pain and sadness to rebuild their lives in healthy ways

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