What is grief?

• Grief is a natural response to loss—both universal and deeply personal. While everyone experiences grief, the way it unfolds can vary widely, shaped by the nature of the loss and the individual's unique circumstances.

What might we grieve?

• The loss of a loved one.
• The loss of a relationship, a beloved pet, or meaningful traditions.
• The version of ourselves we thought we would become.
• The hopes, dreams, and circumstances we imagined for our lives.

Ways to Hold Space for Grief

Prepare for Social Anxiety

Be mindful and make space for social anxiety and moments of overwhelm.

For example: “I still want to see some family members, can we split our time with them?”

Practice Mindfulness

Center yourself through mindfulness before entering a space, and take time to decompress afterward.

For example: Breath work, meditation, listening to relaxing music or coloring

Create Action Plans

Create code words or action / exit plans to signal the need for space or a time to leave

For example: "Hey does now feel good to head out?" or "How about we leave in 10 mins?"

Give Yourself Grace

Give yourself permission to not do it all. Hold realistic expectations, and notice when your energy is running low.

For example: What messages are your body sending you? Where is your breath in your body?

Hold Hybrid Holiday Gatherings

Provide a virtual or Zoom option for folks to come together.

Best Practices to Hold Space for Grief

We don't have to rescue folks from grief - allow people to be on their journey of bereavement.

Sit with your own discomfort.

Hold space and honor the experiences of younger children and folks who may be experiencing grief.

• Practice transparency and honesty with them.
  • Avoid the narrative that “Children don’t need to be in grown folks' business.”
  • Children are aware of energy and can sense when we are experiencing distress.

It is okay to grieve for our animals.

Animals are important family members to some. Don’t minimize or invalidate the experiences of grief that folks may have about the loss of a pet. Family members can have a pet as a companion to give them a sense of purpose and companionship.

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Feel it to Heal it: Tips on Grief

1. Folks pulling back from someone may be grief. Choosing to be less present with family can sometimes be a reflection of unprocessed or unspoken grief.

   Try: Bringing them a plate.

   Try: not to force a conversation and engagement.

2. Check-in and allow for sadness to be present. Acknowledge the loss

• • Honor the legacy of the person, pet or experience – their idioms, their actions and favorite memories

• • Uplift their memory in prayer or other spiritual practices

• • Normalize grief and sadness:
    • It’s common to find yourself saying, 'I can’t believe they’re still not here,' as a way of processing the shock and disbelief of loss.

 3. Ask for consent before posting or discussing the loss.

• Ask for consent before posting or discussing the loss.
  • Before playing videos, pictures, tagging people's memories on social media.

4. Be okay with folks walking away from conversations and creating boundaries.

• While it may not have been your intention to cause discomfort, it's important to do our best to minimize it when it arises. Consider checking in with the family member afterward to offer support.