Unconventional Grieving
Five Ways to Cope with Loss or Turmoil in the New Age
Background: On September 19, 2015, I lost an amazing friend suddenly. I think about him and his girlfriend (my best friend) every day. Here are some ways I have been able to cope with his loss and still think about his amazing impact on my life.
1. Meditation
I am not a deeply religious person and I felt that maybe, if I was, I would be able to connect more easily with my friend. He himself had mentioned meditation to me while he was alive. He was the calmest person I knew and meditated almost every day. I was never sure how to start. The idea of meditation can be daunting. I started buying books and looking online, but sitting in my room with the lights off and my eyes closed didn’t work for me. A good way to start meditating is using guided meditations. You can find them on YouTube with times ranging from 10 minutes to an hour or more. Meditation is easiest when you create your own space. Make yourself comfortable and just relax your body and mind. Afterwards, you will feel rested, relaxed and connected.
2. Art
My friend was an extremely artistic person and art is an amazing way to express yourself. Write a poem, paint a picture, sculpt something. All of these are ways to get what is in your head out into the real world where you can see it. After you create your work of art, you will have something to remind you of them that you created yourself. It is a therapeutic and connecting experience.
3. Letters
This is something everyone and their mother will tell you when dealing with a loss. Talking to someone lets you feel less alone in the world. Talk to people who knew the person who passed away. You can compare stories and ideas and it will feel as though they are still with you. Talk to people who never met your friend/relative/etc. and verbalize how amazing they were to you. Share their story with the world. Talk to a therapist if you are financially able and it feels right. Some people do not agree with therapy, but if you are on the fence about it, look into it. Licensed professionals know what you’re going through and how to help you.
5. Explore Their Interests