Invisible
One of the most difficult aspects of grief is that it can feel like an invisible weight you carry around. No one sees the immense pain you are in. Grief can feel very isolating and I feel this is partly why. A month or two after a devastating loss, we may “look” fine but on the inside we are unmoored. Somewhere lost at sea in the deep pain of our sorrow. It can feel like a great chasm between you and the outside world. You may long to feel connected, to speak of the very thing that has left your world shattered, but the only response that comes from your lips is “I am fine, how are you?”
I want to speak for a moment to the depth of pain that is felt when you feel like you are expected to move on quicker than what feels good or safe for you. There are so many layers within our grief and the holding on to the loss can sometimes be the one and only thing keeping us afloat. If you are reading this, I want you to know that I see the invisible pain you carry. I see you. You are valid within your current state, your current feelings, no matter how long it has been.
And also, I want you to know that grief can be felt when you experience the loss of your health or the loss of not getting the job you wanted. Grief comes in big and small ways. However, I do believe that unprocessed grief, big or small, can compound on itself. It becomes an invisible energy that takes hold somewhere within the body and it will manifest as different symptoms until we finally hear the call. Until we finally “see” what we have been trying to push away and act like we are fine. Until we finally see the invisible.
I want to bring a light to this invisibility. I want to shine light into what feels like darkness yet is one of the most transformative forces we can experience as a human being.
If you feel called to, I invite you to create a safe space that you can reflect on the following questions. Have a journal that you can write down what comes up for you. Answer these questions to validate your grief and to also find clarity in what can better support you in this time and then be able to communicate that to those around you.
What is one thing you can say to yourself right now to affirm that your grief is valid and worthy of compassion?
What would you like others to understand about your grief?
How could you honor yourself and your feelings, right here, right now?
Take a few moments after this reflection to integrate and just be for a moment. Breathe awareness into what these questions have brought up for you and where they land in the body.
Please know that I am here to support you through moments that are difficult to be with. I offer a blend of yoga and life coaching and it looks a lot like a private yoga session, but in addition to exploring movements on the mat, we also coach on your difficult circumstances or emotions within life or grief.
If you are interested in learning more, click the button below to set up a time for us to connect.
And as always, Shar(e)on Lightly.