Grief & Imagination

When I am gripped by grief, I try to be with it if I can. There are times when work environments, public outings, or even family responsibilities do not give way for me to attend to the emotions that arise. In these moments, I pause to catch my breath and call on my imagination. I imagine that I am a tree and that my roots go deep into the ground. I remember the source who is underneath everything that is visible. A source who sustains me. A source who settles me. A source who grounds me.

Once I am grounded, I return to what is at hand to be present there.

Later, if I can, I carve out time to be with my grief. I pause for a moment, honor what comes up, and give space to feel what my body and heart are feeling. Sometimes, I can handle it. Other times, I can’t.

When I can’t, I acknowledge and embody my trust in God, and audibly say “God I trust you”. I may only have to say it once, but occasionally, I say it multiple times until I feel it in my body. For me, this spiritual practice has been healing.

⭐️What has been a practice that has been healing for you?