Everything changes when a loved one dies, especially relationships. The dynamics of a family change incredibly, even more so when the person who passed was the matriarch or patriarch. Underlying issues within certain relationships may surface, some quite unsettling.
HeartLight Center Blog
Looking for materials and information to help make sense of your experience, feel less alone, or support others when they are grieving? Explore the entries below to learn about grief, listen to stories from others, and make supportive connections.
Have you discovered helpful information on your journey? Please consider sending it to us so we can share it with others.
The Healing Power of Dreams – an upcoming workshop
Having dreams about departed loved ones is quite common. According to one study 75% of people had dreams of a departed loves one, and most felt those dreams helped them with their grief.
Grief During the Holidays
A little “Q&A” from HeartLight Center about navigating grief during the holiday season. Take good and gentle care of you during the holidays!
Rediscovering Yourself in the Kitchen with our December Open heART Studio – an upcoming workshop
The heart of almost every home is the kitchen. There is a caring and tenderness that can breathe in that space. At the Open heART Studio this December, we welcome you back into the kitchen, without pressure or expectation, and with lots of support. While holidays stir up memories that can feel difficult, we want to give you a gift within a safe place to create, experience, and connect while giving yourself a sweet takeaway.
An Unusual Place to Find Meaning, Inspiration, & Perspective by Dr. Troyer
Whether you are actively grieving a loved one or you are simply dealing with the ever-present challenges of life, we all seek sources of meaning, inspiration, and perspective. We long to feel healed, be moved, and feel connected to something larger than ourselves. We may find these sources in a person or a book. But for many of us, we look to a specific place. These holy places have a unique ability to make us feel right again.
Continuing Bonds – an upcoming workshop
What does it mean to continue bonds with your loved one? Continuing Bonds is typically used to describe the relationship that continues between a loved one who has passed away and the person left behind. I like to describe it as continuing the connections, communication, and relationships with our loved ones on the other side.
Why Our Facing the Mourning 4-Week Program Works
Read more about the research behind our signature Facing the Mourning curriculum-based program and why it is helpful for bereaved individuals.
Grief Comes with Many Traditions
How can we respond graciously to funeral traditions that are not part of our way of “doing” ritual and grief? Article by Harold Ivan Smith
What You Really Need to Know About Self-Care
I’ve been in the wellness industry for over 10 years, and it is still hard for me to talk about self-care. The main issue is this: nothing anyone else has to say can answer for the most critical aspect of self-care practices, the Self.
What to Say to a Griever
There are hundreds, if not thousands of articles, blogs and lists of what to say and what not to say to someone who is grieving. In nearly every grief group we facilitate the topic of, “I can’t believe he/she said that…” comes up.
Why is it that when we are supporting someone who is grieving, we cannot figure out what to say and when we are grieving we are often offended by what people say, despite the hundreds of quotes, phrases and advice columns?
Additional Info & Community Resources
Pet Loss Support
Resources and tools for those supporting people in their grief.
Grief and the Holidays
Resources and tools for help during the holidays. The holiday season can be difficult when you are grieving. Access resources, support, and tools for help during the holiday season.
Substance Loss
Connect and learn about organizations and groups who understand the impacts of losing a loved one to suicide and prevention efforts within your community.
Supportive Resources Professionals
Resources and tools for those supporting people in their grief.
Grieving Children
Supporting children when they are grieving can feel overwhelming. Explore resources so you can connect with children through their grieving process.
Suicide Loss
Connect and learn about organizations and groups who understand the impacts of losing a loved one to suicide and prevention efforts within your community.
Loss of a Child
A list of websites, books and organizations who offer support, resources and connection for anyone who has experienced the loss of a child.
Videos
Watch a variety of videos that address grief, loss and coping.
Grief Podcasts
Tune in to listen to discussions and stories related to grief experiences.
Grief Webinars
Find materials from recent presentations and educational events.