Grief is the natural response to loss, but grief as a response may have evolved originally as a response to separation. Read more from author and neuroscientist Mary Frances O’Connor about the neurobiology of grief.
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.
Caregiver Support at HeartLight Center
In an effort to honor the caregiving journey, HeartLight will host a Loving Memorial Gathering and Caregiver Support program on October 30, 2024. The purpose of this first-time event is to process the many grief experiences unique to caregivers, while also paying tribute to the memory of those who have died or are dying.
All In On You! Grief Retreat
Enjoy an uplifting weekend of healing, community, and empowerment in a safe space with other women who have suffered loss and are seeking a path forward.
I’m an Asian griever – here’s what you now know.
If I tell you that I’m Asian and I’m grieving, what do you now know that you can apply to supporting me with grief and loss? Sorry, it’s a trick question of sorts! In my view, you would know two things: 1. I am Asian 2. I am grieving. It’s important for me to state what might seem obvious, because of my experiences with assumptions, both personally as a griever and professionally as a certified grief coach.
Mindfulness Practices for Self-Care
In our fast-paced, result-driven, and productivity-centric world, our brains are constantly trying to make sense of what is going on around us. It is, after all, a big part of a brain’s purpose. But when we are fed so many signals and input on a daily basis, our brains get overstimulated, which makes our “auto-pilot” take over.
How Relationships Change After Loss- an upcoming workshop
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.
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.
Additional Info & Community Resources
Grief Articles
A collection of articles about grief.
Grief Book List
There are many books out there covering a wide variety of topics about grief and loss. Here are some that we know of that may be helpful to you and your grief.
Grief Websites
Visit comprehensive, welcoming websites.