Monday, May 31, 2021
Today’s Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:
Given how much suffering there is in the world and in any given individual’s life, it is astounding that we are all not having a good cry at least once a week. Such regular cleansing is good for body, mind, and spirit. Many men have overcome the negative conditioning that prevents them from shedding healing tears.
When sadness is particularly prolonged, intense, and focused on a specific loss such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or loss of a job or significant functional ability through injury or illness, it transforms into the more complex brew of grief. Initially, grief always disorients and overwhelms. It represents an arduous transition from loss in some form to reintegration. One never “gets over” difficult experiences, but we can somehow fit them into the fabric of the big picture of our life.
Grief cycles and past losses may unexpectedly arise when least expected. A new sorrow may trigger memories of older ones. Grieving is more a marathon than a sprint. The more we feel our sadness and allow our grief, the more spontaneity and aliveness we will have.
Grieving well is a skill I can learn over time, and letting myself cry is good medicine.
Hazelden Foundation
