when grief enters the building
but not always the conversation
The elevator in my NYC high-rise has become an intimate place of daily exchange. Sometimes it is just a smile on the face of a neighbor heading to the laundry, meeting the excited sniff of my six pound Maltese, Bean.
When he enters the tiny elevator he thinks most have come on to pet him and know him. He licks and loves and sniffs. We have come to know their names, and exchange niceties as newer residents.
The last few days have brought a worry and distress to our exchanges. It is palpable. The private inner thoughts of some, have made our rides together, grief confessions. The heightened security in the city had some on edge. Mentions of helicopters and protests. Other’s have shared they have family in Israel. Going about daily life feels fraught with confusion. Helplessness. I hold them all close to my heart.
In this collective stage of unrest, quite often, our grief begets grief. What you are already feeling can ignite a sense of regrief or a grief spike (as it is sometimes called.)
As a grief specialist, I invite you to lean into some grief tending.
How best serve these feelings?
Donate your time or funds to a place you feel could use your support.
Join a peaceful gathering.
Light a candle.
Say a prayer.
Educate yourself.
Exercise.
Take a break from the news.
Spend time away from social media.
Make a soothing playlist or dance out your anger.
Call a friend or relative to talk.
Be in nature.
Journal.
Leave the house or your work day to take a walk.
Stay hydrated.
Be with friends or reschedule plans.
Listen to an audio book.
Treat yourself to comfort foods. Bake, cook or order in!
Make an extra therapy appointment.
Move your body.
Rest.
Breathe.
Sending love,
x, B.
very. helpful.