I truly believe we all have qualities within us to help us through. Many times, our past coping strategies can work for this grief. Sometimes, we need to make some adjustments to our coping or change the way we utilize those tools.
Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men. -Confucius
I’m going to teach you an activity to add to your routine grief work that promote self-healing as you continue to adjust to this new way of living.
We are going to take each tenant – wisdom, compassion and courage – and link it to a topic for your self-exploration.
First, we look at Forgiveness. Forgiveness may come in acts toward ourselves or others. I’ve yet to meet a perfect person and we all have areas to improve upon… however, this is not a place to pick on yourself or other people. It takes courage and compassion to explore forgiveness. Your confidence will grow as you offer yourself compassion and others compassion for their not knowing…
Then, we look at Gratitude. Gratitude offers wisdom from our past and present to guide our future. Gratitude can be in the smallest of small things or the greatness of grand things. Sometimes, it’s in the normalcy of everyday life… I am regularly thankful for breath or a sunny day or a snuggle from a pet. What do you see or experience?
When we pair Forgiveness and Gratitude, we release negative energy and open space for that which is good in our lives.
Watch each video and journal as it’s explained in the second video.
Begin the practice of releasing through forgiveness and holding onto gratitude…
The assignment is to tell yourself:
- In the moment (possible), mentally or verbally forgive yourself or others.
- Write 3 things for which you are GRATEFUL
Work this into your griefwork toolbox along with the Capturing Memories Journal. With consistency, you will deepen your relationship with yourself.
This is one of my favorites that I do with my family… We’ve focused on gratitude made it our own by finding 3 different types of gratitudes…
- How were you kind toward another?
- How you experience kindness?
- What kindness did you see in the world?
We regularly write about this and talk about it… Some days are tough. No doubt! This gives us a chance to flip the switch… And if we cannot identify something within the day, we have a collection of great things to return to read again to remember a better day or moment…
I think it’s worth it to give it a try for a month or so and see what you think. Make it your own…