Grief in Spooky & Stressful times

I’ve said this many times in recent years, but I’m going to say it again, because here we are again: it’s a lot to be living in the world right now.

I can hardly open my news app without feeling completely overwhelmed by the looming election, the continuing crisis in Gaza, the disastrous effects of climate change. . . the list goes on and on.

On top of that, October is often a tough month for grievers in general. Spooky season is upon us, with its skeletons and graveyards and reminders of death everywhere. With the change in seasons, we’re often encouraged to embrace fall as a time of “letting go” and a reminder that all things die. And in the background, we’re probably feeling the holiday season creeping in.

It’s a hell of a lot, my friends. 

Here’s what I’d like to remind you of: Grief often activates grief. Current pain brings forth old wounds. Trauma activates trauma responses, including those we may be carrying from generations before us. If you live in a body that has been historically oppressed or victimized, you have even more reason to feel this.

If you’re feeling extra tender right now, it might be more than what you’re aware of on the surface. It might also be an activation of feelings you know all too well: reminders that life can sometimes be so deeply painful, unpredictable, unsafe, and unfair.

If you’re feeling unsettled or sad or anxious right now, you have reason to feel that way. Sometimes it helps just to bring that into awareness. You may have been feeling funky and you don’t know exactly why. 

This is my reminder to you that you aren’t alone in your feelings and that they make sense.

This is my reminder to you to go easy.

This is my reminder to you to seek out support.

So many of us are feeling activated to DO something right now. And we should; there is so much to do and so much at stake.

But in between your doings, this is my reminder to you to feel the ground beneath your feet, to feel gravity holding you, and to give yourself every bit of comfort and safety that you can. If you’d like to explore some grounding techniques, this article has a variety of easy-to-implement suggestions.

As always, take gentle care of yourself, and let’s take gentle care of each other.