By: Naomi Otano, Grief Counselor, LMSW
As the last leaves fall and autumn gives way to winter, we're reminded of the natural cycles of change and rest. Grief often follows a similar rhythm, moving us inward as we navigate the colder, quieter months. In the same way that nature slows down, grief invites us to pause, reflect, and honor what we've lost.
Autumn: The Season of Reflection and Release
In autumn, nature lets go-trees shed their leaves, and the earth prepares for rest. For those grieving, autumn can be a time of introspection, a season when memories come to the surface. We find ourselves looking back, holding close the love and the life shared, while also releasing the burdens of unresolved pain or guilt.
Letting go in this season of grief is not about forgetting; it's about gently releasing what no longer serves us on this journey. By doing so, we allow space for quiet acceptance. As the days grow shorter, we settle into a slower rhythm, preparing ourselves for winter's stillness.
Winter: The Stillness of Loss
Winter is a season of quiet, pure landscapes, a time when everything seems to pause. In the winter of grief, we may feel this same stillness in our hearts. Loss often feels most profound during this time, a raw presence that sits heavy within us. Grief in winter asks us to simply be with our sorrow, to let the feelings settle as they are, without rushing toward resolution.
Winter allows us to sit with the silence, honoring the depth of our emotions and the significance of our loss. We might feel isolated, as though we're the only ones moving through this frozen landscape. Yet, winter reminds us that rest and retreat are essential parts of healing. Like the trees that look barren but are storing energy for spring, this stillness has a purpose. We're allowing ourselves the time and space to feel the fullness of our grief, to understand its shape, and to hold it with compassion.
Finding Comfort in Winter's Quiet
While winter can be a challenging season in grief, it also offers moments of comfort-a reminder that it's okay to slow down, to turn inward, and to honor our needs. In the darkness, we find small moments of warmth: a cherished memory, a conversation, or simply the act of allowing ourselves to rest.
As we flow fully into winter, we find that grief is not something to be rushed or overcome but a companion to carry with gentleness. Winter may be long, but it is part of a larger cycle, one that holds the promise of renewal even if we can't yet feel it. By allowing ourselves to sit in winter's stillness, we honor our loved ones, our loss, and the quiet growth taking place within us.
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