Take Courage

Grief is a full body experience.

In loss, it can feel like you're drowning in a sea of despair, desperation, and distress. If you feel this way, you're not alone.

Grief is a full body experience that can feel like drowning under waves of loss, despair, and distress.

Symptoms In Grief

Physical
Although loss is an invisible wound, it does show up physically in our bodies. We can feel fatigued, experience muscle pain from the stress, chest pain from our heart ache, and more. Ancient Chinese Medicine says grief is held in the lungs (the spirit of life), as well as the colon (the spirit of release).
Emotional
Through loss, we experience all sorts of emotions. We might find ourselves feeling more anxious or in a depression. If there was a sudden or traumatic loss, you might be numb and unable to feel. As the shock wears off, you can feel loneliness and sadness and longing in one moment and be laughing the next. You might feel grief and joy at the same time. Grieving requires us to feel our feelings. Please let your emotions flow to their fullness as you're able. Feeling is healing.
And More...
We are interconnected humans. There is so much that happens within our own bodies and there's even more that happens in relationship with others.
Mental
Grief can cause all sorts of mental struggles from brain fog, forgetfulness, headaches, rumination, and more.

Please be kind to yourself. Sometimes our internal voices in our head are the worst ones we listen to.
Spiritual
Faith can be a big part of people's lives. In grief, faith can expand, change a little, stay the same, or completely come undone. Some people can be left with more questions than ever, while other people feel supported and even stronger in their beliefs. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. It's okay to question. It's okay to be angry or upset. Find the rituals that support your beliefs and provide peace and comfort.

Find Extra Support

Ashley wrote a trauma-informed survival guide to a significant loss titled When You Can't See The Light, available for pre-order Febraury 2025.

In addition to the book, we highly recommend you seek the help your body needs. Trauma therapy like EMDR or somatic therapy can be incredibly helpful as can grief counselors. If you're looking for free resources, join our community to gain access to the Learning Library. You can also start by viewing our resource page.

Learning Library
Support Partners
Resources

We are sorry for your loss and heartbreak, but you don't have to go through it alone.