We grieve because we love...

My favourite book on grief is Grieving Mindfully by Sameet Kumar. He notes that "love and grief are inextricably intertwined." It is good to remind ourselves that because we love, we grief. If our love is deep, our grief is deep. Just as love is a natural part of being human, so is grief. Grief is not something that we need to "move on" from, rather to process and to "be" with whatever comes in the here and now. I have found that when my clients are able to make space to experience their grief, their grief and loss can transform how they live.

Here is a link to Sameet Kumar's tips on how to grieve mindfully:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/new-harbinger-publications-inc/8-tips-for-mindfully-proc_b_681593.html

Creating a "space" is essential for acquiring new insights

Brian Luke Seaward in his book Stand Like Mountain, Move Like Water, said: "To see the entire picture, we must remember that creating a space is essential for acquiring new insights." He includes a quote from Lao Tzu in the Tao Te Ching:

"Thirty spokes share the centre of one wheel;
Consider that the hole of the centre is essential to wheel's function.

Craft a pot from earthen clay;
Consider that the space inside provides the pot's true function.

Cut a hole in the wall to make both window and door;
Consider that the space within four walls is essential for living.

Understand that the form and structure is most beneficial;
Consider also that the empty space within the form is most useful."

The light from within

I came upon this quote by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, which, for me, brings about beautiful imagery, as well as the resilience and resourcefulness we can access through the healing process.

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." ~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross