How to Grieve What We've Lost: Evidence-Based Skills to Process Grief and Reconnect with What Matters

Grief is a journey that can lead to powerful, personal growth. With contributions from grief experts Russ Harris, Alexandra Kennedy, Sameet Kumar, Mary Beth Williams, and Soili Poijula, this thoughtful compilation will help you heal the pain of loss—no matter the cause—and move forward in life with a renewed sense of meaning and purpose. Grief comes in many forms. You may grieve a loved one who has passed on, a romantic relationship which has ended, the loss of a job you loved, or even a place you used to go that no longer exists or has changed. You may also be dealing with another kind of loss—a sense of who you are and how you can live your life in an increasingly uncertain and changed world. But what if you could transform your grief into lasting positive growth? Contents Introduction Part 1: Strategies for Immediate Relief Create a Sanctuary Checking In with Your Breath Staying Grounded Handling Grief Triggers with Radical Acceptance Anchor Activities Distress About Distress Emotion Surfing Naming Your Fears Your Positive Traits Thinking Your Way Through Grief Unravel Problematic Beliefs Feeling Your Feelings Your Support System Part 2: How to Process Loss The Spiral Staircase Answering the Whys of Grief The Five Things Pleasure, Pain, and Courage Dreaming of Your Loss Writing a Letter Drop the Struggle Breaking Bad Habits Part 3: Finding Meaning Again Living Your Values What Matters Most Sustaining New Habits Explore Your Thoughts Taking a Stand Loss Is a Teacher Reconstruct Your Future Self Learning from Nature The Challenge Formula Part 4: Special Problems Handling Feelings of Guilt and Self-Blame Is It Prolonged Grief Disorder or Is It Depression? Handling Anger and Rage Dealing with Worry Simple Communication Techniques The Relationship Contract Having a Bedtime Plan Setting Emotional Boundaries Diet and Exercise Conclusion References Additional Resources