Apr 18, 2024 Reporting from Niles, MI
Apr 18, 2024
Apr 18, 2024
Nature & Grief
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Nature & Grief
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
As the seasons change and the weather starts to warm, we are reminded of the beauty and joy of being outside. On April 22nd, we celebrate Earth Day and this can be a great reminder to us all of the connection between nature and grief. Being outdoors or in view of a natural setting has many physical benefits like lowering stress and reducing anxiety. But what about the emotional connections that we can draw, especially while grieving the loss of a loved one?
Being in nature can put things into perspective. While our loss can be devastating and the emotions overwhelming, being in nature can refocus our attention away from those immediate feelings. We are orienting to our surroundings and focusing on what we are seeing and experiencing. We are reminded of the connectedness of all living beings in the world and that are part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
Making a connection and a sense of community with others. Even if you are alone in nature, that sense of connection can make us feel less alone. In a more literal sense, we can build a support network with others while enjoying nature. Whether that is a friendly conversation at a favorite park or enjoying a nature walk with a group of people who are grieving, finding that sense of community can be fulfilling.
Visiting meaningful places and remembering memories attached to them. Maybe our loved one really enjoyed going fishing in the summer or you both would watch sunsets together. Maybe you enjoyed drinking coffee in your backyard every Saturday. Nature can bring you back to these fond memories, whether they are attached to a specific place or nature in general. Revisiting and spending time in these places can make us feel closer to our loved ones and help us honor them in our time of mourning.
Taking time for ourselves away from other responsibilities. Taking time for ourselves is important, but especially when we are grieving. Spending time in nature can help us unplug by turning our phones on silent or getting away from our computer screens. It allows us to be more present in the moment and within our environment. It gives us a chance to step away from our daily responsibilities.
Finding the beauty that still exists. It can be difficult some days to find the beauty that still exists in this world when we are in the depths of grief. Stepping into nature can help us see and appreciate the beauty we live in daily that we may take for granted or not even be able to notice. Nature has a sense of endurance, reminding us that the sun will continue to rise and set. If we are having a bad day, we know we can get through this day and another will start tomorrow. Putting one foot in front of the other, literally and figuratively, is sometimes all we can do and that is okay.
Becoming grounded again. Grief can feel disorientating at times. We may feel ungrounded to reality, the earth, or even ourselves. Being in nature can help us feel grounded again. While being outside, practice being mindful and really taking in what surrounds you. This may look like meditation or journaling. It may look like going for a walk and listening to your steady foot steps. It may mean deep breaths or intentional breathing that help you feel calm and rooted. It may be just sitting and listening to the sounds around you like a bird song or the wind through the leaves.
No matter what your location or physical capabilities, nature is available to us in varying degrees. You don’t have to climb Mount Everest (although some days it may feel like you are!) to get these benefits of being in nature. Being able to sit next to a window and looking out at a birdfeeder can be just as beneficial as going to a park and sitting on a bench. Driving out and looking at the lake may be as helpful as going for a hike or sitting in a chair on your front lawn. Whatever this looks like for you, finding ways to connect to yourself and work through your grief is what’s most important.
If you are grieving a death, support is available. Please contact us at 269.983.2707.
Nature & Grief
by
Trisha Pickett
|
Apr 18, 2024
As the seasons change and the weather starts to warm, we are reminded of the beauty and joy of being outside. On April 22nd, we celebrate Earth Day and this can be a great reminder to us all of the connection between nature and grief. Being outdoors or in view of a natural setting has many physical benefits like lowering stress and reducing anxiety. But what about the emotional connections that we can draw, especially while grieving the loss of a loved one?
Being in nature can put things into perspective. While our loss can be devastating and the emotions overwhelming, being in nature can refocus our attention away from those immediate feelings. We are orienting to our surroundings and focusing on what we are seeing and experiencing. We are reminded of the connectedness of all living beings in the world and that are part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
Making a connection and a sense of community with others. Even if you are alone in nature, that sense of connection can make us feel less alone. In a more literal sense, we can build a support network with others while enjoying nature. Whether that is a friendly conversation at a favorite park or enjoying a nature walk with a group of people who are grieving, finding that sense of community can be fulfilling.
Visiting meaningful places and remembering memories attached to them. Maybe our loved one really enjoyed going fishing in the summer or you both would watch sunsets together. Maybe you enjoyed drinking coffee in your backyard every Saturday. Nature can bring you back to these fond memories, whether they are attached to a specific place or nature in general. Revisiting and spending time in these places can make us feel closer to our loved ones and help us honor them in our time of mourning.
Taking time for ourselves away from other responsibilities. Taking time for ourselves is important, but especially when we are grieving. Spending time in nature can help us unplug by turning our phones on silent or getting away from our computer screens. It allows us to be more present in the moment and within our environment. It gives us a chance to step away from our daily responsibilities.
Finding the beauty that still exists. It can be difficult some days to find the beauty that still exists in this world when we are in the depths of grief. Stepping into nature can help us see and appreciate the beauty we live in daily that we may take for granted or not even be able to notice. Nature has a sense of endurance, reminding us that the sun will continue to rise and set. If we are having a bad day, we know we can get through this day and another will start tomorrow. Putting one foot in front of the other, literally and figuratively, is sometimes all we can do and that is okay.
Becoming grounded again. Grief can feel disorientating at times. We may feel ungrounded to reality, the earth, or even ourselves. Being in nature can help us feel grounded again. While being outside, practice being mindful and really taking in what surrounds you. This may look like meditation or journaling. It may look like going for a walk and listening to your steady foot steps. It may mean deep breaths or intentional breathing that help you feel calm and rooted. It may be just sitting and listening to the sounds around you like a bird song or the wind through the leaves.
No matter what your location or physical capabilities, nature is available to us in varying degrees. You don’t have to climb Mount Everest (although some days it may feel like you are!) to get these benefits of being in nature. Being able to sit next to a window and looking out at a birdfeeder can be just as beneficial as going to a park and sitting on a bench. Driving out and looking at the lake may be as helpful as going for a hike or sitting in a chair on your front lawn. Whatever this looks like for you, finding ways to connect to yourself and work through your grief is what’s most important.
If you are grieving a death, support is available. Please contact us at 269.983.2707.