Graceful Grief: Angelic Help is on the Way!

I believe that major change and loss in our lives is a door to grow ourselves, to become more loving, compassionate and accepting towards others and ourselves. We have choices that determine what the journey will look like.

Change isn't easy and it can be quite painful. About twenty years ago, I endured the loss of a parent, a sister and a terrifying sexual assault within a two-year span. More recently, I experienced a car accident, loss of another parent, and the death of my marriage within a year's time.

During the first trio of losses, I didn't have a good map for my journey. I made some positive choices, yet I also did a lot of kicking and screaming. More recently, I chose another route. I didn't resist the change and the pain. Instead, I embraced it as a gift for transformation.

As a grief therapist, I've watched the conscious and unconscious choices my clients make. I saw that change was made more painful through resistance and running from feelings. I saw that one's thoughts about change and belief in one's ability to change gracefully were key components. If I believe the journey is going to be horrible, it will be. If I believe that I can go through the experience with more ease, less suffering and grow my soul incredibly as a result, then that's what will happen.

I also saw that these painful moments in our lives are sacred and are blessed by the presence of spiritual helpers.

Now consider this. I believe that every time we are faced with a major life challenge:

* That we are surrounded by our own band of angels, spirit guides and departed loved ones who become part of our 'team' to deal with this challenge, and to help us transform to the next 'level'.

* That these spiritual helpers are 'feeding' us thoughts, ideas and perceptions that will assist us to heal and transform, especially if we have given them the 'ok.'

* That there is incredible ENERGY that accompanies each of these life events that is available to us to PROPEL us forward into becoming more fully who we were meant to be.

* That by consciously choosing to use our spiritual help and this amazing energy and creative Life Force that comes with loss and challenges, we join the ranks of a growing collective of inspired and inspiring souls who are healing themselves and the planet.

* That we need never suffer again in the same way as we face one of these challenges because each of us is a co-creator and harnesser of this powerful team of transformers.

* That we can actually EMBRACE CHANGE and move into changes with confidence and with tools to stay focused on positive transformation; we can then pass on our knowledge to friends and family to improve their lives too.

Yet we have to be mindful and awake. We can all transform 'unconsciously.' It's a little like sleep-walking. We just let ourselves be at the mercy of the energy and hope for the best. And though I truly believe that each person is going through their life challenges exactly the way they're supposed to, I also believe we are given messages of hope for something more meaningful, something that can align us more with a life of more ease, vitality, and joy. I am grateful to my clients and to myself for showing me the possibilities and the power of believing change is a gift. And I know, with great peace, that I am surrounded by loving spiritual beings, and I can choose to transform by grace. It's a much better ride, I must admit.

Marcia Breitenbach is a therapist and presenter, and has written 2 books and made 4 CD's of original music having to do with change, grief and transformation.

Visit her at http://www.griefandlosshelp.com

In The News:


Psychologically Speaking: Adult sibling loss
Jerusalem Post, Israel - 12 hours ago
... and leaves his aging parents behind, a sibling is often left to discover that in his own grief he is also expected to help his parents in their loss. ...

Time to rethink roadside shrines
guardian.co.uk, UK - 16 hours ago
Many thousands of bereaved people out there are desperately looking for a way to demonstrate their feelings of grief, loss and anger. ...

How post-natal depression led to a mother's lonely death
Scotsman, United Kingdom - 2 hours ago
At the moment we are dealing with the shock of the loss of Kate's life. We are trying to support her family and dealing with the process of grieving. ...

Son struggling after losing best friend
GazetteLive, UK - 13 hours ago
Just like adults, young people and children will go through various different stages associated with their grief, and it is important that parents are aware ...

Researchers: Brain Can Be Addicted To Grief
NBC 10.com, PA - 3 hours ago
A new study sheds light on how people grieve and why some become almost "addicted to grief," feeling the misery of loss much longer than others. ...

Camp for grieving kids is bigger than ever
Swampscott Reporter, MA - 4 hours ago
Offered by the Center for Grief & Healing, a program of Hospice of the North Shore, the camp provides a special opportunity for children and their families ...

Rural Kasson center supports grieving kids
Post-Bulletin, MN - Jul 17, 2008
With the help of several volunteers, that dream was realized a year and a half ago, when she helped start Whispering Willow Center for Grief and Loss. ...

North Shore support groups
The Salem News, MA - 15 hours ago
LOSS SUPPORT: The Center for Grief and Healing at 78 Liberty St. in Danvers offers the following free winter/spring support groups for those grieving a ...

Pushing through pain and loss
Big Bear Grizzly,  USA - Jul 16, 2008
By BRIAN CHARLES Recent tragedies in Big Bear Valley have left many grieving the loss of loved ones. The process is different for everyone, but grieving is ...

Scientific American

Addicted to Grief?
Scientific American - Jul 17, 2008
For about 10 to 20 percent of the bereaved, however, accepting and getting over a loss remains extremely difficult, even years later. ...
grief loss - Google News


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