Beloved Yogis, bless you and thanks for your love and care. I am glad you are here and have taken the time to pause, slow down and reconnect.
I know from your emails and kind words that you have experienced the sadness and pain of grief.
Like you, I have grieved the loss of dear ones. Looking back, time does ease the sense of loss and sorrow. However at the time, it seems as if the darkness would continue forever and no matter what folks say, nothing can erase your pain.
Today’s post is a personal reflection on the power of the written word to ease grief.
Many moons ago, my dear cousin and brother passed away. I recall friends sending me sympathy cards, flowers, gifts and parcels of food to comfort me and express their distress, sadness and pain. Strange as it may seem, it was the cards, the quiet words written on simple paper which gave me most comfort. I was too numb to accept physical contact yet somehow the sentiments expressed in the sympathy cards eased my pain. It was if the sender could feel my grief and sorrow and spoke directly to my soul.
At that time, I was not familiar with the word ‘affirmations’ or mantras and meditation. My experience of reading inspirational quotes, prayers or poems sat squarely in the corner of former Religious Studies and English Literature lessons at school.
It was during my first experience of grief that I realised just how powerful the written word is.
Can you remember the joy and elation you felt when you received a certificate for passing your exams or slip of paper to confirm you had passed your driving test?
There is something ‘earthy and final’ about a piece of paper with a message written on.
For me, when grieving and when I felt low, lonely or alone, I would pick up one of the sympathy cards or condolence letters I received and would sit and read and digest the words. Sometimes, tears would fall as I recalled happier carefree days spent with my brother and cousin; but generally, I would find a sense of grace, calm and comfort in reading and reflecting upon the higher meaning of the words.
I have kept these cards.
There is sometime timeless and everlasting about the written word. I am still touched by the sentiments expressed, especially as my friends and family were going through their own grief yet still took the time and energy to send me a card and pray for me.
At the Service, the written words -poems or religious texts again came into their own.
Preparing for my brother’s funeral, I was not particularly conscious of my spirituality or devout follower of any religion. Yet, at the Church we sang hymns and cousins read poems. I was moved by the beauty and simplicity of the Lord’s Prayer and hymns and psalms sang at the service and later on around the grave side.
Don’t Worry About A Thing…coz Every Little Thing Is Going To Be Alright
Bob Marley, was one of my brother’s favourite artist. At John’s funeral we played the song “Three Little Birds” as we left the church. The sound, the quality and reverence of the texts struck deep and I felt “yes, everything is going to be alright.” This is just the beginning and today is a new day.
Nothing can ever replace our loved ones, but in the process of grief and coming to terms with your loss, words and music can be a great source of comfort and inspiration.
Final Thoughts
Grief has a way of reminding you of the fragility and sacredness of life. I know from personal experience, it was through my losses that I rediscovered the power of the written word which led to me reclaiming my gifts as a writer.
In honour of my dear brother and cousin I wrote a book of grief and loss poems – Returning Home to the Healing Waters of my Soul- reflecting my grief journey. It is a tender book, raw at times yet ultimately a celebration of life.
You can get instant access to my book of grief poems Returning Home either via my website or on Kindle store.
Remember to leave your review on Amazon and share what words inspire and comfort when you are low.
Take extra special care and thank you for your love and support.
If someone you know is mourning, drop them a line, send them a card and rest assured your message will be heard and deeply appreciated.
One Love
Ntathu
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