Soulful Features
August 2002

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 Loss and Grief.

The world breaks everyone, and afterward
many are strong at the broken places.
--Ernest Hemingway

 

Dear Visitors, "Loss and Grief" has long been a topic I've wanted to explore here at SoulfulLiving.com. But quite honestly, I didn't have the courage to do so. As a society, we don't like to think about death, our own, or that of our loved ones. But the simple truth is that none of us can escape this reality. It is an inescapable part of our human condition. We are often unprepared to cope with the inevitable loss of our loved ones because we have not been adequately equipped with effective coping skills for dealing with loss and grief. But now it is time to take a direct look at this topic. To no longer hide from it, pretend it does not exist, or believe that it will never effect us. Personally, "loss and grief" has been a very familiar theme during the last five years of my life. I have lost my father, my mother, several beloved pets, as well as the collective loss suffered by all of us on September 11th. These devastating losses were potent and strong driving forces in my life, propelling me to look directly at our ultimate condition, to search for deep meaning and purpose in life, and to cherish every rich, precious moment of the life I've been given. It was through these losses that I found my interest in spirituality and personal growth--interests that I may not have found at this stage in my life, if it were not for all this loss in my life. When I was searching for a quotation for this month's issue of Soulful Living, I stumbled across the wonderful one, above, by Ernest Hemingway, and knew, immediately, that it was THE one! This quote's special gift is that it so beautifully sums up my intention for this month's issue. I can definitely say that through all of the grief and loss I have suffered, I have been blessed to find great growth, healing and strength "at my broken places." The very creation of SoulfulLiving.com was the result of that growth. That is the "gift" of grief--it presents us with the opportunity to heal and grow. And that is my prayer for you. I feel very grateful that I have had SoulfulLiving.com to pull me through these losses--to offer me a place to release all of my pain and anguish, "a divine vessel of sorts." A place where my pain and creativity could flow, through my broken heart and spirit, out through my fingers, to the keypad of my computer. SoulfulLiving.com is my "gift"--it is my Salvation! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to indulge myself each month, for allowing me a place and space to create and heal within. I feel very blessed! When I contacted our contributing authors this month, I was astounded to find that more than half of them had very recently suffered a devastating personal loss. All of these authors expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share their knowledge and personal experiences here with you. They said that doing so would be very cathartic for them. Several of the other contributors wrote to say that they would contribute, too, but only if they could write about the losses they had experienced during their lifetimes and share what they had learned from them. The very touching stories shared by all of our contributing authors this month have made this a very special and personal issue of Soulful Living. We are blessed to have the opportunity to learn and grow  from these authors' life experiences and to benefit from their soulful wisdom. I pray that this issue of SoulfulLiving.com provides you with the courage and skills to cope with loss and grief--to heal and "grow strong at the broken places." Soulfully,  Valerie, the Soul of SoulfulLiving.com. Share Your Thoughts on Loss and Grief in our Soulful Living Open Journal

THIS MONTH'S FEATURES:

"Deathworking: A Means of Living More Fully"
by Jane Alexander, a UK-based writer on natural health, holistic living and contemporary spirituality. She is the author of ten books, including "Spirit of the Home," "The Five Minute Healer," "Detox for the Body, Mind, and Spirit," "Sacred Rituals at Home," and her newest, "The Energy Secret." Her website is www.janealexander.org.

"Defining Life: Healing the Pain of Loss"
by Father Paul Keenan, popular speaker, author and radio co-host of WABC Radio’s "Religion on the Line." Father Paul likes to talk and write about the issues that matter to people. Widely experienced as a national and local television and radio news commentator, he is the author of "Good News for Bad Days," "Stages of the Soul" and "Heartstorming: The Way to a Purposeful Life." (www.fatherpaul.com)

"Healing Rituals"
by Barbara Biziou, America's foremost ritual expert. Through practical, easy to use ritual recipes that are powerful and inspiring, Barbara teaches people how to effect remarkable changes in their lives. Since 1981 she has traveled the globe, showing individuals and companies how to incorporate spirituality into their hectic lifestyles. She is the author of "The Joys of Everyday Ritual" and "The Joy of Family Rituals." (www.joyofritual.com)

"Death and Dying: Tragedy or Opportunity?"
by Margaret Paul, Ph.D., a noted speaker, author, workshop leader, and facilitator. She is the author/co-author of eight books, including the best-selling "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?," "Healing Your Aloneness," "Inner Bonding," and her newest, "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By God?" (www.innerbonding.com)

"Family Relationships Are Both a Gift and a Challenge"
by Kay Nuyens, certified clinical hypnotherapist, healer, author, speaker, teacher and a certified JOY practitioner. Kay is the author of "Invitation to Greatness--A Workbook for Personal Growth." Kay’s goal is to empower people to find their inner connection, healing issues through awareness, compassion and the power of love. (www.changingfocus.net)

"The Day I Lost My Wife"
by Christopher Foster, a former weekly newspaper editor. He has worked as a reporter in the UK, Africa, New Zealand, and Canada, and lived in a spiritual community in British Columbia, Canada, before moving to Colorado. He is the author of two novels, two book of poetry, and his latest work, "The Raven Who Spoke With God." (www.singingspiritbooks.com)

"It Is Never Too Late: Communicating With Our Departed Loved Ones"
by Lori Henshey-Eads, a professional writer, editor and researcher for 20 years. She has been published in various newspapers and magazines, as well as on the Internet, and is now at work on her first book, "Love: A Bond Beyond Death."  Her website is www.easywriter-media.com.