Category: Grieving Process

How do you feel about receiving?

26/1/2016

Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it. -Rabindranath Tagore - HealingforGrievingHearts.com

In my last post I told you about my pending surgery and my fear of losing control.

In the end I just feel very humbled by the care and support I received.

Yes, I had to give up control but at the same time I received the care and expertise of doctors and nurses that knew what to do when I felt nauseated by the medications or overwhelmed by getting out of bed for the first time. (smile)

Friends and family were there for me with their healing thoughts and wonderful food. (smile)

I am still recovering and I am taking one day at a time. I focus on what is most important at each moment like relationships with friends, family and clients, and the love I feel for life itself.

I will take care of myself by balancing my activities, take even more time in nature, and by incorporating the advices I give my clients: (smile)

reach out for help
receive support
take nurturing breaks
meditate
be creative

How do you feel when you open up to receive?
Please share your thoughts with me.

I will be happy to make time for you. (smile)

Blessings,
Jacqueline

Create a ritual...

8/12/2015

Candles, chorals, green needle branches with red ribbons, every day little gifts till Christmas Eve, and the smell of cookies being freshly backed. This is what I remember from my childhood.

What I am missing most next to my mother is the home baked Christmas cookies. My mother was a master in cooking and baking and we always helped kneading, decorating and eating them as we went along.

I am a strong believer in rituals and the comfort they can give you.

Every year I am falling short on my ‘would like to do’ rituals before Christmas. (smile) With it comes often the feeling that I am letting my mother down by not continuing her legacy she had instilled in us.

While I’m writing this I realize that the memories of her and her way of bringing light, humor, and warmth into my life comforts me to this day.

Perhaps you and I have to become still.

Instead of stepping into a rush of activity it might be better just to reflect on these warm and beautiful moments that we shared with our loved ones.

It might become a new ritual to talk about all the things my mother did to make Christmas special. (smile)

Do you want to give it a try as well?
Let me know how it went.

From my heart to yours,
Jacqueline

Do you feel comfortable sharing your memories?

11/11/2015

Share your memories to help you move forward in your grieving process.

Holidays are coming our way.

With them there might be even more reminders of the times we had
with our loved ones.

But instead of dreading these reminders I am challenging you to embrace them.

Yes, step gently into your fun and sad memories.

Share them, laugh about them, write them down and share them at a family dinner or with friends. Did you notice that I wrote share them twice? (smile)

At first, you might find it difficult to share your memories. Every time you do it the memories become lighter, more colourful, perhaps even more joyful. You might even find yourself crying and laughing at the same time.

Will it be easy? Probably not.
Will you enjoy it? Perhaps not always.
Will you feel more at ease? Perhaps.

You can only find your own answers by stepping into the challenge and share your loved one’s life with others.

Let me know how it goes here.

From my heart to yours,
Jacqueline

How can art therapy help when I grieve?

27/10/2015

Art Therapy Heals your Soul and Heart - HealingForGrievingHearts.com

Ten days ago the Canadian Art Therapy Association annual conference was held here in Nova Scotia. I helped organize it and presented a part of the Healing for Grieving Hearts program to my fellow peers.

It was a great conference. (smile) It assured me once more how important the therapeutic art interventions are that I have integrated into the Healing for Grieving Hearts program.

Why does art therapy work?

We all think in images that are unique to each of us. If I would say: “Think of a tree”, all of you would have a different tree in mind. Was it an oak, evergreen, an ash, a maple tree, a tree in bloom or a fall tree or...? Let me know I am curious. (smile)

Our images and thoughts are unique and shaped by what we have encountered in the past. The therapeutic art interventions help to tap into the feelings that don’t seem to have any words. Bring them to light and healing with colours, shapes, and symbols.

How can it help when you are grieving?

When you lose someone your heart might be overwhelmed with all the sadness and new realities that come your way. It might shut down a bit to protect itself until it is ready again to open up and see a new future.

Therapeutic art interventions help your heart and your soul to express what you might not be able to in front of family and friends. In art therapy there is no right or wrong. All of your images are yours and will help you move through your unique grieving process. You will be surprised to see how hidden resources come to the forefront.

Take good care,
Jacqueline

After the conference an art therapist friend of mine wrote: I wanted to say that I think your presentation was fantastic. I talked to a few other participants that felt the same, thanks so much. ~ Katie

Yes, this made my day. (smile)

Where do You find a Quiet Moment?

7/10/2015

Where do you find quiet moments to support your healing process? www.HealingForGrievingHearts.com

Last week we were able to witness a blood moon. Did you see the lunar eclipse?

The weather in Nova Scotia was cooperative and we had a mild and clear night.

When it started our backyard was lit up like always when there is a full moon. Forty-five minutes later the backyard was dark, the stars visible and the moon turned red.

I took the photo above about one hour into the lunar eclipse. I felt connected to so many of my friends that were watching at the same time in various places of the world. I also felt deeply connected to my loved ones that have passed away.

The very moment I thought it couldn't get more magnificent a shooting star became visible right next to the moon.

In that moment it felt like nothing else mattered anymore than this moment in time. It had a calming and joyful effect on me and I still feel it when I see the blood moon in my minds eye.

Nature can have a calming influence on your mood. Being outside feeling the wind on your skin can help you with your grieving process.

For the coming weeks I wish for you to find those still moments in time where you can feel connected to the calm of nature, to your loved ones, or even the Universe.

Take good care,
Jacqueline

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How do you feel about receiving?

Create a ritual...

Do you feel comfortable sharing your memories?

How can art therapy help when I grieve?

Where do You find a Quiet Moment?

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