Collective Grief
We were struck by yet another tragedy last week. Amongst the many other tragedies we have been holding onto daily from war to systemic oppression. It is too much for any one human to bear. Everyone is coping with it differently - by feeling the weight of it all to trying to cling to a sense of normalcy. When we’re hit with all of this tragedy, it is important to find a balance between acknowledging the horror and not missing the good parts of the world.
We need to take care of ourselves, before we can attend to other parts of our lives and/or work for change. We cannot do it all by ourselves, especially when we are hurting so deeply. Taking care of ourselves may look different to each person. It may be resting, crying, reaching out for support, or mobilizing for change. There isn’t a right way to do it, but unfortunately, we do need to attend to ourselves and our responses in these fraught times.
David Kessler recently provided some tips for responding to collective grief in his newsletter including:
Express your grief and listen to those around you as they express theirs.
Remember, we all grieve differently. Not everyone experiences collective grief with the same intensity.
Engage with others, even if only online. The antidote to isolation is community.
Think local. The communities that are affected directly have resources nearby in the short term. What can you do in your home, neighborhood, and town?
Think small. Sometimes a hug can mean everything at times like these. Bake cookies. Pick flowers. Say hello to your neighbors. Call a friend.
Self-care. How are you taking care of yourself?
Take media breaks. The news can be overwhelming. Get outside. Move your body. Take a deep breath.
Finding meaning can take the form of taking an action to prevent tragedies in the future.
You can access more support through David Kessler’s website (grief.com), including resources for grief support groups. I want to invite you to be gentle with yourself and know that you are not alone in feeling all of this.
As always, take what is helpful and leave the rest. I hope you have the week you need.
