“Grief does not shrink over time; in time, we grow around our grief.”
i am grieving.
If only grief were linear and guaranteed to diminish over time—maybe then it would be easier to bear. On the other hand, maybe there is comfort in knowing we are free to grieve in our own ways and at our own pace.
External support can provide scaffolding for us to grieve, but much of the process is deeply personal and private. Grief is an embodied experience. Reminders of basic functions like eating and sleeping can seem simple but are essential. The act of remembrance—giving oneself “permission” and opportunities to share stories of the deceased—can be immediately helpful. In time, legacy projects such as creating or reinstating traditions that commemorate through food, music, art, or occasion can take shape.
With this in mind, we have gathered resources and recommendations that we hope will help you move forward a little lighter.
-
The Artists’ Grief Deck is a series of beautiful cards—each a blend of words and images, prompts created by artists and grief workers to aid in the processing of grief.
Grief is Human is a deck of cards with reflection and activity prompts to help navigate the complex journey of loss.
Option B provides online resources and support for those facing loss and hardship.
Help Texts sends expert grief support, personalized and immediate, via text message.
Momento Foundation provides recommended grief resources including books, podcasts, and articles and blogs.
-
The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience: a blend of practical advice, innovative practices and wit.
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis: a truthful reflection on life, death, and faith written after the tragic death of the author’s wife.
Bookshop: this is where our entire library of recommended books can be found, including a running list specific to loss and grief. Any purchase made from this site benefits both local bookshops and Here to Honor.
-
Two podcasts addressing grief with humor and heart:
Everything Happens with Kate Bowler: A Heart that Works is a Heart that Hurts with Rob Delaney
All There Is with Anderson Cooper: Stephen Colbert: Grateful for Grief
-
If you are looking for supportive group settings for connecting with others, here are some suggestions for finding your people online and/or in-person:
GriefShare leads support groups that meet for thirteen weeks; topics range from loneliness and fear to relationships and hope. Their website search engine will help direct you to local groups.
NYC-based?
Dwellness Therapy meets regularly at Sparrow Contemporary Funeral Home in Brooklyn.
Adult Bereavement Support is offered by Calvary Hospital, with multiple groups that meet around the city.
-
The Dinner Party: a community of young adults who’ve known loss gather over dinner and conversation.
Hearts2Heal (H2H): a Black-Latinx-, woman-, and veteran-led nonprofit providing community-based grief support and mental health programs for the Black, Brown, and military-connected community.
Soaring Spirits International: grief support programs for widowed men and women.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: support for suicide loss survivors.
COPE Foundation: started by bereaved parents, connects individuals who have experienced the loss of family members.