This process cannot be rushed; it will proceed at its own pace if we allow it. Many in the community will support us -- friends, family, clergy, other groups. Our own inner work is extremely important, as is ritual. We say goodbye to the physical body of our loved one. Possessions are given away and rearranged.

We must allow the waves of grief to come and go. We might feel relief, anger, fear, pain, loneliness, abandonment and more before we finally experience acceptance. Faith in a higher power can help sustain us through this process. Releasing the sadness and all of the other feelings through tears helps you cleanse your spirit and create more space to be in the moment. Trying to appear strong will only increase your suffering and create more problems.

We are so used to numbing ourselves for pain, but when someone dies we need to allow ourselves to really stay with it, as well as the other feelings. Eventually this acknowledgement will lead to healing and insight. Journaling, meditation, movement, energy work, art therapy, music, hypnotherapy and so on are helpful on this journey of acceptance and continued self-discovery. If you feel you are not moving through this process and feel blocked or stuck, taking action through these methods or seeking counseling are positive paths to relief, encouragement and support.