Sherry Walling, a grief management expert and author of 'Touching Two Worlds,' dives deep into the complexities of grief. She highlights the dangers of building an identity around loss and the importance of processing emotions amidst stress. Walling contrasts acute vs. chronic stress and discusses how grief can affect leadership and team dynamics. She emphasizes the value of physical activities for mental health and encourages open emotional expression to navigate grief effectively, enhancing resilience and creativity.
Acknowledging grief as a natural response to love is crucial for personal empowerment and growth, rather than equating it with weakness.
Engaging in physical activities can effectively help individuals process grief while promoting overall emotional well-being and resilience.
Deep dives
Understanding Grief vs. Depression
Grief should not be equated with depression; experiencing grief does not automatically lead to a depressive state. Many people fear that acknowledging their grief makes them vulnerable or weak, but this recognition is actually a crucial step in the healing process. Acknowledging painful emotions does not mean one will fall into victimhood; instead, it allows for personal empowerment and growth. It’s important for individuals to give themselves permission to process their grief without the stigma of being perceived as weak.
Grief as a Natural Process
Grief is often viewed as a condition that needs to be treated or cured, rather than a natural byproduct of love and connection. Approaching grief with reverence allows individuals to learn and grow from their experiences, rather than rushing through the process to avoid discomfort. Grief encompasses both the complexities of loss and the appreciation of love shared, thus should be treated with care and introspection. Learning to embody grief through physical expression can be vital, providing a way to integrate the emotional experience into one's life.
The Role of Physical Engagement in Grief
Engaging in physical activities can help individuals navigate grief more effectively by grounding them in their bodies and diverting their focus from overwhelming emotions. Practices that demand mental engagement, such as aerial arts or intense physical training, allow individuals to experience emotional release while promoting overall well-being. This approach helps to create a space for both processing grief and celebrating life, enabling a balance between pain and joy. Recognizing the connection between physical movement and emotional health is essential for those dealing with grief or stress.
The Importance of Mental Health Maintenance
Mental health should be viewed as a continuous aspect of one's well-being, not solely addressed during times of crisis. Routine practices such as journaling or reflecting on daily highs and lows can provide insights into emotional states and help individuals recognize microgriefs that may arise in everyday life. It's essential to give oneself permission to feel and express those emotions, fostering a mindset of maintenance and proactive care. Prioritizing mental health leads to better emotional resilience, allowing individuals to face life's challenges with greater clarity and strength.
Sherry Walling, joins us to talk about grief, managing stress and her new book “Touching Two Worlds”.
Sherry warns against common pitfalls around loss to be cautious of. Things such as building an identity around losses and feeling entitled to certain behaviors or privileges because of them.
We also cover acute vs chronic stress and when is the right time to process loss.