1938: When Isolation Is Actually Protection by Shelby Forsythia on Grieving and the Value of Being Alone
Oct 23, 2023
11:23
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Shelby Forsythia, Intuitive Grief Guide, discusses the wisdom and value of isolation as a form of protection. Topics include societal expectations around grief, the healing power of isolation, and seeking answers through therapy.
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Quick takeaways
Isolation can serve as a protective measure for grieving individuals, allowing them to avoid triggering situations and heal from grief before reengaging with the outside world.
Isolation should be reframed as a sign of something deeply right rather than wrong, as it allows individuals to rest, restore, and focus on inner healing while grieving.
Deep dives
Isolation as Protection During Grief
Grief is a significant yet often undiscussed part of relationships. After experiencing multiple losses, clients may oscillate between engaging with the world or shutting it out entirely. However, isolation should not always be viewed as negative, as it can serve as a protective measure. Grieving individuals may isolate to avoid encountering insensitive remarks, expectations of happiness, exhaustion from everyday activities, triggering situations, and uncontrollable emotions. Choosing isolation after a loss shows inherent wisdom and the need for safety, stillness, and protection. It is a temporary retreat that allows individuals to heal from grief before reengaging with the outside world.
The Benefits of Isolation and the Stigma
Despite societal expectations of constant connection, isolation can actually be beneficial for grieving individuals. Westernized societies often view isolation as unpleasant or a moral failing, causing shame for those who choose solitude. It is important to understand that people isolate after loss due to various reasons like protecting themselves from further pain and conserving energy for healing. It is essential to reframe isolation as a sign of something deeply right rather than wrong. Isolation allows individuals to rest, restore, and focus on inner healing while grieving.
A Temporary Shelter for Healing
Isolation is not a permanent state for grievers but a season of life after loss. It serves as a safe, solitary shelter during the healing process. Grieving individuals may need isolation as a temporary retreat to navigate their grief before gradually returning to the larger world. Granting oneself permission to rest within isolation's protective arms is essential for healing. Isolation does not imply selfishness or abandonment, but rather a profound restoration of energy focused on deep healing. Individuals should honor their need for safety, stillness, and protection as they progress towards healing from grief.
Shelby Forsythia talks about when isolation is actually protection
Episode 1938: When Isolation Is Actually Protection by Shelby Forsythia on Grieving and the Value of Being Alone
Shelby Forsythia never intended to study grief, but now she is an Intuitive Grief Guide who speaks, writes, and teaches powerful truths about grief and loss.
She is the podcast host of Coming Back: Conversations on Life After Loss where she and her guests tell the truth about life after death, divorce, diagnosis, and more. Find more at ShelbyForsythia.com