Advice For People Who Are Grief Stricken and Coping with Grief and Loss

By Jon Terrell, M.A.

You Are Hurting and Trying to Cope with Grief and Loss

You’re in deep pain — grief-stricken after a major loss, the end of a relationship, or another life-changing event.It may feel endless, like you’ll never get better. I’m sorry.

Grief is heavy. It weighs on the body and spirit, often leaving us feeling stuck or numb. But healing begins with allowing yourself to feel.

Make Space for Grief

Coping with grief and loss is the time to give yourself room — to cry, to breathe, to be.The first step in grief recovery isn’t avoiding the pain but feeling it. Tears cleanse and release what words cannot.

Find a private, comforting place — your bed, a quiet corner, or somewhere that feels safe. Wrap yourself in warmth, have tissues nearby, and let yourself breathe slowly and deeply.Each breath creates a little more space inside.

Water and air are healing allies. Tears help cleanse; deep breathing brings calm and flow. Drink extra water to rehydrate and gently care for your body.

If tears don’t come yet, that’s okay. Sometimes numbness protects us until we’re ready. Trust that feelings will surface in their own time.

Trust Your Process

Every person grieves differently.Ignore the voices that say “be strong” or “move on.” The real strength lies in allowing your emotions to unfold.

Grief is tiring. Rest often. Stay close to the ground — literally if needed. Gentle movement like walking can help you reconnect with your body and your breath.

Take care of your physical needs: eat nourishing food, rest, and avoid alcohol or drugs. Healing the body supports healing the heart.

Lean on Connection

Reach out to a friend who can truly listen, or find a support group.If your grief feels unbearable or prolonged, a skilled therapist or a Grief and Loss Retreat can help you move through the pain safely and deeply.

Creative expression — journaling, painting, or music — can also help you process emotions that words can’t reach.

The Wisdom of Grief

“Truly, it is in darkness that one finds the light.” — Meister Eckhart

Grief, when honored, brings unexpected gifts — grounding, compassion, and eventually, a deeper love for life itself.

For over 25 years, our Grief and Difficult Emotions Retreats have helped people release pain, reconnect to life, and rediscover meaning.

Jon Terrell, M.A.Psychotherapist and retreat leader specializing in grief and emotional healing.

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