The Courage to Grieve
At Brian’s Healing Hearts we are beginning to explore specific themes related to grief. This month, we are learning about and discussing the courage to grieve and the gift of vulnerability.
Grief is one of the most vulnerable experiences in life and with loss comes so many fears. We worry about those we love, fearing more loss. We face uncertainty and instability at work and home. Grief affects relationships and we fear abandonment because of our loss.
It is normal (and expected) to experience fear as you grieve. How you face that fear is what is important; it takes courage and vulnerability to keep moving forward and keep healing even when we are afraid.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself this month:
- What am I afraid of right now?
- What is holding me back?
- What is one thing I can do this month even if it’s scary?
- Who can I ask for help and support to be courageous?
There are resources and inspiration below to help you as you take courageous steps as you continue on your grief journey.
We encourage you to do one courageous thing this month, even if it’s just one small step in your healing process. Joining a support group is courageous. Talking a walk is courageous. Spending time with a friend or meeting a new friend is courageous. Make that appointment or sit with that memory.
Courage looks different for all of us, but it is an essential tool for healing.
How will you be courageous this month? Email us or find us on social media and let us know!
Books & Resources
The Courage to Grieve by Judy Tatelbaum
The Mourners Book of Courage by Alan Wolfelt
Mustering the Courage to Mourn blog post by Alan Wolfelt
Tips to Cultivate Skillful Courage blog post by Heather Stang
The Power of Vulnerability Ted Talk by Brene Brown
The Call to Courage documentary by Brene Brown (streaming on Netflix)
Inspiration
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Desmond Tutu
“One way to learn courage is to experiment with being courageous… we can taste courage, notice courage, pretend courage… having the courage to grieve leads to having the courage to live, to love, to risk, and to enjoy all the fruits of life without fear or inhibition.” Judy Tatelbaum
“Paradoxically, it is the very act of mustering the courage to move toward the pain that ultimately leads to healing.” Alan Wolfelt
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” Brene Brown
“It takes courage to grieve, to honor the pain we carry. We can grieve in tears or in meditative silence, in prayer or in song. In touching the pain of recent and long-held griefs, we come face to face with our genuine human vulnerability, with helplessness and hopelessness. These are the storm clouds of the heart.” Jack Kornfield
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” Mary Anne Radmacher
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Brene Brown
