Grieving with the Seasons: Tips on Grieving Through the Seasons Changing
The leaves haven’t started dropping yet, but we all know the seasons are changing. Each season can bring it’s own reminders of loss with some familiar emotions and sensations. This is “seasonal grief,” and it’s when traditions and memories of each season serve as reminders of what is now gone.
Not very uplifting, I know.
But think about it— we are a species of cycles on a planet of cycles in nature. As we approach fall, we are reminded that a new cycle is upon us. It’s a season of things falling away, and even visually, we see loss and change all around us. We are inevitably reminded of the holidays, anniversaries, and moments to come that are blaring reminders of who or what we have lost.
Whether you’re grieving the loss of a relationship, loved one, or medical condition, season grief can make it challenging to have the desire to participate in events occurring around you and serve as a reminder of death or loss itself.
We have to acknowledge that our bodies can hold and feel this loss upon us. You may already feel it now as we near the end of summer.
What You Can Do with “Change of Season Grief”
Prepare ahead of time. There are certain seasons, holidays, months, and days that you already know will bring heavy grief. Make a Plan A, B, and C for events coming up. Also, give yourself space to gauge your readiness for it as you get closer.
Plan things to look forward to. This can be a trip somewhere on your bucket list, a reunion with people who love you, or whatever else might feel comforting to you. The purpose of this is to give yourself something to look forward that will be refreshing and calming.
Slow down and go gently. Your body will feel this change as it comes. So, pay even more attention to your body and what it needs. Are you getting enough time outside? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you spending time with friends and family?
Honor traditions and rituals that feel good. I know these aren’t going to feel the same or be easy, but there is a sense of comforting connection that comes when you revisit things traditions, and rituals that have been a part of your life for a long time.
Create new traditions. While you’re keeping the old, what are some new traditions you can add? What are some things you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t had the space? Take some time and do them this year. Add new traditions with new loved ones, and give yourself some space to have fun.
Join a support group. When it comes to seasons like this, it’s guaranteed that others around you are feeling some of the same things that you are. Connect with those people and lean on one another during this season.
Allow yourself to feel. This one is hard, and I know that. Even if you feel it every year and you’re tired of it, spend time honoring and giving those feelings permission to be present.
We don’t talk enough about how the change of seasons lives in our bodies for those who have endured trauma and loss. We have to do our best to show up for our experience with love, gentleness, and support as needed. You don’t have to stay silent or go this alone.
Do you need some additional support in navigating your loss? Grab a copy of my new book, Moving On Doesn’t Mean Letting Go. In it, you’ll find practical things you can do to grieve while living your life.
