Understanding Grief: A Deep Dive with Relational Recovery
The thought of people close to me that I love, going through hard things, wrenches my heart. But I also have come to realize that I think pain is one of the greatest teachers that we have.
Grieving is a journey that everyone faces at some point, but it’s rarely straightforward. In this episode of 'Relational Recovery', hosts Wes Thompson and Austin Hill tackle the complex landscape of grief and loss. They begin by discussing the concept of avoidance, highlighting how distractions like food, sex, or television can hinder the grieving process. Instead, they advocate for leaning into grief, allowing oneself to fully experience and process the emotions involved.
One key takeaway is their discussion on the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. They stress that these stages are not linear but rather cyclical, with emotions coming in waves. By naming and acknowledging these emotions, individuals can better manage their pain. The hosts also delve into how grief impacts decision-making. During periods of intense grief, people often make poor choices because they’re using all their energy to cope with their pain.
This episode encourages listeners to confront their grief head-on to avoid this pitfall. Ignoring grief, they explain, not only prolongs pain but also negatively affects relationships and overall well-being. By taking the time to process these difficult emotions, individuals can make healthier choices and foster better relationships with themselves and others. This episode offers a compassionate and insightful guide to navigating the often turbulent waters of grief.