Grief Healing Through Nature

                  A loved one, a job, a trusted relationship, good health, friendship, identity—these are many losses we humans face as we journey through life.

Despite rainy skies, Sherril Graham led a session on processing grief and gaining help from the natural world. “The only credential I have is life,” she told the group assembled at the shelter house in June.

Sherril thought she knew grief, but it was nothing like what she experienced when her son and grandson were killed by a drunk driver. The initial gut punch was followed by “grief spasms” when she was unpredictably overcome by sorrow. During these times, she drove to the park to sit with her grief, to feel it, and to unleash her anger at the unfairness. She advised the crowd not to apologize for their anger. There is no timeline for grief.

Sherril found comfort watching the park’s owls. Her son had been an avid birder and Sherril identified the owls as a manifestation of his spirt.

Sherril is not alone. Nature is known to heal and restore us when we face the tumult of grief. We can bereminded of life’s seasons and connect with something greater than ourselves.

The group ended up with a “fire prayer” to take messages to what is lost and to mark a time of transcendence. Fire is a symbol of transformation in many religions. Christians might be reminded of Pentecost. The Great Spirit comes to us in nature, the wind, the fire, and ironically the rain.

This event was made possible by a grant from the Pella Community Foundation.