Healing Grief Rituals
To remember our loved ones
The value of creating “Grief Rituals” is to help us remember our loved ones in loving, healing ways and with a sense of peace. Too often, bereaved individuals feel they must “hold on” to pain, seemingly forever, in order to remember those they love. Some examples of rituals are listed below. Remember: It is important for yourself or the bereaved to create a ritual individually or with their family that will have the most meaning and healing significance to them.
Buy a very special candle and light it at times that are special to your loved one’s memory, i.e., birthday, Father’s Day, anniversaries, etc.
Write special notes in balloons and let them go
Help feed the hungry/homeless at Thanksgiving, holidays, etc.
Create a scrapbook of memories/photos …a memory book
Donate gifts, quilts, etc., in a loved one’s name
Plant a strong, healthy tree or rosebush in a loved one’s name
Find a tree in the woods, tie a yellow ribbon around it, go frequently to remember (this is especially helpful when ashes have been scattered and there is no grave site.)
Let balloons go, along with a prayer or special wish to a loved one
Offer a scholarship in a loved one’s name
On birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc., buy your loved one a gift and donate it to a hospital, nursing home, etc.
Christmas stockings: Hang one up for a loved one and have everyone write a special note to put inside
Buy a Christmas ornament each year to remember the deceased
If you go on a trip at a special anniversary time, do something special to remember your loved one on the trip (i.e., toss a rose in the ocean, light a candle)
Have your wedding ring made into a new setting for a necklace, etc.
Have a birthday party for your loved one on his/her birthday
Have a family “memory” evening where you share pictures, reminisce about special times, create a scrapbook of memories, etc.
Courtesy of Panacom Inc and Healing Resources
Coping With Holiday Grief
Coping With The Holidays Checklist
