Home > Blog Index > Seeking Solace: On the Shores of Grief

“I found little niches where it’s okay to be broken, and that has helped me to heal.”
—Jeanine Motsay, Founder of Sams Watch (HEART GUIDE, mother who lost her son)

“My mom would want me to keep going.”
—Lia Guerin (HEART GUIDE, daughter)

While writing HEART GUIDE, I spent three years interviewing people about the grief and healing process involved with the death of loved ones. I talked to people from various faith traditions (along with individuals who hold no particular religious beliefs). I spoke to people who have lost children, parents (biological and non-biological), life partners, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and lovers.

For the next year, I will be dedicating this blog to the gifts these brave souls courageously offered by opening their hearts and their lives — not just to me but also to each of us.

Sharing our experiences of loss can make a tremendous difference in this world. In community, we can learn to gently cradle intense sorrow, and we can begin to show one another more tenderness, kindness, and compassion. We may also discover ways in which we can better support friends and family members who are hurting.

When we find ourselves on the unfamiliar shores of loss — with the path forward uncertain and the interior landscape gutted — it’s okay to simply be in that space for a while: giving ourselves permission to breathe, to cry, to laugh, or to scream. We can spend however much time we need there, perhaps finding solace beneath the vast night sky, under a bight full moon, or in the soft glow of the setting sun. We can allow ourselves to feel whatever we feel — no right, no wrong, and no judgment.

In honoring our grief, Sandra Harris (who lost her daughter and her husband) says, “Find what really nurtures and helps you, whether it’s music, meditation, yoga, or singing. If you pray, then pray. If you garden, then garden. If you dance, then do it with all your heart.”

Grief may compel a solitary sojourn into the deep recesses of our hearts. Yet, we are never alone on this journey. There are always those gentle spirits who travel beside us. The individuals and couples in HEART GUIDE likewise hold a lantern to help light our way.

In joy & gratitude, 

Diana J. Ensign

Upcoming Appearances

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

“Why Grief Rituals Matter”

Join Diana for this Sunday Worship Service
11:00 am
Sacred Path Church
1818 W. 57th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46228

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22,  2017

Official Launch of HEART GUIDE

“Grief: What We Need to Know for Healing the Heart”
7:00 – 9:00 PM 
Free Event
Hosted by Overdose Lifeline
Indiana Interchurch Center
Krannert Assembly Hall
1100 W. 42nd St.
Indianapolis IN 46208

In the Planning Stages

Loking forward to future appearances at:
Evansville, IN
Bloomington, IN
Dearborn, MI.

(More worship services planned, see the Events page for times and dates.)