On Grief

Grief is a challenging process regardless of who one has lost, whether it is to death, separation, divorce or other loss. The following is a poem written following the death of my last parent. Grief changes you. Surviving grief using AAIT makes the process of finding peace possible with lasting relief. Sunyata is the experience of realizing that separation is an illusion that we create. If you are struggling with grief and loss, feeling separated and alone, come talk with me. Enjoy this poem where grief comes alive.

Grief
I’ll wrestle with you, I’ll tangle from time to time.
I’ll dive into your depths of pain, anguish even.
Your ocean filled with the salty tears of every human being who has loved and lost.
Yes, I’ll dive until I find the shell on the bottom of the sandy floor;
The one that reminds me of your roar each time I put it to my ear.
I’ll ride your waves,
and at times float as I’m tossed to and fro in your angry storms.
This I’ll do because I know the calm will return.
The tides will rise and fall.
The sun will reappear to warm my soul.
For as big as you may seem at times,
You are but part of the world.
You are not bigger than I because I can experience you.
I can walk along your beach without entering your waters.
I can appreciate your sounds, your smells, and even taste your salt in the air.
You are my gift to honor.
The one that allows me to appreciate all that I have this moment,
To understand the fleeting nature of all that exists,
And to rise above any fear that prevents me from loving in a way that loss can complicate.
Cheers to you, great ocean of darkness!
Thank you for your lessons and gifts.