Grief Recommendations
Below is a list of recommendations I’ve found personally helpful in dealing with grief. Though something may work for me, it doesn’t mean it will or should work for you. This is just a list that may point you in the right direction. Feel free to contact me to add your own recommendations to the list. For the record, I am not paid to refer you to any of these and recommend them simply because they’re awesome.
Sacred Acoustics
Sacred Acoustics is a guided meditation website and application. Founded by Karen Newell and Kevin Kossi and advised by neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander, author of Proof of Heaven and other books. Though you may have found meditation difficult or frustrating in the past, I encourage you to try again in grief. These meditations are quite different and utilize brainwave entrainment and biaural beats to facilitate an usually deep meditative experience. You can test it out for free by downloading the Sacred Acoustics app or through the website at sacredacoustics.com.
Hot Young Widows Club
Based on the bestselling book, “Hot Young Widows Club” by Nora McInerny, it’s a pretty awful and exclusive club for anyone who has a dead spouse or partner. It’s securely hosted on a private messaging board. Since you’ve got to pay a one-time fee of $25 and provide details of your loss, it’s a decent barrier to scammers or other family members. It’s only for widows but accepts women, men and any other gender, LGBT folks, and any kind of death. There are sub groups for all sorts of folks. For instance, I’m on the subforums for Suicide Wids, Wids with Kids, Chicago Wids, and LGBT Wids. I’ve met some kind and understanding people who have given me great advice, listened to my dark humor, and helped me survive the dark days. We’re all hot widows but not all of us are young. Join us at https://www.hotyoungwidowsclub.com/join-us.
Refuge in Grief
The Refuge in Grief website is a great resource for those grieving and the people who support them. Based on the popular book, “It’s OK That You’re Not OK” by therapist Meghan Devine, it provides practical information and tips. I recommend the Kindle version or actual book over the audiobook. All of her resources are good for anyone who’s lost someone as well as the people affected by the death.
Medium
Medium is a great place to show off your writing. I find sometimes all I can do is write. I write long letters to my wife and from this, I occasionally share an insight I’ve stumbled across. If I’m feeling brave, I’ll post a poem or a photo I’ve taken and “doctored” (haha!). Even if you don’t make your thoughts public, I highly encourage you to write without rules, censorship or judgement.
Other Ideas
Follow people on social media that regularly post on grief topics.
Listen to audiobooks on grief or get a good suspense novel. Podcasts are great as well. Use Audible or download for free from your public library on Libby.
Start a new hobby. You don’t have to go all in; just try something out. I’ve started making candles and soap and planting flowers in pots. Try cross stitching, work puzzles, or take a photography class online.