In my long and winding journey of healing, I’d have to say it was not one person, or one modality, that helped me, it was many. In the list below are things that worked for me. Not everything here is appropriate for everyone, and, there are many other practitioners out there that are very good at what they do. This list is not meant to be exhaustive by any means, but rather just give you a place to start.
Healing Modalities/Practitioners:
Grief Counseling: Dr. Alan Wolfelt is a Death Educator and Grief Counselor, and his website has a wide array of resources that can assist both people who are grieving along with the people that care for the dying. There is also a link to purchase helpful books, along with referrals for grief counselors.
https://www.centerforloss.com/
Exercise: People that have experienced grief (and stress!) might tell you it can feel heavy, almost like carrying a weight around. (It certainly did for me!) Even 20 minutes of moderate exercise per day can make a difference in how you feel. One day I ran down the street just to expel some of that pent-up energy, and believe me, it helped. (Remember that grief is energy, and moving it along matters!) Please do consult a physician before starting any new routine (I went back to jazzercise since I love music and dance, but even walking is helpful!) The Mayo Clinic (along with many other sites) has helpful information on stress management and a healthy lifestyle.
Music/Sound Healing: Music can help heal you! In order to understand this concept, try doing an internet search for Japanese artist Kenichi Kanazawa, as he specializes in sound vibration art. He will spread sand or powder on his steel table, then utilize different instruments to create sounds of varying frequencies, which will cause the sand/powder to create geometric formations all on their own. It’s quite fascinating, and for me it’s a way to understand how the right sound frequencies can help organize/calm your thoughts. There are many artists out there that make healing music, but there is one in particular that I like and listen to regularly.
I often listen to music composed by Steven Halpern before going to sleep. Per his website, “His most recent Mindful Music series features key brainwave entrainment frequencies to deepen one’s relaxation, healing, meditation, creativity and sleep. (Deep Alpha, Deep Theta and Relax into Sleep).”
https://www.stevenhalpernmusic.com/
His music (and other artists like him) can be found on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes. Searching “meditation music” works too.
Breathwork: Being mindful of your breathing takes some discipline, but, if you are stuck in a feedback loop of sadness it can help distract you enough to move on to a different thought. Take a moment to become aware of your breathing. Are you taking short, shallow breaths? This is not helpful if you are trying to move grief/stress out of your body. Try to take a long breath in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, then a long breath out for 8 seconds. For more information, try searching the Beginners Guide to Breathwork on the channel “The Holistic Psychologist” featuring Dr. Nicole LaPera.
Photography: I love having calming photos in my space and found them helpful for my healing journey. Shari Pederson, whose photographs are featured on this website, is one of those sweet and grounded souls that is tuned in to all the elements, making her keenly observant of the world around her. She sees details in the landscape that other people miss, and she has a sharp eye for light and shadow which is part of what makes her such a talented photographer.
https://www.sharipederson.com/
Massage Therapy: The power of a loving, caring touch can be incredibly healing, and I have been blessed to know many talented massage therapists over the years who have helped me with physical pain that likely started from emotional pain. Please ask for referrals from friends and family to find the right person for you in your area.
Art: Art can help you process grief, and can also help you find calm in the midst of chaos. Julie Hoyle is not only a gifted artist, but also a multi-talented force of nature. Every time I hear her speak I learn something about myself or the world around me. Her observations are astute and spoken with love and the wisdom of a master. Please check out her e-books and other current offerings on her site.
Reiki: The right Reiki practitioner can work miracles in unblocking stuck energy. I know two incredible women that may be able to help if this kind of therapy resonates with you. (I personally found it to be very effective!) Joyce Leonard is located in Santa Cruz, California and Denise Maple is located in Whitewater, Wisconsin, but can work remotely.
https://www.santacruzreikiworks.com
There are other therapies available, such as Somatic Therapy, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy and EMDR that are worth looking into. Also, reading may help, There is a book that discusses the effect of trauma on the body that is insightful. It’s called “The Body keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van der Volk MD.
Why is my company called “Angels Amid Us” ?
Because I believe with all my heart that Angels are real. I believe they are with us, and that they can perform miracles. I have personally experienced a small miracle, in that my grief was lifted by an Angel in a dream one night. My dream was a bit unusual, like some dreams are, but the important thing is that I asked for my grief to be lifted, and, it was. Always remember that you have to ask! They can’t do anything unless you do, since it would be interfering with your free will. And, I’m not going to guarantee that they can give you what you ask for since I don’t know how these things work in Heaven, but, in this case, they did. When I woke up the next morning I felt like a 50-pound weight had been removed from my chest. I knew that was no ordinary dream. My grief had miraculously been lifted! I felt so light it seemed like I could fly if I tried. It was incredible.
I feel so blessed to have received this gift, and want to do everything I can to pass this grace and love onto others who are grieving.
