In times of grief and life changes, it’s essential to listen to your inner wisdom—a deep, intuitive knowledge that guides and supports you. I talk about this in my book, “Pockets of Grace: Lessons from Darkness, Lessons from Light,” and how listening and engaging in a sacred dialogue with yourself can drown out external noise and help you navigate challenges, discover insights, and find a path forward.

The Power of Inner Wisdom

Inner wisdom, or your intuition, is the voice within that knows your true self and your deepest desires. It’s a source of guidance and clarity, especially during difficult times. By tuning into this inner wisdom, you can make decisions that align with your authentic self, your “you-ness,” and find strength and resilience.

Engaging in Sacred Dialogue

Here are some practices to help you listen to your inner wisdom and engage in a sacred dialogue with yourself:

1. Meditation: Meditation quiets the mind and creates space for your inner wisdom to emerge. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Observe the thoughts at the front of your brain as an observer and how this creates a sense of separation from the steady stream of chatter. This provides space for the gentle voice of your deepest self to be heard.

2. Journaling: Writing is a powerful way to connect with your inner wisdom. Try setting aside time to journal your thoughts and feelings, and to have a conversation with yourself. Ask yourself questions and let your pen flow freely. You may be surprised by the insights that emerge.

3. Dream Analysis: Pay attention to your dreams as they often contain messages from your subconscious mind. Keep a dream journal by your bed and write down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Reflect on the symbols and themes, and consider what they might be telling you.

4. Nature Connection: Spend time in nature to connect with your inner wisdom. The tranquility and beauty of the natural world can help you tune into your intuition. Take walks, sit by a river, or simply observe the changing seasons.

5. Visualization: Use visualization to access your inner wisdom. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a peaceful place. Visualize a wise figure or an older version of you. Ask her questions and listen to the responses. This practice can provide clarity and guidance.

Trusting Your Inner Voice

Trusting your inner wisdom can be challenging, especially when external influences are strong. Remember that your inner voice is a reflection of your true self and has your best interests at heart. Tuning in and trusting this voice can help you navigate life changes with confidence and authenticity.

Embrace Self-Discovery

Dialing in to your inner wisdom is a journey of self-discovery and healing. By engaging in dialogue with her, you can uncover deep insights, make empowered decisions, and find strength and resilience during times of grief and change.

Let’s talk about something that’s incredibly close to my heart—how nature, specifically water, can bring about emotional healing. We all go through tough times, whether it’s grief, life changes, or just the everyday stresses that pile up. During these moments, finding solace in nature, especially around bodies of water like rivers and lakes, can be a powerful way to soothe your soul and rejuvenate your spirit.

Why Water?

Water has an innate ability to calm and center us. There’s a reason why we’re drawn to the beach, lakeside cabins, and riverside walks. The sound of water, its gentle movement, and even its reflective surface offer a kind of therapy that’s hard to match. But what is it about water that has such a profound effect on our emotions?

Scientists and psychologists suggest that water’s rhythmic sounds can induce a meditative state, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. The visual of flowing water also encourages a state of “soft fascination,” which allows our brains to relax and reset. In simpler terms, water is nature’s way of saying, “Hey, take a break. Breathe. You’ve got this.”

Action Step 1: Visit a Local River or Lake for Reflection

One of the simplest ways to harness the calming power of water is to visit a nearby river or lake. Find a quiet spot where you can sit and just be. Leave your phone behind (or at least put it on silent) and allow yourself to immerse in the moment.

Start by taking a few deep breaths. Listen to the sounds around you—the gentle lapping of water against the shore, the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds. Let these natural sounds wash over you, soothing your mind and easing your stress.

This practice is about being present. When your mind starts to wander (as it inevitably will), gently guide it back to the sounds and sights around you. This simple act of mindful presence can work wonders for your emotional state, offering a sense of peace and stability amidst life’s chaos.

Action Step 2: Engage in Water-Based Activities for Emotional Healing

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not dive into some water-based activities? Kayaking, paddleboarding, or even just wading in the water can provide a more interactive way to connect with nature. These activities are not only great for your physical health but also for your mental well-being.

When you engage in these activities, focus on the sensations. Feel the water against your skin, notice the way your body moves with the water, and pay attention to the sounds of nature around you. These sensory experiences can help anchor you in the present moment, allowing you to let go of worries and stress.

Water-based activities can also foster a sense of accomplishment and joy. There’s something incredibly empowering about moving through the water, propelled by your own strength and determination. It’s a reminder of your resilience and capability, especially during times when you might feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

Action Step 3: Create a Water Meditation Practice

Meditation is a powerful tool for emotional healing, and incorporating water into your practice can enhance its benefits. You don’t need to be a seasoned meditator to benefit from this—just a few minutes of mindfulness can make a significant difference.

Find a quiet spot near a body of water or use recordings of water sounds if you’re at home. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. As you breathe, imagine the water gently washing away your stress and worries. Visualize your thoughts and anxieties being carried away by the current, leaving you feeling lighter and more at peace.

Water meditation can be especially beneficial during times of grief or significant life changes. It provides a safe space to process your emotions and find clarity amidst the turbulence. Regular practice can help you cultivate a sense of inner peace and emotional balance, making it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs.

Embrace Nature’s Healing Power

Remember, nature is always here to support you. By connecting with the calming presence of water, you can find solace and healing in its embrace. Whether it’s a quiet moment by the lakeside, an adventurous kayak trip, or a serene water meditation, these experiences can help you reconnect with yourself and find peace amidst the chaos.

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, step outside and let the soothing rhythms of water work their magic. You deserve to feel calm, centered, and at peace. Embrace the healing power of nature and let it guide you through life’s challenges.

Grief is a club that no one wants to join, yet we all will. I developed Indigo Flow: Path to a New Beginning, to address this very surreal and unsettling time. After experiencing my own losses and supporting hundreds of others as a hospital palliative care and bereavement chaplain, I witnessed what helped people move through loss and grow: finding meaning.

I’ve watched people in deep sorrow become stronger, wiser, and more empathetic than ever before. By harnessing loss and life changes, while also finding meaning and building resilience in the midst of it, ultimately a pathway forward is uncovered.

Indigo Flow: Path to a New Beginning, also evolved from my book, “Pockets of Grace: Lessons from Darkness, Lessons from Light,” where I explore what I learned from my own grief, as well as from those I had the privilege of companioning with. The four transcendent flows of Indigo Flow: Nature, Creative, Sacred, and Soul, emerged while writing as the most helpful and meaningful ways of redefining life after loss.

The Color Indigo and Its Significance

“Indigo” is the color of the dark night sky and the blue of the deep ocean. It represents the dark, deep, intense grief emotions that society often urges us to “hurry up and get over.” Inside Indigo Flow, you don’t hurry, but rather take your time, get curious, and lean into raw emotions, feel them, and let your intuition or inner vision guide you forward. Over time, these feelings are alchemized through the four transcendent flows: being in the natural world, using your creativity, weaving in the sacred, as well as your soul’s longings.

The Four Flows of Indigo Path to a New Beginning

1. Nature’s Flow Nature has an unparalleled ability to heal. When you immerse yourself in the natural world, you find solace and a sense of connection to something larger than yourself. The rustling leaves, the rhythmic crashing of waves, the stillness of a forest—all these elements can ground you, providing a serene space to process grief and loss. Nature’s cycles of growth and renewal can serve as powerful metaphors for your own journey through grief, reminding you that life, too, is cyclical and that new beginnings are always possible.
2. Creative Flow Engaging in creative activities allows you to express emotions that words often fail to capture. Whether it’s painting, writing, music, or any other form of artistic expression, creativity offers an outlet for your feelings. It enables you to transform pain into beauty, chaos into order, and confusion into clarity. Through creativity, you can explore your inner world, gaining insights and perspectives that can help you navigate your grief and find new meaning.
3. Sacred Flow Tapping into what is sacred to you provides a deep sense of peace and understanding. This might involve spiritual practices, meditation, or connecting with your beliefs and values. The sacred flow invites you to explore the mysteries of life and death, to seek comfort in rituals, and to find strength in your faith or spiritual beliefs. This connection can offer a sense of purpose and hope, guiding you through the darkest times.
4. Soul’s Flow Your soul’s longings are the deepest desires and truths that reside within you. During times of grief and life changes, it’s crucial to reconnect with these aspects of yourself. The soul flow encourages you to remember who you are at your core, your “you-ness,” and to honor your passions, dreams, and what truly matters to you. By living in alignment with your soul’s longings, you can find a path forward that is authentic and fulfilling, even amidst the pain of loss.

How Indigo Flow Supports You

Indigo Flow: Path to a New Beginning, is designed to support you during grief and life changes by providing coaching and programs that incorporate the four flows, so you can connect with your “you-ness,” the deepest part of yourself. Grief is not something to be rushed or ignored, but rather, a profound, universal experience that can lead to personal growth and transformation.

Through the four flows, you are encouraged to take your time, to be gentle with yourself, and to honor your unique journey. The coaching and programs offered inside Indigo Flow are designed to help you harness the transformative power of grief, enabling you to find meaning in your experiences and to emerge stronger and more resilient.

Conclusion

Grief and life changes can be overwhelming, but they also offer an opportunity for life-changing transformation. Through Indigo Flow: Path to a New Beginning, I support people who experience loss and help them connect with the transformative power of grief, so they can live purposefully and joyfully.

I’m here to guide you through this process, honoring your loss and helping you reimagine your life. By connecting with nature, embracing your creativity, honoring the sacred, and listening to your soul, you can navigate your grief with grace and discover a new path forward. This journey, though challenging, can lead you to a place of greater understanding, purpose, and joy.

One of the lies society tells us is that only the death of a loved one entitles you to mourn. Grief is a natural response to any type of loss, and it can be caused by a variety of events.

Here are some different events that can cause grief:

1. Death of a Loved One: The death of a loved one is one of the most significant events that can cause grief. Losing someone close to you can be emotionally devastating and can cause a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and anxiety.

2. Relationship Breakup: The end of a relationship can also cause grief. Whether it’s a romantic relationship or a friendship, the loss of someone who was once an important part of your life can be challenging to process.

3. Loss of a Job: Losing a job can also cause grief, particularly if the job was a significant part of a person’s identity or if the loss of the job leads to financial hardship.

4. Serious Illness: A serious illness can also cause grief, not only for the person who is ill but also for their loved ones. The fear and uncertainty of what the future may hold can be overwhelming.

5. Miscarriage or Stillbirth: The loss of a pregnancy can also cause grief, particularly if the pregnancy was wanted and planned for. The loss of a child can be emotionally devastating and can lead to feelings of sadness, guilt, and anger.

6. Pet Loss: The loss of a pet can also cause grief. For many people, pets are like family members, and their loss can be just as significant as the loss of a human loved one.

7. Natural Disasters: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires can also cause grief. The loss of homes, possessions, and even loved ones can be overwhelming and challenging to process.

8. Trauma: Traumatic events such as physical or sexual assault, a car accident, or witnessing violence can also cause grief. These events can be particularly challenging to process and may require professional support.

In conclusion, grief can be caused by a variety of events, from the death of a loved one to the loss of a job or a pet. Please don’t discount your grief.  Whether you’ve lost the love of your life or been fired from a job that defined you, your loss counts. All losses are not equal, but they are all entirely valid.

It’s important to recognize that everyone’s grieving process is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. If you’re experiencing grief, it’s essential to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Remember that healing is possible, and with time and support, you can learn to navigate the waves of grief and find a way to move forward.

Indigo grief can be an overwhelming and challenging experience. It can feel like being stuck in a deep, dark hole with no way out. However, it’s important to remember that there are ways to cope with indigo grief and find a way to move forward.

Here are five ways to dance with indigo grief:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in coping with indigo grief is to acknowledge and accept your feelings. It’s important to recognize that what you’re feeling is normal and that it’s okay to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and anxiety. Instead of trying to push your feelings away, allow yourself to feel them and give yourself permission to grieve.

2. Seek Support

Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be helpful when coping with indigo grief. Talking to someone who understands and can offer guidance and support can help alleviate feelings of isolation and despair. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through this alone and that there are people who care and want to help.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

Practicing self-compassion is an essential part of coping with indigo grief. This means treating yourself with kindness, patience, and understanding. Instead of being critical or judgmental of yourself, try to practice self-compassion by being kind, understanding, and forgiving. You can do this by reminding yourself that what you’re going through is difficult, and it’s okay to take time to heal.

4.  Engage in Self-Care Activities

Engaging in self-care activities can help alleviate the symptoms of indigo grief. This can include activities like exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy. Taking care of yourself physically can also help improve mood and reduce feelings of hopelessness and despair.

5. Create a New Normal

Creating a new normal can help you cope with indigo grief and find a way to move forward. This can include finding new hobbies or activities, creating new traditions, or finding new ways to connect with others. While it may feel difficult or uncomfortable at first, creating a new normal can help you find a sense of meaning and purpose after your loss.

 In conclusion, coping with indigo grief can be a challenging and complex process. However, by acknowledging your feelings, seeking support, practicing self-compassion, engaging in self-care activities, and creating a new normal, you can find a way to dance with indigo grief and move forward. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself during this time, and know that healing is possible.

Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can be overwhelming and challenging to cope with. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help individuals heal and move forward after experiencing grief. In this article, we’ll explore how mindfulness can be used as a healing practice for grief.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. Mindfulness is often used as a tool for stress reduction, anxiety management, and improving overall wellbeing.

How Mindfulness Can Help with Grief

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Grief can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience. Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and body scans can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. By focusing on the present moment and practicing acceptance, individuals can find relief from the overwhelming emotions that come with grief.

2. Cultivates Self-Compassion

Mindfulness encourages individuals to treat themselves with kindness and compassion. Grief can often lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame. Mindfulness practices can help individuals to cultivate self-compassion and practice self-care.

3. Allows for Acceptance

Acceptance is a critical part of the grieving process. Mindfulness practices can help individuals to accept the reality of their loss and work through the difficult emotions that come with it. Mindfulness practices such as observing thoughts and emotions without judgment can help individuals to develop acceptance and non-attachment.

4. Enhances Emotional Regulation

Grief can often lead to intense emotions that are difficult to manage. Mindfulness practices can help individuals to regulate their emotions and find balance. By cultivating awareness of their emotions and observing them without judgment, individuals can find relief from overwhelming emotions and develop a greater sense of emotional regulation.

5. Encourages a Sense of Gratitude

Grief can often lead individuals to focus on what they have lost. Mindfulness practices can help individuals to develop a sense of gratitude for what they still have in their lives. Practicing gratitude can help individuals to find hope and healing in their journey of grief.

How to Practice Mindfulness for Grief

1. Deep Breathing: Take deep, slow breaths and focus on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of your body.

2. Body Scans: Pay attention to the sensations in your body, starting at your toes and moving up to the top of your head. Notice any areas of tension or discomfort and allow them to release.

3. Meditation: Sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breath or a word or phrase that brings you peace.

4. Mindful Walking: Take a walk and focus on the sensations in your body as you move. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

5.  Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Allow yourself to express your emotions fully and release them onto paper.

Conclusion

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help individuals heal and move forward after experiencing grief. By reducing stress and anxiety, cultivating self-compassion, promoting acceptance, enhancing emotional regulation, and encouraging a sense of gratitude, mindfulness practices can help individuals to find hope and healing in their journey of grief. Remember that healing takes time, but with the help of mindfulness practices, individuals can develop a greater sense of awareness and acceptance and find a way to move forward in a healthy way.