How to Use Self-Awareness to Navigate Grief

Grief is challenging, whether you’re facing a recent loss or it’s been years. Along the journey, there are subtle aspects of grief that we can observe to aid in coping. In this article, we’ll explore using self-awareness to navigate grief.

What is self-awareness and why is it important for grievers?

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand our thoughts, feelings, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and behaviors. It involves being introspective and having insight about ourselves, including our beliefs, values, and identity. For us as grievers, self-awareness is particularly important because it enables us to navigate the complex and often overwhelming emotions that accompany the grieving process.

I stumbled upon self-awareness as many grievers do. And I became aware of how my grief intensified in the fall and how I’ve become more sensitive to noise over the years. I have also identified some physical symptoms associated with grief including extreme exhaustion and recognized triggers. All of this have been helpful for me in learning to cope and navigate along this grief journey. I have learned that self awareness is crucial; it not only encourages grace and self-compassion but informs others on how to support us. Take a look at these three ways to use self-awareness to navigate grief.

3 Ways to Use Self-Awareness to Navigate Grief

Recognize Your Emotions

Emotions are not our enemies they are helpful indicators. Take time to acknowledge and understand the range of emotions you are experiencing during grief, such as sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness. Practice self awareness by tuning into your feelings without judgment, allowing yourself to fully experience and process them in a healthy way. And giving yourself the grace to do so. By recognizing and accepting our emotions, we can begin to navigate grief with greater clarity and self-understanding. Further, we can take all of these emotions to our Heavenly Father who loves us.

“[c]asting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP).

Identify Your Coping Strategies

Reflect on the coping mechanisms you typically use to manage stress and difficult emotions. Are these strategies helpful or harmful in the context of grief? Use self awareness to evaluate your coping mechanisms and identify healthier ways to cope with grief, such as seeking support from others, engaging in self-care activities, or expressing your feelings through creative outlets like writing, art, or even music. My book Can You Just Sit With Me highlights healthy ways to cope with grief with relevant grief exercises at the end of each chapter.

Honor Your Needs and Boundaries

Pay attention to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during grief, and prioritize self-care practices that support your well-being. Use self-awareness to recognize when you need to rest, seek solitude, or ask for help from others. Set boundaries with yourself and others to protect your energy and emotional resources, and communicate your needs assertively with compassion and kindness.

If you’re like me, you recognize these things however you find them hard to do them. If this is you, I pray the Lord will give you strength to rest, and to ask for help, and give you wisdom in setting boundaries and honoring your needs.

Overall, self-awareness is a powerful tool to help grievers navigate grief.

Sitting with you,
Natasha

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