The five stages of
grief popularized by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross,
M.D., are well known:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
These usually do not
play out in order and they can come and go
over time. Eventually, however, most people
reach a state of acceptance that a loved one
has passed on.
What happens after
acceptance? Are there other steps available
as we evolve after enduring difficult
changes?
I recently had a dream
in which I was visiting my dad who dropped
his body in 1997. Our encounter was so
wonderful and seemed so vivid. We discussed
my awareness that I was dreaming, but agreed
that it was just as
real as most other states of mind.
After awakening from
the dream, I felt sad that I couldn't see
Dad with my physical eyes, feel his big bear
hugs, or hear his voice with my ears.
I didn't wallow in the
sadness, though, and reminded myself that I
would see him again some day. Soon a new
understanding seemed to be emerging--almost
as if a gift were being conferred.
The following insights streamed in . . .
Moving beyond
acceptance becomes possible when you really
know that death is not an end but a new
beginning. When you release the pain, grief
and fear that can accompany any "loss",
other benefits
arise:
1. Appreciate all the
blessings and lessons that came from that
relationship. Think of the many experiences
you had with your
loved one who is no
longer in human form. What a rich array of
events, feelings, and memories that are
yours forever.
2. Realize that your
relationship can continue, although in a
different way. Deeply knowing the truth of
your spiritual essence helps you experience
firsthand this new, subtler interaction with
those who have transitioned.
3. Transform each
aspect of your life for the better as a
result of having known this person on earth
and continuing to relate with them in
spirit. Armed with appreciation and
realization, your clarity and power
naturally increases.
By the way, this same
formula applies to every change and
challenge in life: terminated relationships,
financial loss, health issues, aging, broken
dreams--even your own death and dying. All
life events, even the "sad and bad" ones,
contain opportunities for you to appreciate,
realize, and transform.
I love acronyms; after
receiving this "transmission", I wondered if
the letters spelled anything meaningful.
I was pleasantly
surprised to find that these three advanced
stages of healing spelled ART. "Make your
life a work of art" is one of my favorite
sayings.
Tears formed in my
eyes with this personal
indication that Dad's
visit had been more than my sleepy
imagination.
I share these insights
with you and encourage you to share them
with others.
Make your life a work
of art!
Release your fears and
look life squarely in the eye every moment,
no matter what is going on around you. The
more you use your physical and spiritual
senses, the more you'll behold the face of
God everywhere. It's the only presence and
power that exists.
Increasingly, you'll be
able to sail through whatever life serves
up. You'll realize that life truly is a
totally safe and magnificent adventure
amidst eternity. You'll be able to share
your greatest gifts and enjoy total success:
exuberant health, happiness, loving
relationships, prosperity, and meaningful
life work. Radiant wellness.
Your life will be
characterized by peace, joy, courage and
purpose. Heaven on earth now is just waiting
for you to claim it and live it.
You, as a soul, came
here for service, adventure, growth and
enjoyment. SAGE training
Moving past the
traditional stages of grieving toward the
next stages of healing helps you remember
who you are, why you're here, and Who walks
beside you.
That's when the fun
begins . . .
Live Soulfully,
Mark
