Hello,
This is Jerry Lee,
Inviting you to be present in a quiet space free from judgment.
The birds are here with us,
Singing as if our hearts aren't broken.
They're calling us and we're here to listen.
Their song will soothe the unsoothable,
Their vivid colors offering to repaint the shadows of our grief.
Feel,
Breathe,
Settle.
You are welcome here,
Embraced and understood.
It is my honor to witness your grief,
And it's not too much and it is not judged,
Simply held.
Allow a breath,
However deep it goes,
However labored it may feel.
Allow it.
This breath is the bridge that keeps us connected by life force,
Your life still seen here,
And the energy of the life of the one or the ones who passed,
Transformed in inexplicable ways.
The strain of grief and heartache is felt in the body,
Here and now.
We'll notice it and then relieve what we can,
However gentle and slow it may be.
Place hands over your heart and tune in to breath.
And then slowly release breath from your mouth for as long as you can comfortably draw it out.
Whether that's two seconds or seven,
Just let it be.
Repeat this calming exhale for a moment as I quietly sit here with you.
This loss I feel is comparable to nothing.
It's unique.
It's individual.
I do not know exactly how you feel,
For your grief is a path on which no one has walked in the exact same way you have.
The signs on this trail beckon you toward compassion for self,
For hope.
What is life meant to be now and how do I go on?
Well,
Let's begin with a gentle yet powerful action.
An act of breathing through this grief.
Allow an exhale,
Allow a release of your shoulders.
Exhaling,
Release tension in your jaw this time.
We honor today the continuing bond shared with our loved one.
My breath connects me to the life energies that have not died,
But have transformed.
The bonds that did not end with the final breath.
It is as real as the breath that lifts my chest and contracts my belly.
You are reminded that you can rely on all of your senses to feel the ties of connection.
The ties that were created when we were still touchable,
Huggable,
Laughable,
And cryable.
You long and yearn for what is tangible and the grief of that loss is real.
But what is also real is a continuing bond that is very much alive.
It's as real as the birdsong and the breath of our healing hearts.
And so let us affirm four ways in which you may choose to honor and strengthen this bond.
First affirmation.
Today I may speak to my departed loved ones and it is okay to believe that they hear me.
Second affirmation.
Today I am free to feel comfort,
Peace,
And even glimpses of ease in knowing our bond has not died and really never will.
Third affirmation.
Today I am open to and asking for signs and messages that support these continuing bonds.
Fourth affirmation.
Today I am free to speak of my loved ones and include them in life here just as I am carried with them.
Feel and breathe.
Be present by fully inviting and embracing the presence of this relationship.
One so beloved that it has cracked open your heart and flooded the world with immeasurable love.
You've probably heard it said that without great love there is no great grief.
Thank you for the love that has brought you here today.
Thank you for being present with the birds in me on this chosen path of continuing bonds.
Now notice your heartbeat extending compassion and kindness for its ability to love so deeply that it has brought us here honoring your loved one.
Thank you for bringing them here for honoring their life.
You are not alone as you walk this path,
Picking up one piece at a time.
Let's transition out of this mindful time with an exhale,
A release again of your shoulders,
Of your jaw.
Exhale.
Release.
Peace on your path.
