Softened by Grief, Awakened to Life 💛
Peace Sangha,
I can hardly believe we're nearing the end of this 30 day sacred journey of grief support and awareness. I didn’t know what to expect when I began, but it’s become a practice in trusting what surfaced within me, trusting the process, and trusting the power of sharing. Alongside sharing quotes about grief, death, and dying, I found myself attending funerals, some for loved ones I’ve known, and others for strangers I’ve never met, each farewell felt like a sacred invitation to witness the tenderness of being human. I carry deep gratitude for those moments, for the way that my heart has been opened a little more each time.
One day, we too will die. And letting that truth settle into my being has softened something in me. I don’t see death as morbid, but a quiet invitation to live with more tenderness, peace and care. To hold ourselves gently. To honour each other in the small sacred ways and showing up for each other. This journey has reminded me that grief is not the absence of love, it’s our greatest teacher in teaching us to love more. And I’m grateful for every moment that it has softened me up just that little bit more.
The first book I ever purchased on death was in 2013, “Relax You’re Going to Die” by Tai Sheridan. Each time I read his words, I felt the tension inside me begin to melt. My breath would slow. My heart would open. I would remember that letting go isn’t a failure or a weakness, and I don’t have to be afraid, it’s a grace. I share his words here not just because they comforted me, but because they remind me that death, too, can be a gentle teacher.
“You have longed for truths heard why keep them distant why put your peace in another's hands
Give up everything which doesn’t mean sell it or go broke just stop your death grip on people places things
stop claiming things as yours it’s just another way of avoiding death the great leveler
Death is an invitation to simplicity
simplicity is an invitation to clarity
clarity is an invitation to relaxation
relaxation is an invitation to presence
presence is an invitation to living
living is an invitation”
As I walk more closely with death, I find myself embracing life with a tenderness I never knew I could hold. Each step toward understanding my own mortality has softened the edges of fear and deepened my reverence for the present. In this spirit, I’ll be sharing more about my grief support group in the coming days called Transitioning in Grace, a space born from loss, love, and the quiet courage of acceptance. I hope you’ll join me.
Prashanti
Rev Dinah Pemberton 🙏🏾💛🩵