Spiritual Guidance During Times of Grief
It’s that most awkward moment. A person you know has lost a loved one. What do you say? How can you offer comfort? What will give the greatest solace?
Sri Harold Klemp addresses these questions and more in ECK Wisdom on Life after Death. This book is a touchstone for anyone who has struggled with the pain of grief and mourning. The following excerpt offers words of compassion and guidance for when you most need them.
Surviving the Loss of a Loved One
By Harold Klemp
Surely, the most difficult times we face occur at the translation, or parting, of loved ones. Yet life prepares us all along with temporary separations by distance and, yes, even of heart.
These temporary separations are many: a child goes to school the first time while the parents put on a brave face and offer hugs, kisses, and words of encouragement. A family’s youth goes away to college. More distressful, perhaps, a youth goes into the military during times of war.
Life deals us thousands of such cards, each of which delivers a separation of heart or distance. And the pain that comes of it. They temper us. They teach us about the transitory nature of everything around us in this on-again, off-again world. And yet, all those occasions of temporary separation may instead have led us to a resistance to change.
Nevertheless, ready or not, life deals out cards of what seem like absolute separations of forever.
Our loved ones die and leave us in mourning.
These occasion the most difficult periods of all. A child loses a beloved grandparent and falls into a state of depression. Or, a child’s pet translates. Where did whatever gave it warmth and movement go? A parent tries to explain.
Explanations to the bereaved about the nature of death heal nothing of consequence. The mind may accept the salve, but the heart cannot. Words alone will not heal a broken heart.
Only love—and time—can make things right.
What is the most beneficial service to a friend who grieves a translated mate? Is it advice? Perhaps a recitation of our own losses and a recital of dark nights again turned into bright days? No, only the most calloused of friends would thus cause more pain.
Silence (a listening ear) and service will find the most appreciation. And expression of love too.
We express our love and support in simple words and in necessary chores. We help make funeral arrangements if needed, shovel walks, or mow the lawn. We call friends or business associates of the departed to ease the burden of details from a sorrowful Soul.
We make ourself a magnet for love. We do so by letting love enter our heart, without compromise or hindrance.
Let divine love illuminate you, spiritualize your heart. Especially in the hours surrounding a loved one’s loss of a dear one, lift your state of consciousness.
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Excerpted from ECK Wisdom on Life after Death.
A Contemplation Seed
Is someone in your life going through a time of grief? How can you listen or be of loving service?