Grief: The Gift of Remembering Yourself

by Dr. Linnea Terranova

This month, I find myself reflecting on grief as I mark the birthday of my late father. Grief, for me, is more than just the absence of a loved one; it’s a return to the Self. It’s a moment when everything is stripped away, when the clutter of everyday life and the demands of the world fall silent, and what remains are the most essential parts. The distractions we’ve accumulated become unnecessary and we are forced to face ourselves in the rawest sense. Grief, in its sharpest form, pulls us into a state of acute focus, offering us a glimpse of who we are beneath it all.

It is in this space that I believe grief becomes something much larger. What is left is not just the memories of a loved one but also the truth of who we are in their absence, the way our hearts ache, the intensity of our missing, the quiet and sometimes jarring way our minds process the loss. It is a truth we may not often see, buried under layers of protection, perfection, and avoidance. But grief has a way of forcing us to reckon with it.

As we approach National Grief Awareness Day on August 30th, we invite you to explore grief not just as a path of loss, but as a profound return to the Self. In this month's newsletter, we reflect on the transformative power of grief—how it strips away distractions, reveals our deepest truths, and ultimately reconnects us with the love and memories that shape who we are. Whether you're navigating your own grief or supporting someone who is, we hope these insights and resources offer solace, understanding, and a gentle reminder: you are not alone on this journey.

Featured in this issue:

The gift of remembering yourself through grief.
Understanding complex grief and how to move through it.
Ways to support loved ones facing loss.
Poetry to honor your grief.
Healing hikes: Nature’s role in the grieving process.
Book recommendations for healing and reflection.
Work/life balance tips for heavy seasons

In Blackwater Woods

Look, the trees

are turning

their own bodies

into pillars

of light,

are giving off the rich

fragrance of cinnamon

and fulfillment,

the long tapers

of cattails

are bursting and floating away over

the blue shoulders

of the ponds,

and every pond,

no matter what its

name is, is

nameless now.

Every year

everything

I have ever learned

in my lifetime

leads back to this: the fires

and the black river of loss

whose other side

is salvation,

whose meaning

none of us will ever know.

To live in the world

you must be able

to do three things:

to love what is mortal;

to hold it

against your bones knowing

your own life depends on it;

and, when the time comes to let it go,

to let it go.

— Mary Oliver

What We’re Reading in August: Books to Guide You Through Grief

Grief is a journey that often feels solitary, but the wisdom of others can light the path forward. This month, we’re sharing two powerful books on grief written by psychologists and therapists in the past five years—plus two tender recommendations for young readers. Whether you’re navigating loss yourself or supporting someone who is, these books offer insight, comfort, and tools for healing.

Hikes We Like in August: Finding Solace in Nature’s Embrace

Grief can feel like an uncharted wilderness—vast, overwhelming, and deeply personal. Yet nature has a way of holding space for our sorrow while gently reminding us of life’s enduring beauty. This month, we’re sharing two serene California hikes where the rhythm of your footsteps can become a meditation, the trees can stand as silent witnesses, and the vistas can offer perspective. These trails are perfect for quiet reflection, remembrance, or simply breathing through the weight of loss.

Tending to Life While Grieving: Gentle Work/Life Balance Practices

Grief doesn’t pause for work deadlines, and work doesn’t pause for grief—yet somehow, we’re asked to navigate both. In seasons of loss, the idea of "balance" can feel impossible, but small, intentional practices can help you honor your sorrow while still engaging with daily life. Below, you’ll find grief-aware ways to nurture growth, creativity, connection, and competence—not to "fix" your grief, but to help you carry it with a little more ease.