Practical information is provided in the first part
of the book. The second part is a journal divided into sections, such
as self-care strategies and new awarenesses, so that writing the
journey or keeping track of the process is easier. For those who do not
wish to write, blank sections can be used for photographs, drawings,
dried flowers, newspaper clippings, etc.
The guide has a lay-flat binding so writing is easier.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
- Who am I?
- Why write your grief? ( read an excerpt from the book)
- Who is this book for?
- Definitions - such as
- Loss - occurs when diminishment or restriction is
felt
- Grief - your reactions and responses to any loss
- Healing - energy that has been used to assist your
adjustment is now freed for your survival and life-enhancement needs
- How to use this guide...to support your healing process
- Goals - Setting goals in grief and healing...to help you
see your progress
THE GRIEVING/ADJUSTMENT PROCESS
- Why does it hurt so much?
- How long does it last?
ISSUES FOR HEALING AND GROWTH
Use the Energy Management Model to determine when to make a
major change after experiencing a major loss: becoming pregnant,
moving, developing a new relationship, going back to school, or
changing jobs (read the full text of the Energy Management Model from
the book)
- Children's Experience With Loss
- Spirituality - A section on spirituality appropriate for
persons of all faiths and those who are questioning or exploring this
area. The following questions are answered:
- What if I have no beliefs?
- I long for something but have been hurt by religion.
- Why does God allow pain and suffering?
- Is God only found in church?
- How does grief affect beliefs?
- They tell me "give it to God" but the pain keeps
returning.
- What about evil?
- Forgiveness - including a process to learn to forgive and
an examination of the difference between punitive and restorative
justice.
- Guilt - including a three step process for working
through guilt
- Ritual - how to develop ceremonies to ease the grieving
process
- Dealing with grief that seems to have no end such as
caring for a child or other family member with special needs, coping
with a chronic condition
- Self Care strategies
- Suggestions for receiving help from others - including
how to choose a professional helper
- Complicated grief - How to tell if more help is needed to
resolve the grief
- Helping others
- Bibliography
JOURNAL SECTIONS
The following sections include an introduction and a number of blank
pages to write on, or attach pictures, special items and information
clippings:
- How am I today?
- Grief experience checklist
- Energy movement
- New awareness
- Spiritual issues
- Affirmations
- Blocks
- Symbols
- Dreams
- Rituals
- Self-car
Excerpts from
the book:
Why Write Your Grief? and Nancy's
Energy Management Model