Grief as a Full-Body Experience Episode Description:

In this episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker uncovers the physical, emotional, and mental toll of grief. She explains how grief affects every part of the body, from emotions to physical health, and discusses ways to recognize and address these effects. Sharon shares her own experiences and offers tools to help listeners navigate the overwhelming, full-body impact of grief.

Key Points Discussed:

Grief Affects Every Part of You

• Grief is more than an emotional experience; it impacts the mind, body, heart, and soul.
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, muscle pain, and changes in appetite are common.
• Sharon urges listeners to seek medical attention for persistent symptoms while understanding their connection to grief.

Six Areas Affected by Grief

1. Feelings:

   • Grief brings intense, unpredictable emotions such as sadness, anger, and confusion.
   • These emotions can feel like waves or roller coasters, and avoiding them only prolongs the pain.
   • Sharon shares how she suppressed her grief after her nephew’s death, showing how unprocessed emotions can surface later.

2. Thoughts:

   • Grief triggers overwhelming thoughts, often leading to beliefs like “No one understands me” or “I’ll never be happy again.”
   • These repetitive thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, keeping grievers stuck.
   • Recognizing and addressing grief-related thoughts is a vital step toward healing.

3. Behaviors:

   • Grief can cause out-of-character behaviors, such as overeating, drinking excessively, or neglecting self-care.
   • Sharon emphasizes the importance of being gentle with yourself and allowing space for these behaviors while gradually working toward healthier habits.

4. Beliefs:

   • Grief can challenge religious, spiritual, and personal beliefs, leading to questions about justice, fairness, and the meaning of life.
   • Some grievers find their faith strengthened, while others may feel disconnected or uncertain.

5. Physical Health:

   • The physical toll of grief includes headaches, joint pain, sleep disturbances, and more.
   • Sharon advises seeking professional help for health concerns while also understanding that grief is a contributing factor.

6. Purpose:

   • Grief can shake your sense of purpose, leading to feelings of hopelessness or questioning life’s meaning.
   • While these thoughts are unsettling, they are a natural part of the grieving process and a step toward redefining your purpose.

Journal Questions for Reflection:

1. What emotions have been the strongest for you during this grieving experience?
2. What thoughts do you find yourself repeating since your loss?
3. How has your grief affected your behaviors or habits?
4. Have your beliefs about life, faith, or fairness changed? How?
5. What physical symptoms have you noticed during your grief?
6. How has grief made you question or redefine your purpose?

Conclusion:

Grief is a full-body experience that touches every part of who you are. By understanding how it affects your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, beliefs, health, and purpose, you can begin to create a plan for healing. Sharon reminds listeners that grief is a journey, and taking intentional steps can help them move forward with hope and resilience.

Resources and Support:

• Grief Study Hall: A free program every Tuesday at 1 PM CST where you can share and learn with others navigating grief.
• Processing the Pain of Grief: A four-week intensive program to help you understand and begin moving through grief.
• Grief Healing Program: A 12-week course focused on working through your grief and building a path toward healing.
• Website: healingstartswiththeheart.com
• Facebook Group: Join our supportive community at Hope, Heal, Recover.
• Contact Us: Email Sharon at [email protected]

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights on navigating grief and embracing healing.