This writing originally took the form of a mini zine, but I wanted to share and expand it here. Grief-work has become really important to me in the last year. It feels like some of the biggest work there is to do; one of the things we cannot do without. Take what is supportive, leave what isn’t.

Be in community—especially with other people who are holding grief.

Grieving with people who have a shared experience can be very healing, and it’s also okay and worthwhile for many types of grief to exist together.

Aren’t we all holding some kind of grief?

Movement. Walking, dancing, swimming, stretching.

Let your feelings move through your body.

If you have a regular movement practice you can tap in to, that can be a resource that supports you. If you don’t, or it isn’t accessible to you, start with whatever feels most immediately available. This does not need to be elaborate; the intention is to create flow where there might have been stagnation.

Let it be a ritual. Make space for grief.

Things that might support this:

• Candles

• Music

• Tea

• Soft lighting

• Being on the floor

Eat or drink something that makes you feel held.

Comfort foods, ancestral recipes—whatever feels truly nourishing to you.

Along with being emotionally/spiritually supportive, this can also be a way to care for and connect with your body. If you’re used to retreating into your thoughts, or disassociating, gently coming back into your body can help you process. Grief and periods of strong or intense emotions can also be very physically taxing, and this is one way to replenish.

Reflect on the layers of your grief.

Is there anger? Shame? Disappointment? Relief? Hope?

Grief is a complex experience, and the emotions we are feeling alongside it impact how we relate to the grief (and to ourselves).

Ways you might reflect:

• In writing, with journaling or listmaking.

• Recording a voice memo while you talk out loud.

• With someone you trust, like a friend or a therapist.

• With an art practice.

Imagine your grief as a friend and teacher.

Grief is difficult and might feel like a thing to avoid or escape, but it can be a source of meaning and guidance too.

What gifts does your brief bring? How it is asking you to move through the world? What if grief were welcome?

Yours in grief & solidarity,

Evan