Grief is a universal experience, yet it is deeply personal and uniquely felt by each individual. It can stem from various forms of loss, such as the death of a loved one, significant life changes, or the end of relationships. Grief affects us emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally, disrupting sleep, altering appetite, and impacting concentration and clarity of thought. Throughout your grieving journey, you might encounter different emotions such as shock, profound sadness, a sense of being in a fog, anger, and guilt.
Grieving is a normal, ongoing part of life. The Grief Jar Example is a metaphor that illustrates how grief evolves over time and how we grow with it. In the photo below (from NAMI), you’ll see three jars of different sizes, each containing circles of the same size. The jars symbolize our personal growth after a loss, while the circles represent our grief. Initially, grief can feel overwhelming and all-consuming, but as time progresses, although the pain may still be present, we continue to live and embark on new journeys. This concept highlights that while the intensity of grief may persist, our ability to adapt and grow around it demonstrates our resilience. The Grief Jar Example acknowledges our enduring suffering but also celebrates our capacity to adapt and thrive despite it.
At Marwil Psychotherapy, we understand grief is a deeply personal and overwhelming experience. We are here to support you. With our compassionate therapeutic environment, promotion of healthy coping mechanisms, and by developing a customized plan to address your unique needs, we strive to grow your grief jars while also healing your circles inside.