We all at some point in our lives have experienced an intense period of sadness known as grief. It is part of the human experience, almost like a rite of passage into real ‘you-manity’. Whether that be the loss of a parent, a spouse, a child, a marriage, or a job we experience grief that can become like living in a sunless valley or as some call it a dark night of the soul.
Research in human behaviour shows that men experience or express grief differently than women. Men are more likely to grieve in silence or isolation, and to use work or other activities to distract themselves. They may also describe their grief in physical terms, such as tightness in the chest or a knot in the stomach. Whereas, women tend to share, tell their story seeking support and connection.
Sirs, unless we become willing to express our grief and to get support there could be an increased risk of you experiencing anger, bitterness or even illness, and substance abuse- a path none of us or our family wish to see us go down.
In conjunction and cooperation with The Grief Well (www.thegriefwell.ca) as a trained Grief Facilitator I would like to invite you to go for a walk. In Latin there is the phrase ‘solvitur ambulando’ that means “It is solved by walking’. The Japanese refer to this as ‘So Shinrin-yoku’-forest bathing.
This is my invitation to together make an 8 session commitment to you and I weekly going for a 1 hour walk. Not a hike-a walk. I sincerely wish to hear your Grief Story, because as I and countless other men have discovered, sometimes you just need someone to walk beside you, a Valley-Walker, a Grief Confidant if you would, someone who understands how to be present with just their presence.
Having personally walked the path of grief, deep depression and despair I have discovered that there is a way to move from that path of grief and despair to the path of hope and repair.
Drop me a quick email and let’s arrange a time to chat about going for a walk.
