More Heart Healing…

Deb Langhans has these thoughts to share with you…

Deb Langhans – Contributed photo

Do you know any healthy person who likes pain? Most people I know, myself included, try their hardest to distance themselves from suffering in all its forms– physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. Our coping strategies can include addiction, denial, numbness, suppression, hostility, rage, conformity, relentless busyness & achievement–the list goes on and on. Beyond our personal lives, we need look no further than our current presidential primaries to recognize the bizarre, unsavory, even frightening times in which we live. It often feels like “a jungle out there.” So why would we want to compound that discomfort by inviting any of it closer?

In sharp contrast, Eastern philosophies have taught for centuries that moving through our pain–& accepting it without judgment or resistance–can actually be the most therapeutic way of moving beyond our suffering.

Dr. Brene Brown’s research reflects this counterintuitive approach. Vulnerability, according to her findings, is the antidote to shame and the highest form of courage. Brown also believes that admitting our fear and pain and reaching out to others for help lays the foundation for making authentic human connections and living “wholeheartedly.”

I feel incredibly humbled and grateful to have witnessed this phenomenon up close and personal during the 8-week Grief Recovery Support Group I recently facilitated. Despite fear of unleashing uncomfortable buried emotions and, yes, being vulnerable, the participants progressed through the sessions, homework reading and action steps with admirable courage and resilience. Two described their experience this way:

“I found a peace within myself after this process I didn’t think could be found… The facilitation was marvelous—never once did I feel judgment or surprise… I would encourage anyone to take this support group… the peace of issues resolved at the end is dramatic.”   ~Kathie Forsyth, Friday Harbor

 “It was the safe, encouraging space to do the thorough work toward recovery–the grace, compassion and personal examples– which was most valuable. This recovery work has been important to me; it’s allowed me to regain memories and has softened my heart.  I’m anxious to continue.”   ~Lutie Parks, Friday Harbor

I’ve learned, initially through my certification with the Grief Recovery Institute, and most recently through my inspiring support group members, that recovering from grief requires the willingness to risk feeling deeply again; and our vulnerability does reflect a courage that can open, soften and heal our broken hearts.

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As you’ll read in the attached flyer, I’ll be offering another 8-week Grief Recovery Support Group starting Monday, June 6th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in my studio (in The Technology Center). This program will again feature the Grief Recovery Method®, a comprehensive method of grief recovery created 35 years ago by the internationally-respected Grief Recovery Institute.  The curriculum and powerful action steps taught over the eight weekly sessions build on each other and provide the skills and support participants need to complete unresolved grief over loss–whether that’s loss due to death, divorce, illness, unemployment, pet loss and many other significant life changes.  The program represents over 12 hours of instruction and includes The Grief Recovery Handbook (textbook), handouts and ongoing email support.

If this speaks to your heart or a friend’s or loved one’s, please let me hear from you as soon as possible.  Only a few slots remain in this program and the deadline for registration with payment is Monday, 5/28.

One final thought:
I’m also offering an Alumni Group (monthly, May-Nov., donation only), to provide additional guidance and support to alums continuing to work through unfinished emotional business with other losses in their lives.  All who have completed the 8-week support group are welcome!

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