why grief is important?

Grief is an emotional state that is usually the result of some form of loss. We usually associate grief with the loss of a loved one whether that be family, friend or otherwise. However, we forget that grief is a constant part of life in that it extends to well beyond the loss of life. Grief has come from various changes in life such as going from childhood to adolescence and from adolescence to adulthood. Grief has also occurred from the ending of a relationship whether romantic or platonic, it has also occurred from one job change to another. Of course, the degree or intensity of the grief experience is varied however it exists and is managed accordingly.

                Grief is important because it can allow us an opportunity to explore the sentiments associated with it along a spectrum. All too often grief is seen with a negative frame however its important and helpful to consider other aspects of grief. Grief also brings with it an aspect of gain. Now, one may be asking “how is there gain in a loss?” It is a legitimate question to ask, and it is the reason behind making grief part of a spectrum of loss and gain. It's important to consider how grief can be helpful in advancing and or progressing us either physically, emotionally or spiritually. For example, the grief experienced from the loss of a relationship can provide us with the gain of perspective. This gained perspective can now be used to our advantage or benefit in the future.

                Experiencing grief is important as it provides us an opportunity in healing and coping with the experienced loss. It’s necessary for individuals to know and be comfortable having the emotions and thoughts they do in order to gain understanding and closer over the experienced loss. The ability to move through the grieving process allows the individual to know they can “recover” from the loss. It also “normalizes” grief in a way that lessens the intensity at which it is experienced, not because a person is numb to loss but rather understanding it is an expected part of living life while knowing recovery from their emotions is attainable.