#396: Permission to Grieve with J.S. Park

Defining Grief

J.S. Park defines grief as a natural response to loss, encompassing a wide range of emotions from sorrow to rage. He emphasizes that grief is not just an automatic reaction but also involves conscious choices to honor and commemorate losses. This dual nature of grief, both emergent and intentional, is crucial for understanding and navigating it effectively 1.

Grief is our response to loss, whether that's something that emerges or that's something that we can choose to do. And we need both.

--- J.S. Park

He also highlights the growing openness in discussing grief and mental health, cautioning against oversimplified solutions and stressing the importance of safe spaces for these conversations 2.

   

Grief Responses

Grief manifests in various emotional, physical, and behavioral responses, often in unpredictable ways. J.S. Park explains that grief is nonlinear and can lead to a range of reactions, from anger and sorrow to physical illness and addiction. He stresses the importance of feeling grief fully, as avoiding it can lead to more profound issues 3.

Grief isn't linear. It isn't just front door, back door, it's front door and then all through the halls and up and down and all around through the side.

--- J.S. Park

Mark Groves adds that grief demands to be felt and that our cultural avoidance of it leaves many unprepared for its challenges 4.