Let’s Get Comfortable….

It’s no secret I like the seasonal refrain “tidings of comfort and joy.” I use this idea often when helping grievers through the holidays. When we are grieving, the benefits of engaging in self-care by seeking temporary respite in the simple comforts of life cannot be underestimated. Indulging in a bit of comfort provides a reprieve from meeting the expectations of others, it gives us an opportunity to meet the raw emotions we tend to avoid, and for a brief time it soothes the brokenness so common in grief. Comfort doesn’t replace the pain of grief, but it is a reminder that there is more to life in this moment than our grief. If you are grieving the loss of someone you loved dearly, your body, mind, emotions and spirit will need a break from grief; it is healthy to recognize this and respond with rest and comfort. A respite doesn’t need to be elaborate, in fact in the words of Jane Austin, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”

Hygge was the 2016 Oxford Dictionary word of the year! It is a Danish term that signifies the coziness of turning toward domesticated comforts to console us against the harshness of the outside world. It is the intentional act of creating comfort for ourselves, especially in our home. Who doesn’t love getting everything ready for a quiet, cozy, comfortable evening at home? Domestic luxuries, simple or elaborate offer solace, improve well-being, and offer the feeling of security that is needed when a death loss has turned our world upside down. The winter months keep us inside more, and even the act of cooking a nice meal, making it an event can cheer a broken heart. Sitting with a cup of tea reading a book, warming with a hot cider after a brisk walk, or playing soothing music by candlelight are all ways to create a cozy moment. Hygge is an effective mindful practice for the grieving heart, it provides the safety and peace to counter the grief’s chaos. For those who mourn the loss of someone who lived in the same house, this practice can be heartbreaking, but it’s guaranteed to enrich and heal. This season create a Hygge evening for your grieving heart celebrating the comforts of your home and heart.