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Grief Leave: Finding Healing Through Compassion, Movement, and Self-Care
Jan 29, 2025
Grief is a journey I never imagined I’d face so deeply, but when we had to put our sweet 16 year old Bailey doggo down I realized I had to choose how to move through it.
For me, that choice was "grief leave." I gave myself permission to pause—to feel, reflect, and heal instead of pushing forward like nothing had changed. In this blog, I want to share what I’ve learned about navigating loss with compassion, movement, and self-care, and how these tools have transformed my healing process.
Grief isn’t just an emotional experience—it’s physical, mental, and spiritual. In Hawaiian culture, there’s a concept called kaumaha, which translates to “heaviness.” It beautifully describes how grief feels in the body: a weight that slows us down. Instead of resisting it, I’ve learned to honor that heaviness. Grief has taught me that it’s not something to “fix” but something to hold gently and move through with grace.
The Many Layers of Grief
Grief comes in different forms. For me, it wasn’t just the loss itself; it was the anticipation of it, the collective grief of the world, and even the small, daily transitions that felt overwhelming. These layers reminded me that grief is multifaceted. It’s not just sadness; it’s love persevering, a testament to the deep connections we’ve shared.
Why Grief Leave Matters
Taking time for grief isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for healing. Whether it’s a formal leave from work or simply carving out space in your daily life, grief leave creates a container to process the emotions and integrate the lessons that loss brings. Without it, we risk carrying unresolved pain that manifests in ways we don’t expect—physically, mentally, or emotionally.
If you’re struggling to create space, start small:
- Block out time in your calendar to rest or reflect.
- Advocate for grief leave at work by explaining its importance for your well-being.
- Give yourself permission to pause, even if it’s just for a moment.
Self-Compassion and Movement
During my grief leave, I learned the importance of treating myself with compassion. It’s easy to feel guilt for not “moving on” fast enough, but grief isn’t linear. Simple practices like journaling, mindfulness, and a powerful breathing technique I’ll share in the episode can create space for healing.
Movement, too, became a lifeline. Grief settles into the body, and gentle movement helped me release that weight. Whether it was a slow walk, stretching, or focused breathing, these small actions made a big difference.
The Gifts of Grief
As heavy as grief is, it also carries unexpected gifts. It’s taught me to live with more presence, to cherish the moments we have, and to find deeper meaning in the connections we share.
If you’re navigating loss, know you’re not alone. I invite you to listen to this week’s episode of the Movement, Mind, & Meaning Podcast called:
Grief Leave: Navigating Loss with Compassion, Spaciousness, and Self-Care. Together, we’ll explore tools to hold yourself with tenderness and find healing through this journey.
Take a deep breath. You’re allowed to pause. Let’s walk this path together.