Navigating Grief: Supporting Each Other During National Grief Awareness Week

Grief is a universal experience, yet it’s deeply personal and often misunderstood.

During National Grief Awareness Week (December 2–8), we acknowledge the complex emotions that come with loss and foster a better understanding of how to support one another through the journey of grieving.

At our natural burial grounds, we encounter families at some of the most tender moments of their lives. Their stories remind us of the importance of creating safe spaces where grief can be expressed, shared, and honoured in its many forms.

Understanding Grief

Grief is not a linear process; it is as unique as the person experiencing it. While some find solace in quiet reflection, others may channel their emotions into action, creativity, or connection with nature.

Natural burial grounds provide a serene environment for these expressions, offering a space where individuals can:

Feel connected to nature: Being in a natural setting can bring a sense of peace and grounding.

Honour loved ones: Whether through visiting a grave or simply spending time in a space of beauty and calm, we offer a place for remembrance.

Take time to process: Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and these spaces allow for an unhurried approach to healing.

How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving

Supporting someone in grief is about presence, not perfection. Here are a few ways to help:

Listen Without Judgment: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply be there. Let the person express their feelings without trying to fix or analyse their emotions.

Offer Practical Help: Grief can make even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. Offering to cook a meal, run errands, or accompany them to an appointment can provide real relief.

Respect Their Journey: Everyone grieves differently. Be patient and avoid phrases like “You’ll get over it” or “Time heals all wounds.” Instead, acknowledge their pain and remind them they are not alone.

Encourage Connection with Nature: Spending time outdoors can be a therapeutic way to cope with grief. Suggest a walk in the woods, or simply sitting in a garden in the fresh air.

Remembering Together

Grief Awareness Week also encourages us to come together to remember and celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost. Consider hosting or attending a remembrance event, planting a tree in honour of a loved one, or lighting a candle as a symbolic gesture of memory and love.

Finding Solace in Natural Burial Grounds

Natural burial grounds provide more than just a resting place, they are spaces of reflection, healing, and connection. The peaceful surroundings, flourishing wildlife, and open landscapes remind us of life’s cyclical nature, offering comfort in knowing that life continues in new forms.

If you or someone you know is grieving, we welcome you to visit one of our natural burial grounds. Whether it’s for quiet reflection or to spend time in a supportive environment, these spaces are here for you.
memory and love.

Together, We Heal

National Grief Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that grief is not something to be hidden or rushed. It is a natural part of life, one that connects us all. By fostering understanding, compassion, and connection, we can create a world where grief is met with care and support.

Let’s honour those we’ve lost and support those who are grieving, not just this week, but always.