There is no real right way to deal with grief. When we lose a loved one, or when someone we love has transitioned, we are overcome with a different set of emotions. A different set of ways for grieving. Some people are silent in their grief; showing no reaction or going through the motions. Others are more obvious and boisterous. And, there are those who just operate in a whole different style.
My grandfather’s transition was a wake-up call. A shocking one at that. Nevertheless, it was there. Life is precious. It is not something to be taken for granted. Simultaneously, one’s transition into the Heaven’s can be glorious. This is especially true for those, who have lived their lives to the fullest. Those elders who gave their all, while on Earth. Whose teachings will continue to last. Whose presence is still felt. It is so glorious that it doesn’t feel as if one has left. They truly are operating on Earth and in Heaven. Sometimes when we are unable to look past the limitations of our physical vision, we can get so stuck in not understanding that Spiritual connection. We become limited in that regard.
The connection of our Earthly sense with our Spiritual one is so important. It means that the work we are doing on Earth is truly connected to the Heavens. Once we have done the work of making that interconnection, a loved one’s transition is not as empty or riddled with despair, as often presented to us. Too often, “death” or one’s transition is presented as “the end.” Mainly because we no longer see the physical visibility and remains of one’s loved ones, as we remember them. So, because this chapter has ended, we gain feelings that its “the end.” There are the feelings of losing something because we no longer can see, feel, touch, hear, or smell that image in the physical flesh. That’s one of the mental limitations of our understanding of transitioning. It also indicates how limited we are in our spiritual essence.
After my grandfather’s transition, one of the profound lessons that I came to learn is that the life of the transitioned continues. Especially, if we observe or experience Heaven’s work. How Heaven uses the Soul of the transitioned to operate through other people who are still walking on Earthly realms. Art work, slogans, nature, and so much more is used as avenues for our loved ones to communicate to us. If we have listened deeply, if we have trained ourselves enough, these signs and symbols become very obvious that they are trying to get our attention.
Heaven is not simply a space of rest. There is work, which takes place in Heaven. That work is connected to, and takes place on Earth. In order to keep the life cycle, work must continue from both ends. Hence, the important verse in the Lord’s Prayer, “. . .on Earth as it is in Heaven.” Which means that sooner (more than later), family members must move passed the grieving phase, and join in the work phase between the Earthly and Spiritual forces. These two are United in some way. That those of us must continue our part, and contribute, in building upon the legacy and work of what our elders are doing.
During this period, I have experienced how my Grandfather James Howell has continued to work, through his occupation and position in the Spiritual realm. Whether it was sending special people and Spirits, or my running into images, symbols, and natural scenary, reminescent of him, he was speaking. Guiding me to new assignments, which needed to be finished and completed. Because the truth of the matter, folks, is that the work never finishes. When an elder has transitioned, they give us the reigns, and expect us to take hold of them. . .real tight. And while we are doing the work on Earth, they continue to send new tasks and assignments to complete from Heaven. In some of the most unique forms. Through some of the most creative ways.
So, you see, when an elder has transitioned on, there comes a point where we have to move from that stage of grief, and into a stage of getting into the work. Staying in a period of continuously missing their physical presence means the Spiritual and physical assignments are not getting completed. They are being delayed, and not being completed. Their legacy is not being carried on properly, and we end up in a state of stagnancy. Being stagnant and not continuing the life cycle between Earth and Heaven is the biggest insult and heartbreak to our transitioned elders. In all honesty, that’s the real disconnection. The true loss. A real death. The disruption of the life cycle. A separation and fragment between Earth and Heaven. We don’t want to be part of that. That is where the real agony lays.
So, how do we channel that work, whatever that work entails? Well, it comes in different ways. It could mean making it a daily or weekly occurrence to communicate with family members. Checking in with everyone and making sure that everyone is alright. Healing old wounds. Allowing barriers and rivalries between family members to end. Assisting family members in need of direction or care, in whatever forms they are. Whether that be telephone or writing a letter. It could mean making sure to interview (or speak with) familial elders still on Earth, so that we retain and preserve as much information as we can regarding family history. That way future generations will know the story. Meditation and prayer with others in the family is a plus. Checking in on the health and wellness of other family members and friends; making sure they are getting what they need. Capturing family events, archiving family photos is another solution. Anything that our elder loved ones left behind, we preserve and study them. Finding creative ways to analyze, present them, and re-use them again. They are treasures, and we have to hold onto them. That is part of the work. Doing activities such as holding listening parties of their favorite songs, and continue to capture family memories are other activities to keep the life cycle between Heaven and Earth going, and flowing. Its a wonder. For myself, I’m a writer. So, I write. Social Media and creative content is my thing. So doing the work, keeping elders names alive through that media, is alright by me. And when those Special Spirits are directed in towards me, with a message from Grandpa, I make sure to highlight their presence and capture their existence, as well. Crafting it, and capturing it, on words.
The great thing about working in this way, is that energy that was lost is replenished. Its what keeps the Spirit of our transitioned elders around. Through consistency and diligence, we never feel their absence in this way. We only feel their work and movement patterns. Its a real treasure to see Heaven and Earth operate in this manner. Through these forms, we can never use that horrible “d-word.” It is an insult to the Spiritual realm, and its power on Earth.
So much more can be said about this. And we could talk about the significance of this Spiritual work. On this note, it’s better just to do. So, let’s. . .get to work!;)
