Understanding Grief

Though shared with all humanity, loss and grief remain intimately our own. Considering the variables that shape the experience of loss increases understanding. This understanding can guide us through our mourning. Despite the universal quality, loss and grief are never generic.

Many variables personalize grief. Reflect upon the individual circumstances and qualities of a loss, and how it is experientially distinct from other losses. Consider what in particular you need to mourn. Loss and grief are universally human, but each and every loss is unique. Never underestimate the uniqueness. Mourn the specific qualities of the person who died and your relationship with them.

The following pages: Timing and Circumstances; Personal and Relationship Variables; and Culture and Religion provide more about the variables that personalize grief.