🎙️ With Chinese New Year around the corner, this is typically a big celebration in the Chinese community in Singapore and around the world. While it may be a reunion for some, it may not bear the same meaning for all, especially those who have lost a loved one.

As we approach this time of year, it’s essential to acknowledge the complexities of grief and how it can resurface, especially during moments of celebration. Our founder Ming Li had the pleasure of joining Danica Banes on her podcast, "Healing and Awakening," to discuss a topic that resonates deeply during the festive season.

“With the holidays, with the end of year, with all of the excitement and the time that you gather with family and friends, there's a charge to it when you have lost somebody and they're not here. You wish they were here a little bit more.”

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that we believe will resonate with many of you:

(1) Grief is a Personal Journey: One of the most profound insights we discussed is that grief has no timeline. Whether you lost a loved one last year or many years ago, the feelings of absence can be heightened during the holidays. It’s crucial to honor your own process and understand that how you grieve is unique to you. There’s no right or wrong way to navigate this journey, and it’s okay to take the time you need.

“Grief is complicated and it's messy and it's frustrating and sometimes it has this high point and sometimes it doesn't. But there's a whole range, it's a process. To have a word 'grief' to represent all the emotions that come with it is asking too much of grief.”

(2) Holding Space for Both Grief and Joy: We explored the idea that grief and joy can coexist. It’s not about choosing one over the other; rather, it’s about allowing yourself to feel both. Celebrating the life of a loved one while also acknowledging your sorrow can be a beautiful way to honor their memory. We shared personal stories about how we’ve learned to embrace both emotions, reminding ourselves that it’s okay to laugh and cry simultaneously.

“I think we shouldn't think of it as mutually exclusive. Either you're in grief or you're in joy. Why can't we just hold both lightly? Are we holding grief in memory of the loved one that we have lost, or are we denying ourselves joy because we have to?”

(3) The Importance of Community and Connection: During the holidays, it can be easy to feel isolated in our grief. We talked about the significance of having a support system and how inviting someone who is grieving to join in celebrations can make a world of difference. It’s about creating a space where they feel accepted and understood. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is there for you can help ease the burden of grief.

"It's okay to go to the person and say, 'I'm sorry this has happened. I don't know what to say, I'm here.' And not expect a response. Sometimes I would text someone and say, 'I'm here, call if you are ready to talk, know that I'm here.'"

We invite you to listen to this episode and join us in this important conversation. Let’s normalize discussions around grief and support one another through the complexities of loss, especially during the holiday season. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.

https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/news-for-the-soul-broadcasting/id467448661?i=1000681612332