Nature-based Approaches for a Resilient Future: Bridging the Gaps.
Grief is a natural response to loss and grieving takes time, patience, care and support.
Disenfranchised grief is invisible grief or sorrow that is not socially recognised or validated and is often misunderstood.
All societies have cultural norms around the way individuals grieve. Societies may define what is viewed as significant or insignificant losses. Some losses may not be culturally accepted, discussed or acknowledged because of social stigma.
To mourn something we love, but lose, is difficult, but part of our human nature and human experience. My approach is that loss, death and grief are part of life and not a pathology to be "treated", but can, nevertheless, result in extreme suffering requiring care and compassion.
Much of my work is motivated by biophilia ~ love of living things. However, I have learnt that with love there is also the associated pain of loss of the living. Many others promoting "love for the natural world, including places and places" fail to acknowledge this interconnection and even fewer are trained to support others through this difficult journey. I believe it is important that if one is to encourage a connection and relationship with others and the natural world, it is critical to also be able to provide support when the relationship(s) no longer exists. Disenfranchised grief can sometimes arise during reflection e.g. when engaging in moving Awareness to Action.
Unrecognised, this can increase feelings of loneliness.
Examples where I have supported individuals include:
-ecological grief
-loss of health
-death of a pet
-death of an online friend
-migratory grief
Note: It is important to be aware that the ramifications of unresolved, disenfranchised grief can be severe sometimes resulting in complicated grief, which may require specialist support from a mental health professional. Please refer to the disclaimer in footnotes.
Some of my background and approach to disenfranchised grief
My companioning, and trauma-informed, approach is inspired, and informed, by the 11 Tenets of Companioning the Bereaved by Dr A. Wolfelt as well as my own grief experiences and learnings from the natural world. Almost 10 years ago, after losing family and friends, places and spaces, I volunteered with Hospice (in the USA), sitting with the human experience of love and loss.
I then trained as a trauma-informed mindfulness meditation teacher and went on to develop and facilitate (for healthcare professionals) an Australian Masters-level subject which included aspects of this, particularly around our relationship with the natural world. Biophilic art can be supportive in imaging and designing new ways, as well as supporting mourning and processing grief. After experiencing the disruption from severe weather events and flooding in our greater area in 2021, 2022 and 2023 I became certified in Psychological First Aid with New Zealand Red Cross.
In late 2024 I attended many of the online huis co-lead by Prof. Richard Egan at the University of Otago. These were part of Phase I, the whanaungatanga phase, of a current national, bicultural study, a first for Aotearoa New Zealand, aiming to develop a new action plan for spiritual care in the health system. Over the years, and more recently at the end of 2024, and in early 2025, I undertook additional continuing education around grief support, with new certifications in Resilience and Spirituality in adapting to Grief, Challenge and Change from the Grief Centre.
If you feel I can support you, during this challenging time, please contact me here.