No one can argue that Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ work and writings on grief and grieving did not revolutionize the way people look at the grieving process. Her groundbreaking book, On Grief and Grieving, published in 2005, dives into the depths of the psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects of the grieving process. Throughout the book, Kübler-Ross provides her readers with an accessible, soothing view on how to cope with the loss of a loved one.
Kübler-Ross starts with a provocative question: how do people cope with death? Investigating the roots of grief, Kübler-Ross suggests that people must address their needs – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – in order to move forward in their grieving process. She explores the range of emotions people experience, including disbelief, denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, depression, and acceptance.
Discussing both classic and contemporary experiences of grief, Kübler-Ross provides comfort for those who feel overwhelmed with sadness and confusion. She encourages people to accept their pain and work through it, noting that pain is a natural part of the grieving process.
Kübler-Ross discusses how the grieving process differs from one person to the next. While some experiences are universal, the intensity of the process will likely vary. To that end, she suggests that people should seek out support, whether it be from friends, family, or outside sources. She asserts that receiving and giving compassion can be very healing and that talking about memories of the deceased can help to bridge gaps in the healing process.
The key lesson imparted throughout the book is that each grief experience is unique, and that one should not compare his or her own experience with others. It is important to remember that how we grieve is personal and that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Kübler-Ross also emphasizes finding strength from within rather than from external sources.
In closing, Kübler-Ross acknowledges that death is part of the natural cycle of life and that, in order to move forward wholeheartedly into a new life, one must find a way to integrate the memories of the deceased into his or her life. She stresses that, while the process of grief can be intense and emotionally taxing, it can also be releasing, in the sense that it teaches us about life, love, and mortality and sets us on our path for the future.
On Grief and Grieving is a must-read for anyone dealing with the process of grief. Kübler-Ross has written an inspiring, uplifting guide that offers readers comfort and support while they navigate their own unique experiences of loss. With deep insight, Kübler-Ross looks deeply into the process of grief to examine what it means to truly grieve. For those looking to understand their experiences more deeply, On Grief and Grieving is an invaluable resource.
