VIRTUAL: Grief Journaling

During these uncertain and heartbreaking times, we know many people are hurting and looking for ways to deal with all of the emotions that are bubbling up. With us not being able to go to our loved ones when they are sick and/or dying, or to take solace in gathering with other loved ones, many of us are dealing with things we may never have before in our lives. One thing that we at the Oak Park Public Library have found that helps is journaling. While this is not counseling or therapy, it is a way for us to express ourselves and we invite everyone to journal with us.

In addition to dealing with the pandemic, other tragic events of life and death are still happening all around us.

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one (a partner, family member, mentor, friend, etc.)? Are you experiencing ambiguous loss* or anticipatory grief*? Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you are welcome to join us on this journey of journaling. Each session will begin with prompts and/or a guided meditation followed by time to journal. At the end of each session, we will set aside time to share, if you feel so moved. Feel free to come to any or all workshops.

* Ambiguous loss refers to loss without closure. The person is often left searching for answers, which often results in unresolved grief. Some examples are infertility, termination of pregnancy, disappearance of a family member, death of an ex-spouse, a family member being physically alive but in a state of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease or dementia, etc.

* Anticipatory grief refers to a feeling of grief occurring before an impending loss.