Tracey Chapman is one of the few Resilience and Certified High-Performance coaches in the world who has walked the painful grief journey. She specializes in assisting executive men and women in navigating their journey of grief.
Embracing grief is not about covering our struggles but painting them with colours of resilience and transforming pain into a masterpiece of thriving on the canvas of life.
In the tapestry of life, grief is a thread we all must encounter. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the shattering of a dream, grief has the power to shake us to our core, leaving us feeling lost, overwhelmed, and adrift in a sea of emotions. This universal experience, though deeply personal, connects us all as we navigate the complex and often unpredictable journey of processing our pain.
While the initial stages of grief can feel insurmountable, it is essential to recognise that within the depths of our sorrow lies an untapped reservoir of strength, resilience, and potential waiting to be unleashed. Though a profoundly complex emotion, grief can also catalyse personal growth, self-discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the fragility and preciousness of life.
Through grieving, individuals can confront their emotions, explore their inner landscapes, and develop coping strategies that serve them well in the long run. For instance, some find solace in journaling their thoughts and feelings, while others may find comfort in engaging in physical activities like running or yoga. By allowing themselves to experience and express their grief fully, people can integrate their loss into their lives, finding ways to honour the memory of what was while embracing the possibilities of the present and the future.
Ultimately, the path through grief is not a straight line but rather a winding journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and the willingness to lean on the support of others. It's not about reaching a destination, but about embracing the process. By trusting in their resilience and the non-linear nature of this journey, individuals can emerge from the depths of grief with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of themselves, and a greater appreciation for the tapestry of life. This journey of BEing, a continuous process of growth and self-awareness, is a testament to our strength and resilience, and it is a journey that we can all navigate with courage and hope.
3 core principles to navigate grief
The journey of BEing begins with a fundamental shift in perspective. Instead of allowing grief to define us, we have the power to redefine our relationship with it. Rather than seeing it as an insurmountable obstacle, we can view it as an opportunity for growth and transformation. This shift requires us to look inward, reconnect with our innermost selves and tap into the wellspring of resilience that resides within each of us. The three core principles to navigate grief are redefining our relationship with grief, looking inward for resilience, and viewing grief as an opportunity for growth.
At its core, The Art of BEing is about cultivating a mindset of abundance, gratitude, and possibility. It’s about recognising that we are not victims of our circumstances but creators of our reality. By focusing on the blessings in our lives rather than dwelling on what we’ve lost, we open ourselves up to a world of new possibilities. We begin to see that even amid our darkest moments, there is still light to be found. This shift in perspective, driven by the power of our intention, can empower us to rewrite the narrative of our grief and find strength in our healing process.
Zig Ziglar’s wisdom encapsulates a powerful life principle: “You have to ‘be’ before you can ‘do’ and do before you can ‘have’.” This principle suggests that internal development, or 'BEing ', is a prerequisite for external manifestations, or 'doing' and 'having'. When applied to the context of a grief journey, it can be profoundly insightful, reminding us that before we can act or find peace, we must first acknowledge and accept our emotions.
BEing In the context of grief, ‘BEing’ involves accepting and acknowledging the emotions that come with loss. It's about allowing oneself to experience pain, sadness, anger, and confusion without judgment. This stage requires individuals to be present with their feelings, practising self-compassion and acceptance. Only from a place of 'BEing', which means being fully present with our emotions, can we accomplish 'doing' and 'having’.
Doing After allowing themselves to experience their emotions fully, individuals can begin taking action in their grief journey. This might involve seeking support from loved ones or professionals, engaging in therapeutic activities like journaling or art therapy, or participating in rituals or ceremonies honouring the person they've lost. In the context of grief, ‘Doing’ means actively engaging in activities that promote healing and growth, such as seeking support, engaging in self-care, or finding ways to honour the memory of the person we've lost.
Having As individuals progress through their grief journey, they may find that they start to experience a sense of peace, acceptance, and even growth. This doesn't mean they forget about their loss or stop feeling sadness, but rather that they begin to integrate their experience into their lives in a way that allows them to find meaning and purpose. In the context of grief, ‘Having’ refers to the emotional and psychological state of being able to live a fulfilling life despite the presence of grief.
Embracing The Art of ‘BEing through grief involves allowing oneself to feel and process emotions, ‘doing’ involves taking actionable steps towards healing, and ‘having’ encompasses finding peace and growth amidst the pain. By understanding and embracing this principle, individuals can navigate their grief journey with greater resilience and ultimately find peace and acceptance.
The practice of mindfulness: Cultivating inner peace
Mindfulness is a central practice in The Art of BEing. At its core, mindfulness is being fully present in the moment without judgment or attachment. It involves learning to observe our thoughts and emotions with compassion and curiosity rather than getting caught up in them.
During grief, this practice can be precious when the mind and emotions can feel overwhelming. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals can find peace and grounding amidst the storm of grief. Instead of being swept away by the intense feelings and thoughts that arise, mindfulness allows one to witness them with a detached yet compassionate perspective.
Through mindfulness, people can learn to acknowledge their grief without becoming consumed. They can recognise the transient nature of emotions and develop the ability to let thoughts and feelings come and go without clinging to them. This can provide stability and clarity, even amid profound sorrow.
Mindfulness practice in the face of grief can be a powerful tool for finding inner calm and acceptance. By learning to be fully present and observe one's experience with nonjudgment, individuals can more easily navigate the challenges of grief and discover a path towards healing and growth.
One of the most effective ways to cultivate mindfulness is through meditation. Meditation lets us quiet the mind's chatter and connect with the stillness beneath. By carving out time each day to sit in silence and be, we create space for healing and transformation. Through consistent practice, we learn to observe our thoughts and emotions with detachment, allowing them to come and go like clouds passing in the sky.
In addition to meditation, other mindfulness practices, such as conscious breathing and body awareness, can also be valuable tools for navigating grief. By bringing our awareness to the sensations in our bodies and the rhythm of our breath, we anchor ourselves in the present moment and create a sense of calm amidst the chaos. These practices not only help us to manage the intense emotions that often accompany grief but also enable us to cultivate a more profound sense of self-awareness and inner peace.
Rewriting the narrative: The power of intention
Another powerful tool in The Art of BEing is the practice of intentions. Intentions are positive statements we repeat regularly to reinforce a desired belief or mindset. In the context of grief, intentions can be a potent antidote to the negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that often arise.
When we’re in grief, it’s easy to get caught up in a narrative of despair and hopelessness. We may tell ourselves that we’ll never be happy again or that our lives are irreparably broken. Intentions offer a way to challenge these negative thought patterns and replace them with more empowering and life-affirming ones.
For example, instead of telling ourselves, “I’ll never get over this loss,” we might intend, “I am resilient and capable of healing.” Rather than dwelling on what we’ve lost, we can focus on what we still have and intend our gratitude for the blessings in our lives. By consciously setting our intentions this way, we gradually rewire our brains to see the world more optimistically.
Embracing the journey: The path to transformation
The journey of BEing is not a destination but a process—a continuous unfolding of growth, discovery, and self-awareness. It requires courage, vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to our healing and evolution. Along the way, we may encounter setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt. But it’s in these moments that our true strength and resilience are revealed.
As we navigate the twists and turns of this journey, it’s important to remember that we are not alone. A vast community of fellow travellers walks this path alongside us, offering support, encouragement, and companionship. By reaching out to others and sharing our experiences, we lighten our burdens and create space for collective healing and transformation.
Ultimately, The Art of BEing is about reclaiming our power amidst adversity. It's about acknowledging that even in our darkest times, we possess the power to choose our response. We can either be overwhelmed by grief or use it as a catalyst for growth and transformation. We can stay mired in struggle or seize the opportunity to thrive. The choice is ours.
Start your journey today
By focusing on the blessings in our lives rather than dwelling on what we’ve lost, we open ourselves up to a world of new possibilities.
As a Resilience and Transformation Coach, I guide my clients to understand that in The Art of BEing, grief marks not an end but the start of a new chapter. It is a self-discovery, healing, and transformation path that can lead us from struggle to thriving. We open the gateway to endless possibilities through mindfulness, affirmations, and the power of choice. Thus, I invite you to embark on this transformative journey of BEing. Embrace the change, rewrite your story, and reclaim your power. Ultimately, it's not about what befalls us but how we react.
Apply here for an opportunity to work with me.
No matter how heavy the weight of your grief may feel, you don't have to carry it alone. Let me assist you in overcoming your sorrow so that you can move forward with hope and healing. Working together, we can make the journey towards emotional well-being easier for you.
Tracey A. Chapman, Resilience & Certified High-Performance Coach
Tracey Chapman is one of the few Resilience and Certified High-Performance coaches who has walked the painful grief journey and now specialises in helping executive men and women find new passion, purpose, and meaning and rebuild their lives after a devastating loss.
With her extensive knowledge and experience in High-Performance and Resilience Coaching, Tracey has designed a remarkable "Rebuild Your Power" coaching program. This program is for executives who are going through a complicated grieving process. By participating in this program, executives gain the tools and support they need to get things done and rebuild their confidence, motivation, and inspiration. Which ultimately empowers them to move forward faster and achieve their goals with renewed strength and determination without the fear of forgetting the one they love.
