Life After Loss: Conquering Grief and Finding Hope

Description

A unique approach to understanding and overcoming grief. Bestselling author Raymond Moody and his colleague Dianne Arcangel show how the grieving process can transform our fear and grief into spiritual and emotional growth. Foreword by Larry Dossey, M.D. Acknowledgments Introduction ONE: EARLY GRIEF EXPERIENCES Prebirth Influences Birth Leaves an Imprint Early Attachment, Separation, and Grief Introduction to the Concept of Death Personal Existence The Child Still Responds Updating the Little Child TWO: THE STRESS OF GRIEF Defining Stress Purpose and Levels of Stress Three Phases of Stress Transformative Power of Stress THREE: GRIEF CARRIES STRONG EMOTIONS Defining Grief, Mourning, and Bereavement Emotions Hold a Positive Purpose Abandonment Anger Anxiety and Panic Depression Disappointment Fear Frustration Grief Guilt Shame Isolation Envy Love Regret Relief Resignation or Acceptance FOUR: THE MANY FACES OF LOSS Age of the Loved One Age of the Survivors Grief History Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Health Cultural Influences Family Dynamics Relationships Gender Manner of Death Meaning in the Loss Personal History Personality Materialism Religion Spirituality Social Support Professional Support FIVE: GIVING AND RECEIVING SYMPATHY Timing Inappropriate Statements Projection Entering Their World Terminology Sympathy via Letters and E-mail Internet Support Keep It Simple Practical Support Responding to Uncomfortable Statements Sympathizers’ Intentions The Mourner’s Intention SIX: FUNCTIONAL VERSUS DYSFUNCTIONAL GRIEF Fixated Grief Denial Conscious Denial Unconscious Denial Reversibility of the Loss Mementos Assuming the Characteristics of the Deceased Reproduced Medical Symptoms Searching for the Deceased Mistaking Others Emotions in Disguise Anniversary Reactions Replicated Loss SEVEN: ADJUSTING TO THE LOSS Influence of the Kennedy Assassination Diana’s Influence Funerals Theories Active Approaches Intention-Oriented Process Balance Coping with Grief-Related Stress Time-Out Nurturing the Soul Create Rituals EIGHT: TRANSCENDING LOSS Grief Throws Its Curve Transcendence The Tragedy of a Hardened Heart Personal Models Transcendence—Raymond’s Story Transcendence—Dianne’s Story Can Survivors Leave Their Grief Behind? NINE: THE BLESSINGS RECEIVED FROM LOSS All Human Beings Celebrate Our Differences Appreciation Is Heightened Clarification of Self Passion Is Enriched Desire to Serve Others Gain Sensitivity Finiteness of Life Fragility of the Human Body Humility Less Materialistic Lessons Love Is the Link Mortality Faced Relationships Enhanced Spirituality Increased Wisdom Is Acquired A Sense of Immortality Transcendence TEN: WE WILL SEE THEM AGAIN Near-Death Experiences Death Sense Death Coincidents Characteristics of Death Coincidents Evidence for Survival of Bodily Death SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES Articles, Pamphlets, and Magazines Books Journals, Magazines, and Newsletters Internet Associations, Organizations, and Services Glossary Works Consulted Notes Searchable Terms About the Author Copyright About the Publisher