The Art of Remembrance The use of creativity to process grief
It is imperative to recognize that there is no set time for recovery from the death of a loved one. Recovery is not an event, but a process that requires one’s attention and honoring. We live in a world that often times does not give proper focus to the grief process and in many cases decide to ignore the pain with the hope that time, diversion, and the busyness of life will evade the personal pain of loss.
The use of creativity in the grief process taps into the subconscious of an individual, allowing a different approach to the emptiness that one is left with after experiencing the death of a loved one. One of the hardest parts of the grief process is the unavoidable time after the funeral once the cards and flowers have been put away. The world seems to go on as usual, but not for you. There is a feeling of wanting time to stand still, of secretly not wanting others to go about their daily routines and seemingly to forget the person who is no longer a physical presence in your life. It is important to understand that this feeling is normal and to remember that although death has taken the physical presence of someone you love, the differences they made in your life and the connection you had will always endure.
This connectedness is witnessed in your surroundings and the memories that have been left with you. The art of remembrance is a palpable way of expressing those memories. Take time alone to let these healing memories emerge while letting go of any judgment your inner critic may hold as to what may be right or wrong. Everyone is creative and often drawn to certain mediums to work with. Art encompasses limitless areas of pursuit; give yourself time to feel your personal way to honor memories that keep your loved one connected to you.
The following photograph is an image of a created altar that is one example of how a daughter honored the spirit of a mother who was lost to cancer. This altar was created, arranged and placed on a weaving that was originally made by the mother. Special stones, coffee cup, photograph, and candle were placed on the woven piece and set in a dedicated area of the home to keep the memories and person close. The doll was created to represent her spirit and had charms sewn on that spoke of wisdom and creativity. She was of Norwegian descent so the doll was wrapped in furs. A special prayer was sewn inside the doll with a very personal message between mother and daughter.
Being able to light a candle or spend time with the altar offers healing to this daughter through the strength of connection and a set aside time of remembrance.
By: Linda Hagen MS A.T.R.–LBC Art Psychotherapist Lees Psychological Services, Wauwatosa, WI 1-414-774-6898
The following photograph is an image of a created altar that is one example of how a daughter honored the spirit of a mother who was lost to cancer. This altar was created, arranged and placed on a weaving that was originally made by the mother. Special stones, coffee cup, photograph, and candle were placed on the woven piece and set in a dedicated area of the home to keep the memories and person close. The doll was created to represent her spirit and had charms sewn on that spoke of wisdom and creativity. She was of Norwegian descent so the doll was wrapped in furs. A special prayer was sewn inside the doll with a very personal message between mother and daughter.
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