3 Wonderfully Weird Ways to Grieve
There is no right way to grieve. It’s a completely individual process because our relationships with other people are entirely unique! So, we all go about coping with loss in different ways.
Sure, lots of people choose traditional methods like talking to friends, seeking therapy or participating in support groups, but some of us adopt more wonderfully weird and unconventional ways to make peace. Here are 3 of the most inspiring to me!
1. Grief Apps 🗣
One unconventional grieving strategy that has gained attention a lot of attention recently because it was highlighted in an episode of Black Mirror is the use of "grief apps" or online platforms designed to simulate conversations with loved ones past.
Scary? I guess it is a bit!
These digital platforms often use artificial intelligence to analyse text messages, emails, or social media interactions of the deceased person. Then, they generate responses based on patterns and language used by that person. The idea is to provide a virtual space for people to continue to communicate with their lost loved ones.
While some find solace in this unconventional approach, not everyone thinks it’s a good idea! It has sparked ethical and psychological debates with critics saying that these apps may hinder the grieving process by preventing individuals from fully accepting the reality of the loss and moving forward. Other people worry about the potential emotional impact of receiving algorithm-generated messages, as they may lack the genuine empathy and understanding that human connection provides.
With or without grief apps, I’ve found many people continue to ‘talk’ to their lost loved ones inside their heads. Sharing moments with them, thinking what they might say about a particular situation if they were here today. Personally, I love to dedicate experiences to my grandma, my best friend, who I lost 5 years ago now… I say ‘my eyes are your eyes, enjoy the show!’. So, the idea of being able to maintain communication with those we’ve lost seems very normal to me. As long as we are able to remember that the AI is not actually them, it could be a beautiful and healthy way of keeping them around!
2. Memorial Items 💎
Another unconventional grieving strategy that people explore is creating personalised memorial items using the ashes of the deceased, transforming cremated remains into various objects such as jewellery, sculptures or even tattoos.
Memorial Jewellery:
Ashes can be infused into glass or metal to create unique pieces of jewellery such as pendants, rings or bracelets. This lets us carry a tangible reminder of our loved ones with us. While I don’t have my grandma’s ashes, I do use a beautiful silver keychain she gave me as a gift. I hold onto it sometimes without even realising it. So, this feels pretty familiar to me!
Memorial Tattoos:
Some people choose to mix a small amount of ashes with tattoo ink, creating a memorial tattoo. The tattoo might symbolise the deceased person or incorporate their name or a meaningful image that expresses their relationship.
Memorial Sculptures or Artwork:
Cremated remains can be incorporated into sculptures or artwork to create a physical and entirely unique memorial piece that we can have in your living space as a reminder and tribute to our loved one.
While these practices can offer a sense of connection and a tangible way to keep memories alive, they may not be suitable for everyone. We’ve all got different cultural, religious and personal beliefs vary so we’ve got to do what feels right for us and our relationship with the people we’ve lost.
Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional during the grieving process can provide valuable guidance and understanding.
3. Grief Retreats 🏝
"Grief retreats" or immersive experiences designed to help people process their grief often combine elements of therapy, mindfulness and holistic healing in a group setting. Participants may engage in activities such as meditation, nature walks, art therapy and group discussions aimed at exploring and expressing their grief.
These retreats are intended to provide a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who are also experiencing loss. The focus is on addressing grief not only through verbal communication but also through alternative, experiential methods. By immersing themselves in these activities, participants may find new ways to express and understand their emotions.
While some people find solace and healing in these unconventional approaches, it's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of such strategies can vary from person to person. Additionally, individuals should approach these retreats with an open mind and be mindful of their own comfort levels and emotional needs.
So, what do you think?
Do they spark any ideas? Aren’t each of them beautiful in their own ways 🥰
I ADORE the creativity and love that goes into each and every idea we have to connect with our grief. At the end of the day, grieving is a complex and personal experience. As long as we’re accepting and attempting to process our loss, that is the most important thing. How we go about it is up to us!
Considering the potential emotional and psychological implications, it's definitely worth approaching these unconventional grieving strategies with awareness and, when needed, seek support from friends or mental health professionals who can provide guidance to your individual needs along the way.
If someone else is sharing with you how they’ve chosen to grieve, remember to always be sensitive, respectful and empathetic towards the feelings they’ve experienced that might influence these choices.
With love, always ❤️
George, Founder of How Mental