Loss And Grief: Guide Towards Spiritual Growth - Essay Example

? Loss And Grief: Guide Towards Spiritual Growth of the of the Introduction Human beings have always been in search of happiness in life. However, history is a witness to the fact that humanity has tried to search for happiness in wrong places. That is, human beings made a mistake by thinking that things like power, control, material achievement, fame etc., are the sources of happiness (Chopra 2009, p.11). The illusion that power gives happiness, has led humanity to suffer from immense loss, misery and grief. On social level, human beings have experienced misery through havocs like wars, genocides, massacres, mob attacks, revolutions etc. On individual level, human beings experience misery through psychological and physical problems like depression, stress, diseases, anxiety, unending chains of desires etc. However, people still go on making mistakes without realizing the ‘signs’ they get from their ‘inner self’. In such a scenario, the only thing that makes them to stop and realize the bondage of vicious cycle is some highly unexpected untoward happening in their lives. An experience of loss and grief suddenly shatters the illusions of human beings. Loss and grief makes a person realize that he is not in control of his life but is just a part of the ‘whole,’ which is much bigger than his individual self. Hence, loss and grief has a potential to transform human being’s life as it makes him to open himself to the spiritual guidance which helps him to search for happiness in right place, which is inside his ‘divine self’ and in God. The Nature of Loss and Grief Life is quite unpredictable. However, human beings think that they have the power to control their future and destiny. To a certain extent, human beings can make efforts and achieve their desires, wishes and dreams. However, when they experience unfortunate things like death of loved ones, accidents, disease or loss, they realize that life is unpredictable and no amount of wealth can buy peace for them (Chopra 2009, p.11). Not only that, but the lives of some of the celebrities have revealed that life is not as it seems from outside. For example, the unhappy lives, and the circumstances of the death of celebrities like Lady Diana and Michael Jackson, makes one realize that fame and money cannot buy happiness. According to Stone and Stone (2004), by the time a person reaches mid-adulthood, he realizes that although money serves many purposes, it is certainly not the most important aspect of life (Walter and McCoyd 2009, p. 266). He realizes that true happiness lies somewhere else. When the illusion and the idea, that material pleasure can bring happiness is shattered, then human beings turn their search towards those things that bring the true happiness in their lives. However, what really breaks the illusions and misunderstanding of people is not contemplation or intellect, but the loss and grief that they experience in life. ‘Loss’ creates one of the greatest challenges in human being’s life (Thompson 2007, p.70). Human beings, who are mostly driven by their intellect, aggressive mind and ego, find it difficult to accept the things that occur against their wishes. Hence, a serious loss in life generates an intense crisis in human being’s life (Thompson 2007, p.70). Especially, death of loved ones makes people aware that one day, even they are going to die and hence, awakens them to spiritual dimensions of life (Thompson 2007, p.70). However, death is not the only thing that creates loss in life (Thompson 2007, p.74). People experience loss of different things through different problems like divorce, unemployment, accidents, and breakdown in relationship etc (Thompson 2007, p.74). These untoward happenings lead to loss of loved ones, financial security, social status, health, source of income etc (Thompson 2007, p.74). Hence, loss can be experienced through different incidences. Unfortunately, loss is the most unwanted thing is human being’s life as it leads to one of the most undesirable emotion in life, which is grief. Loss and grief are closely associated (Grover and Fowler 2011, p.9). Loss leads to internal feeling of grief, and grief is expressed through mourning (Grover and Fowler 2011, p.9). According to Kubler-Ross and Keslar (2005), loss of things like “home, job, or country” makes people mourn (Grover and Fowler 2011, p.9). Grief is a universal emotion and is a natural emotional reaction to the experience of loss (Grover and Fowler 2011, p.10). Loss and grief make people realize that life changes without warning, and is not under their control. Loss shatters the egos of people and makes them realize that there is some power which is beyond their control. In this way, it is the experience of loss and grief that makes human being turn inwards and explore the true meaning of life. People become aware of their true self and become open to the matters of heart and soul. Hence, loss and grief are closely associated with spirituality as it leads people towards spiritual aspects and exploration of the essence of their spirit. Spiritual Growth The experience of loss and grief has major implications on spiritual growth (Thompson 2007, p.74). According to Richards (2001), people open up to exploration of the meaning of life, existential issues and spiritual experiences when they witness death or experience loss of loved ones (Thompson 2007, p.74). Hence, loss and grief creates a different outlook in human beings as they become open to explore the world of spirituality and for spiritual guidance (Thompson 2007, p.74). Experience of discomfort and loss creates feeling of fear and neediness in human beings (Walter and McCoyd 2009, p. 266). This fear drives them to find support and hope through spiritual guidance and spiritual growth (Walter and McCoyd 2009, p. 266). People realize that through spiritual practices and understanding, they will gain courage and strength to bear loss if it occurs in future. Hence, interest in spirituality and desire for spiritual growth usually results from the feeling of dissatisfaction and misery in life (Walter and McCoyd 2009, p. 266). Moreover, spirituality also helps human beings to get in touch with their ‘whole,’ and true self. Spirituality is explored by people when they become frustrated with their lives and realize the transitory nature of life. In today’s time, different spiritual paths like yoga and mediation are becoming extremely popular. This is because in today’s technology dominated and fast paced world, methods like yoga and meditation helps people to stay connected to their inner self and explore the more permanent feelings and values in life (Chopra and Simon 2004, p. 10). Also, to remain undisturbed by the experience of loss or inevitable turmoil of life, people cultivate inner peace and state of central awareness by opening themselves to spiritual guidance through meditation, prayer, yoga etc (Chopra and Simon 2004, p. 13). In this way, loss and grief has immense implications on the spiritual guidance and spiritual growth in human being’s life. Conclusion Loss and grief are inseparable part of human life. However, the spiritual dimension of human being has the power to transform the human nature and make human beings capable of becoming centred into their deepest spiritual core, and remain unaffected by inevitable aspects of loss and grief. Hence, loss and grief has immense implications on spiritual growth as it is the experience of loss and grief that becomes a guide for spiritual growth in human beings. References Chopra, D. and Simon, D., 2004. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga: A Practical Guide to Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Chopra, D., 2009. The Ultimate Happiness Prescription: 7 Keys to Joy and Enlightenment. New York: The Crown Publishing Group. Grover, R.J. and Fowler, S.G., 2011. Helping Those Experiencing Loss: A Guide to Grieving Resources. Santa Barbara: ABC CLIO, LLC. Thompson, N. Loss and Grief: Spiritual Aspects. In: M.E.Coyte, P.Gilbert and V.Nicholls, eds. 2007. Spirituality, Values and Mental Health: Jewels for the Journey. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Ch.4. Walter, C.A. and McCoyd, J.L., 2009. Grief and Loss across the Lifespan: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. New York: Springer Publishing Company, L.L.C. Read More