Disorientation

In our support group, we discuss common emotions we experience in our grief. We understand that everyone's grief is unique and our emotions may occur in different orders or with varying degrees of intensity and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to feel. 

Disorientation

Following a traumatic loss, those left behind can experience disorientation. Familiar landmarks are gone and you are struggling to make sense of the new reality. It can feel like a thick fog has descended upon you, clouding your mind, making it difficult to concentrate. Some call this "grief fog". It is a common experience for individuals mourning the loss of a loved one, especially when the grief is profound or sudden.

Grief fog can manifest as forgetfulness, confusion, trouble focusing, feeling lost, or feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks. It can also feel like time is moving too fast, or too slow, or some combination of the two. It is caused by the emotional and physical toll of grief, which can affect cognitive functions and energy levels. Grief fog is a natural response to the stress and upheaval of loss, and it typically improves over time as healing progresses.

See https://www.griefspecialists.org/post/grief-brain-fog-why-it-happens-and-how-to-cope 

Discussion

1. Have you experienced grief fog? What has your experience been like for you?

2. Have you had moments where familiar places or routines feel unfamiliar or strange? 

3. Has your sense of identity or who you are in the world felt shaken or uncertain? 

The Comforter

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."  John 14:26

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John 14:16-17

"And inasmuch as you desire a companion, I will give unto you my Spirit to be with you, and he shall comfort your heart." Doctrine and Covenants 31:11

"The Holy Ghost is a Comforter. It is a Spirit of peace and rest; it is like the dew from heaven to our souls." -Parley P. Pratt, "The Holy Spirit," Millennial Star, Vol. 12, No. 10 (August 15, 1850)

"In all of mortality, surely there is no voice we need to hear more, no gift more precious we should seek, no influence more deeply to be desired than the voice of the Holy Ghost and that gift. I testify of its reality and of its power to comfort, to guide, and to bless."  -Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Holy Ghost," April 1997

"We are to seek, in every way we can, to hear Jesus Christ, who speaks to us through the power and ministering of the Holy Ghost." -Russell M. Nelson "Opening Message" April 2020

Discussion

1. In what ways have you felt the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost since experiencing your loss? Can you share a specific instance where you felt a sense of peace, solace, or reassurance that you attribute to the Spirit? 

2. How has seeking to feel the Spirit helped you feel closer to the Savior or sense His love and support during your grieving process? 

3. Sometimes the comfort offered by the Holy Ghost can be subtle and different for each person. What are some of the quiet or unexpected ways you have felt the Spirit's comfort? 

Self-Care

Increase your spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation. President Russell M. Nelson invited us: "I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes to increase your spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation." To do this you could:

1. Create intentional time and space to hear God's voice. This could include daily scripture study. 

2. Act on spiritual promptings.

3. Seek opportunities to serve others as guided by the spirit.

4. Worship regularly in the temple.

5. Humbly ask God to teach you what He wants you to know and to do.

More Self-Care Ideas 

Journal Prompts

• Reflect on a recent experience when you have felt a sense of peace or comfort that you might attribute to the Holy Ghost. Describe that feeling and the circumstances surrounding it. What did that comfort teach you about the love and support available to you, even amidst your grief? 

• What are three specific ways you can intentionally seek to feel the Spirit's presence and hear the Savior's voice this week as you navigate your grief? What do you hope to learn or feel through this intentional seeking?