Sometimes - for some length of time - people come to 'perch' upon our lives; to sit with us on our park benches. They come into our lives for a reason, for a purpose, for a season. Some are even family. Before long, however, they're gone. In our sorrow we wonder why.

In this holiday season and the major "shift of the ages" that we are moving through, many are quietly coping with many transitions in their lives. This article is intended to help remind us of the power of grief to transform our lives in meaningful ways. If you are in the midst of grief, for example, you may need to be reminded that it is good to cry and release your feelings. You may need to ask for some "space" or for the help and support that you need. Do not forget the powerful possibility for transformation that is present in the midst of your grief! Do not let this opportunity pass you by. Grief has the possibility to heal our world. From a spiritual perspective, grief is actually our friend and can help us grow spiritually -- especially when we are open to this.

This is a wonderful image. Entering a field clear of the tall-timbered forest is analogous for the sort of delivery we experience when we suddenly find ourselves not anxious or depressed anymore. Somehow we made it through to the other side. Suddenly we no longer tremble in the sort of fear, helplessness or hopelessness we used to.

Dealing with grief from bereavement is never easy. Some people have better capacity in recovering from grief, but there are also a few who find it more difficult than most. For these cases, grief bereavement counseling is necessary. For any kind of loss, be it from the death of a child, parent or spouse, the emotional effects could be tragic.