Grief and Letting Go: How to Grieve Authentically and Let Go

Why letting go is an essential part of the grieving process, and how letting go begins with awareness.

Letting go when grieving doesn’t mean suppressing your emotions and barrelling through your loss. Instead, letting go is about embracing your loss and the emotions that come along with it, so that you are able to truly grieve. 

But let’s take a step back. 

What does it mean to grieve? And why is letting go such an essential part of the grieving process?

Grieving is a deeply personal and complex journey that is unique for each individual, and it begins with awareness. Grief arises when we become conscious of a loss—when someone or something significant is no longer part of our lives. This awareness invites us to confront our emotions and changes that surface, leading to a new way of being.

Yet, this acceptance meets resistance.

To cope we might turn to societal norms or search for ways to handle sadness, anger, or confusion, only to find ourselves lost in a sea of inadequate advice. We might look to others who appear to be ‘okay’ and adopt their coping mechanisms, even if they hinder the grieving process, just to feel a semblance of normalcy.

So, how do we grieve authentically? How do we truly let go? And how does letting go facilitate our grief?

Grieving Authentically 

Grieving authentically means allowing oneself to experience their emotions without judgment, comparison or criticism. It’s important to recognize that there is no right or wrong way to grieve—what matters is that one honors their own unique process. 

This might mean crying openly, talking about loss with loved ones, or spending quiet time alone, reflecting and reminiscing. It’s about being honest with oneself about what they are feeling and not forcing oneself to conform to societal expectations of how grief should look. This looks differently for each person—there is no universal approach. In this way we can understand how acceptance and validation is fundamental to the grieving process.

Authentic Grief is Rooted in Self Awareness  

Tuning into one's emotions helps to understand what is needed at any given moment, whether it’s space to reflect, support from others, or simply time to process. This level of awareness allows the person grieving to be present with their grief, acknowledging it as a natural and necessary response to loss. It’s in this presence that healing begins, as one gives themselves permission to grieve in a way that feels real and genuine.

The Connection Between Grief and Letting Go 

"You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present." Jan Gildwell

Letting go is often misunderstood as moving on or forgetting, but it’s far from that. 

Letting go involves accepting the reality of loss and the changes it brings, while also releasing the tight grip of unease that can keep someone stuck. It’s about creating space in the heart and mind for healing, without erasing the memories or significance of what was lost.

Letting go is not a one-time act but a continuous practice of releasing the emotional weight that is anchored in the past. It’s a gentle, ongoing process of finding balance between holding on to memories and allowing oneself to move forward with grace.

Why Letting Go is Essential in Grief 

Letting go plays a crucial role in the grieving process because it allows movement from a place of resistance to one of acceptance. 

When pain is held on to, one can become trapped in grief, unable to see beyond the loss. Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or diminishing loss; it means one stops resisting the reality of it and allows oneself to experience the full spectrum of grief.

By letting go, healing becomes possible.

It’s like unclenching a fist that has been tightly gripped around our pain, allowing space for new emotions and experiences to enter. This doesn’t happen overnight, but with each small step, one can see that life can hold meaning,and connection again—even in the midst of grief.

Looking for more? 

The Grief Support Specialist Training is designed for individuals who possess a strong sense of empathy and compassion, and have a genuine desire to support others through difficult times. Empower yourself and empower others by enrolling in our Grief Support Specialist training. Our program is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of grief and loss.

At Empowered Inc., we’re here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and a community of understanding as you continue on your path toward healing. Reach out to us at [email protected], and let us support you in this journey.