Meaning Making Through Action In Their Honor
Exercise From Page 116 in Mindfulness & Grief
There are many ways that you can continue your loved one’s legacy while helping the planet and other people. Your activity can be public or private. You can plant a tree, volunteer at a school, walk to raise money, start your own charity, or plan an annual family gathering to honor your loved one’s life and share their stories with future generations. There really are no limits to the ways you can establish continuing bonds and make meaning from your loss.
Altruistic efforts may bring you comfort, but be sure not to commit to any activity until you are ready. This week, simply consider this exercise as a research project that you can implement at a later date.
Use your journal to brainstorm ideas using the prompts below:
Writing Reflection
What were my loved one’s hobbies, activities, and interests?
What causes did my loved one believe in?
If my loved one had unlimited time and money, how would they have spent both?
What physical or mental health concerns did my loved one face?
Action
I can continue my loved one’s legacy by: _________________
The first step I can take toward continuing their legacy is to: _________________
*Did you know that the real definition of karma is action?