Loss sets the stage for further creation.Maybe everyone knows what loss feels like but not necessarily. Along with the obvious feelings of pain, depression and sadness there are other reactions to loss that are not so obvious, such as:

* feeling helpless, fearful, empty, despairing, pessimistic, irritable, angry, guilty, restless.

*experiencing a loss of concentration, hope, motivation, energy.

*any changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or sexual drive.

*a tendency to be more fatigued, error-prone, and slower in speech and movement.

Any or all of these are to be expected during and after the experience of a loss. It's part of the body's natural healing process. Be with these changes; don't fight them. It's OK. If you relate strongly to a good number of these reactions, you may want to examine the recent past to see if a not so obvious loss has taken place in you life.

The Stages of Recovery

Following a loss there are 3 recognizable stages of recovery:

The First is Shock/Denial

the fear that I would
come home one day and
find you gone has turned
into the pain of the
reality.

"what will I do if it happens?"
I would ask myself.

What will I do
now that it
has?

The next Anger/Depression


What do I do
now that you're gone?

well, when there's
nothing else going on,
which is quite often,
I sit in a corner and
I cry
until I am
too numbed to feel.

Paralyzed, motionless
for awhile, nothing
moving
inside or out.

then I think
how much I miss you

then I feel
fear
pain
loneliness
desolation.

then
I cry
until I am
too numbed to feel.

interesting pastime.


and finally, understanding/acceptance


I must conquer my loneliness

alone.

I must be happy with myself
or I have nothing
to offer.

Two halves have
little choice
but to
join;
and yes,
they do
make a
whole.

but two
wholes
when they coincide...

that is
beauty.

that is
love.