A Time to Grieve: Meditations for Healing After the Death of a Loved One

"In a world where many times the entire grief process is misunderstood or blatantly ignored, this book is a cool oasis in a time of personal need. There were so many passages in this book that I could see myself going through as a widow. So many relevant points -- sometimes we try to push the grief away, to keeping insanely busy. . .

Carol Staudacher urges those in grief to slow down and think about the loss, study it, let it come in so it can faced and a healing process can begin. It's certainly not easy, but better than avoiding the pain inside. We need to take "emotional inventory" so we can deal with our individual aspect of grief, realizing that our idea of normal will never be the same. Elaine Williams"
~ Written on 2008-05-09

"This is a very comforting book to those who have lost a loved one. I discovered it after my son died 7 years ago and have purchased copies for others after their loved ones have passed away. I think it is the best grief book that I found, which is why I highly recommend it. "
~ Written on 2008-04-05

"We are a woefully undergrieved society in great need of good resources for those who are in need at the time during and following a major loss. This concise and heartful book will bring solace to most who read its pages.

Each short meditation is organized in the same way. The header has a "crux of the problem" statement from a griever - something like "I just can't deal with it now, it's too much to handle." or "People tell me not to dwell on it, to go on with my life." or "I wake up in the morning and I feel as if I am in a nightmare. I can't believe this has happened to me."

Below that, there is a quote from a wise sage, a short meditation and a closing affirmation supporting the meditation.

The quotes alone are worth the price of the book.

My only criticism is that I wish there was a table of context or a thematic index. It would have made it so much easier to find things.

If you are grieving and/or if you know someone who is grieving (and don't we all?) this book would be a great companion for the journey.

Highly recommended.

"
~ Written on 2007-10-23

"This book is so healing because one picks it up again and again, just about every day, and little by little it does it's miraculous work, like an ointment.
Every aspect of the innumerable crazy things our minds seem to be filled with in the aftermath of a loss are to be found there.
The author has done an amazing job of listening to bereaved people,and describing the different mental and emotional states, with the resolutions and practices that go towards healing, so one is encouraged to climb out of the hole or pit in which one finds one's self.
The tone is compassionate and encouraging all the way.
My husband of 38 years died almost three months ago, and this little book has helped me enormously.
"
~ Written on 2007-07-22

"I like the philosophy of short one page passages and thoughts, since I have a busy lifestyle. I pick up this book, before bed at night; during a break in mid day; or whenever I have a few free moments. Each page is written but a different person----some things apply to me, some don't, but it's easy to skip around. This book is not for someone looking for deep psychological help."
~ Written on 2007-05-26