Pathways to Healing!

Compressions can weigh heavily on our hearts, often causing us to rush through them due to life’s relentless pace. Grief, in particular, can feel like a heavy burden as we question life’s meaning and yearn for support that may seem absent. These emotions can lead to profound loneliness, leaving us feeling drained.

During the 18-month anticipatory period before my mom’s passing, I experienced this firsthand, juggling family needs and work amidst the chaos of COVID. I’d always been a “doer,” but seeing my mom in that state made me realize the power of simply being present. Despite this insight, I continued to neglect my own well-being, pushing forward in my old ways.

Months later, I reached a point of numbness, where even waking up became a daunting task for two months. The weight of life’s burdens had become too much, and I was merely surviving without addressing my inner self. In my darkest moments, I realized that I have only one life to live, and anything weighing me down had to go. I began focusing on small joys, sought guidance from South Asian Mental Health Initiative and Network (SAMHIN), and decided to share my journey to raise awareness in our community.

My lifeline during this time was therapy, where I confronted the complex questions of loss and emptiness. I also worked with life coaches to recognize my breakthroughs and align with my true self.

Two years later, this month, I am launching a 10-week grief online program, “Pathways to Healing” to provide a space for acknowledging loss and forging a path toward healing. The timing of this program launch is to honor the marking of the death anniversaries of my parents in September. My vision of this program is to create a safe, nurturing space through connection, community, and compassion to honor losses. Participants will have access to a supportive community that understands the depths of their pain and can offer solace through shared experiences. I strongly believe in the power of connection, where individuals can open up about their grief without fear of judgment.

The journey of grief is challenging, but it's not one that anyone has to face alone. If you sense a deep inner pain and disconnection from yourself, it could be unprocessed grief. Reach out to a professional; you are not alone on this journey, and remember that healing takes its own time. "Pathways to Healing" is here to provide a guiding light on that path, offering support, community, and the tools needed to navigate the complex terrain of grief.