Grief Is Not a Problem to Solve

“In every walk with nature
one receives far more than he seeks.”
- John Muir

Grief has a way of making people uncomfortable - including the person experiencing it.

There’s often pressure to understand it, explain it, or move through it efficiently…even quickly. But grief doesn’t respond well to logic or timelines. It doesn’t ask to be “solved” because it can’t be.

Research in psychology has shown that grief is not something the brain “completes” and moves on from. Instead, it’s something the nervous system learns to carry differently over time. This is why pushing for resolution often increases distress rather than easing it.

Nature offers something rare in grief: a non-demanding presence.

Studies on depression and grief suggest that time in natural environments can lower rumination - the repetitive thought loops that often accompany loss. Nature doesn’t interrupt grief. It doesn’t hurry it. It simply allows it to exist without commentary.

Water moves.

Trees remain.

The sky changes gradually.

None of it asks us to feel better.

And in grief, that permission matters.

Journal Prompts

If you are so inclined ... writing about your emotions and needs has been proven to be beneficial in helping to gain peace and alleviate stress. There’s no right way to answer.

If I didn’t have to fix or explain my grief, what would my grief feel like?

What helps me feel supported (even briefly) without being rushed?

Videos & Books

If quiet moments might help you reset, or if you are unable to get to a natural setting, here are some YouTube channels focused on nature, including my own, The Nature Break. Also included are some books on the benefits and beauty of nature.

YouTube Nature Channels:

• Peaceful Scenes: Single-shot footage, natural sounds.

• The Nature Break: Nature walks set to quiet music, short duration 2- 4 minutes

Books:

• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

• Option B by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant

Featured Video:

Please enjoy this video from the Nature Break…

Comments

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The Nature Break

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