Grief and loss

Our belief system and worldview are key to how we process grief and loss, so it is important we access resources and support consistent with these.

Here are some suggested resources for humanists and the like-minded to explore:

‘Comforting Thoughts About Death That Have Nothing to Do with God’, by Greta Christina

‘Grief Comes in Waves’, The Loss Foundation

‘The Humanist Approach to Grief and Grieving’, by Jennifer Hancock

Facing the inevitability of death

‘‘Living funerals’ help the dying and their loved ones live more meaningfully’, Kristen Juliet Soh (Channel NewsAsia)

As humanists, we know making the most of this life we are living now, not anticipating any reward of an afterlife, is critical to finding meaning and fulfilment. We know that the years we have in life are finite and will come to an end. But how well do we really accept the inevitability of death, even when it is staring us in the face through our own or a loved one’s terminal illness?

This article out of Singapore about living funerals was shared with us by passionate humanist and HA member, Ken Robinson, who has discussed the idea and his request for a “living funeral” with his family, who support it.

“A living funeral can be incredibly valuable for both the terminally ill and their loved ones. It's more than a celebration of life; it's a chance to actively engage with the present and to express love in a way that transcends the inevitability of death.” Read the full article….