How Funerals Help with the Grieving Process

It is quite difficult to lose a loved one and experiencing grief is both common and acceptable. Grieving a loss can take time and a having a support system is helpful. Funeral services can also be very important in the grieving process of a loved one. They are typically viewed as an outward expression of the inward love of a loved one.

A funeral is a place where family and friends can gather to show support for one another and say goodbye to the deceased. Experts tend to agree that those who refuse to attend funerals of loved ones for one reason or another have a harder time with the grief process than those that attend.

The support offered at a funeral goes a long way for the grieving. Just the simple act of sharing that grief decreases the intensity of it. Additionally, there are normally plenty of people at a funeral that will offer sympathetic words, hugs, and encouragement to each other.

Views on afterlife
Grief experts report that what one thinks about life after death will impact the grieving process. If you believe that one day you will see your loved one again in heaven, you may grieve less than if you don’t believe that. In this case, having a minister give an encouraging message at the funeral can help people to let go easier knowing they will be reunited with their loved one.

For those who do not believe in the afterlife, funeral homes will have several ways to help loved ones remember the legacy of the deceased. Some families put up a collage of pictures or have designated people stand up and say positive things about the life of the one who has passed on.

Viewings
Having a viewing before the funeral is oftentimes a helpful step in the grieving process. It may help loved ones realize the finality of the person’s life on earth and create a memory of actually saying goodbye to the loved one in a tangible way. Not everyone likes the idea of having a viewing though, so think about this and possibly discuss with family before making a decision.

At a viewing, you may also have the opportunity to offer comfort to those who need it, which may cause you to feel better. You may run into relatives or friends that you have not seen in many years and feel a sense of joy rise up in you as you connect with them once again.

Psychologists believe that having a luncheon before or after the funeral is helpful with the grieving process. Food tends to comfort people when they need comfort and the act of sharing a meal with family and friends is beneficial in fostering pleasant emotions. It also gives more time for fellowship, encouragement, and remembering all of the good memories of the loved one.

Eulogies
Eulogies can serve as an important part of a funeral and help with grief. A eulogy can serve as an important reminder of the good qualities the loved one had, share humorous stories concerning the loved one, and offer the family and friends hope and comfort concerning the loss.

Graveside Burial
For a final goodbye and closing ceremony, consider having a graveside burial, as it may give people the closure that they need. There are a variety of goodbye rituals that can be performed at the burial, such as putting flowers on the casket, throwing a handful of dirt at the casket, singing a song, or have a military performance if the loved one served in the military.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is a process that will take time to get through. It may require a little time or a long time, but know that grieving is normal and understandable. Keep in mind that funerals can be a source of comfort and closure to the family and friends of the deceased.