November 2024: Political Anxiety + Heather Stang’s Grief Events

By Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT

Posted: November 4, 2024

As many of us in the U.S. navigate the current climate of election season, anxiety can run high, adding to the emotional weight of grief. The uncertainty, tension, and heightened emotions surrounding political events can amplify existing feelings of loss and stress.

It’s more important than ever to prioritize tending to yourself during this time. Remember, your well-being deserves attention and care, especially when life feels overwhelming.

My hope is that you will engage in practices that support your mental and emotional health—your resilience matters now more than ever. You may need to spend a little more time listening to your body, giving yourself a much needed break from the news, and resetting your nervous system by breathing, moving, and doing the things that bring you peace.

Personally, I am spending a lot of time walking my dog. Movement and good company combined is a gateway to peace for me.

For those of you who are members of Awaken, my grief support program based on the Mindfulness & Grief System, we have a number of events to help you during this difficult season.

We’ll cover essential discussions like managing emotions, enhancing your support systems, and learning practical self-care strategies. Each session is designed to offer tools and compassionate guidance that align with where you are in your journey.

If you’re not a member, now is the perfect time to join. Sign up before November 28 - Thanksgiving Thursday - to receive a 7-day free trial and a one-hour private grief support session with me. This is your opportunity to experience the supportive community and resources that can make a meaningful difference during this challenging season.

Heather's November Events

Your Grief Support Systems

Monday November 4 at 4 PM ET
Tuesday November 5 at 6 PM ET

Explore how to assess and strengthen the support systems that help you through the holidays. From personal relationships to professional support, we’ll map out a plan to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

Anticipatory Grief Support Group

Wednesdays at 4 PM ET
Anticipatory grief—grieving a loss that hasn’t yet occurred—can be deeply challenging and emotionally draining. This session will focus on understanding these complex emotions and how they manifest while caring for someone who is seriously ill or facing an uncertain prognosis. We’ll explore how to acknowledge and process these feelings, maintain your well-being, and find meaningful ways to connect with your loved one. Join us for practical strategies and compassionate support to help you navigate this delicate and often isolating experience.

Dealing with Difficult People

Monday November 11 at 4 PM ET
Family and holiday gatherings can be complicated, especially when others don’t fully understand your grief. This session will guide you through setting healthy boundaries and using compassionate communication to manage interactions that feel challenging.

Navigating Grief Book Launch

Open to members and non-members
Tuesday November 12 at 6 PM ET

Family and holiday gatherings can be complicated, especially when others don’t fully understand your grief. This session will guide you through setting healthy boundaries and using compassionate communication to manage interactions that feel challenging.

Holiday Events: How to Say Yes or No

Monday November 18 at 4 PM ET
Tuesday November 19 at 6 PM ET

Learn how to make empowered decisions about holiday invitations and commitments. We’ll share techniques for listening to your emotional needs, expressing your choices with confidence, and balancing self-care with social obligations.

Modifying Holiday Traditions for Grief

Monday November 25 at 4 PM ET
Tuesday November 26 at 6 PM ET

We’ll discuss how to adapt or create new holiday traditions that reflect your current emotional landscape. This session is about honoring your loved one while finding ways to make the holidays meaningful for you.

With lovingkindness,

P.S. If you have any questions about these events, just hit the reply button and ask!

Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT

About the author

Heather Stang, M.A. is the author of Living with Grief and the guided journal, From Grief To Peace. She is the creator of the Mindfulness & Grief System that is featured in the Handbook of Grief Therapies (2023) and is the founder of Awaken, a mindfulness-based online grief support group. Heather also hosts the Mindfulness & Grief Podcast, and offers mindfulness-based grief support online through her organization, the Mindfulness & Grief Institute. She holds a Masters degree in Thanatology (Death, Dying, and Bereavement) from Hood College in Maryland, and is a certified Yoga Therapist. She currently lives in Falling Waters, WV.

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