My family, friends and community circles have been experiencing loss on a level that I have not seen ever. These losses have in many cases happened unexpectedly. They have also affected me and the people around me to the very core. It has also bought up issues of bereavements that have happened in the past. Grief that has been hidden and not dealt with. It has raised for me thoughts about how we process grief and its lasting effects. During this period I have had serendipity moments that helped me to view this hidden topic in a new multifaceted way. I have learnt how other cultures (mainly outside of the western) embrace death within it. How it can be seen and experienced through multi-vision bittersweet glasses. Where the spectrum between sadness and joy can coexist on a level that we don’t naturally believe is possible.
My journey over the last few months has really opened my mind to this subject matter. I’ve been intrigued by our mortality as humans, our engagement with life and the memories we hold of each other. I have moments when my heart literally feels like it’s breaking. When my mind for a moment starts to make plans to call, text or visit someone I haven’t seen in a while. Then having that realisation that they’re no longer physically here. Something as small as a heartbeat can mean so much between life and death. Its impact brings new life into being and can signify the end of another.
My words today are, grief and bereavement have no set course or journey. It’s so unique and individual. Yet will be and has been experienced by most of us especially over the last few years in some shape or form. I’ll use some of the lyrics of a song from my family’s current favourite film “Vivo”. An inspiration to encourage us to take the time we need to grieve. That even when things are changing I pray you’ll find some way to lean into the curves that life throws. Gain the support you need to fill you up when you’re running on empty. Then above all during this keep the beat of your loved ones alive via your memories.
Forget Not Their Beat & Keep Their Beat Alive are Original Artwork Pieces Created by Nims Falana (2021)
Keep the Beat from Vivo by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Ynairaly Simo
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