Grief and the Middle of the Night

There’s something about the quiet of the late night that makes grief feel sharper. The thoughts and feelings we manage to keep at bay during the day surface. At night our memories seem to echo a little louder and the absence of someone we miss feels a little heavier. For some people this time can feel really lonely. For others, it’s a chance to sit with emotions. Many of us find ways to navigate these hours, some healthier than others. Whether it’s journaling, texting a friend, reading, creating a new bedtime routine, scrolling on social media or like me, keeping the TV on in the background to quiet the mind, these things can help us get through and make the stillness feel less overwhelming.

If you find yourself awake in these hours, know you’re not alone. These moments might be tough but they can also be a place of quiet healing. Have you found yourself sitting with grief in the stillness of the night? How do you navigate those moments? We’d love to hear your reflections.

Listen more about Grieving at Nighttime.

And check out the Mindfulness in Grief Guide below for helpful practices you can try.

~ With care

Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

MINDFULNESS IN GRIEF GUIDE

A new guide published by Peer Support Community Partners. This is an introductory guide about the role that mindfulness can play in the grief journey. Mindfulness is a highly personalized practice that can take many forms. Let us know if you find this guide helpful!

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

1. SADOD's Psychoeducational Workshop: Finding Meaning in Grief Tuesday, January 28, 2025 6:30 PM 8:00 PM ET We are capable of experiencing hope, healing, well-being and growth in the face of loss. It is possible to make meaning of our losses and regain energy and spontaneity. Guest speaker, Randi Schalet, is a clinical psychologist who has been providing psychotherapy for thirty years. Randi is the peer facilitator for The Sun Will Rise Group in Berkeley CA. This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/finding-meaning-sadod. Please note this workshop has a $10 fee for individuals outside of Massachusetts. Massachusetts residents may attend this workshop for free due to funding from MA-BSAS by using promo code MASS at the time of registration. If cost is an issue, please contact Laura@sadod.org

2. Clay Therapy Workshop Monday February 17, 2025 2:00-4:00pm ET Norwell MA Join us for a two hour Clay Therapy workshop focused around processing grief. Clay Therapy is a form of sensorimotor, art therapy. A counselor trained in clay therapy will use person-centered counseling and art therapy principles to allow for a hands-on exploration of emotions. What comes from working with the Clay can be a powerful image that we give meaning to through group discussion. Working with clay can ground us, help us explore potential, allow space to process and bring calm to our body and mind. This is not an "art class" though art will be made. Registration Required! As with our previous events, we are requiring a deposit to hold your spot. You will receive the deposit back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding.Questions? Please contact Judy Kelly: 781-264-0557 judyannkelly@gmail.com

THIS WEEK’S MEETING INFORMATION

Monday - IN-PERSON, WEYMOUTH MA 1/27/25 6:30-8:00 pm ET.

Darlene Mersereau facilitating.

Crossroads Church, 241 Broad Street, Weymouth, MA

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

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Monday - Christian Faith Based Hope After Loss- IN-PERSON MARLBOROUGH, MA 1/27/25 6:00-7:30 pm ET.

Cheryl Juaire facilitating.

Greater Grace Christian Fellowship, 187 Pleasant St Marlborough, MA.

For anyone 18 and over of the Christian faith who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

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Monday - GRIEVING GRANDPARENTS - ZOOM 1/27/25 12:00-1:00 pm ET.

Kerry Bickford facilitating.

For grandparents that have experienced the death or estrangement of a grandchild due to substance use (theirs or their parents.) The focus of this Monday group will be on the grandparents.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2334755647

Meeting ID: 233 475 5647 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

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Monday - ZOOM 1/27/25 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Don Lipstein facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84716470892

Meeting ID: 847 1647 0892 or

One tap mobile 16469313860

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Tuesday - HYBRID - LEARNING TO COPE WITH GRIEF MEETING - IN-PERSON & ZOOM, GLOUCESTER, MA 1/28/25 7:00-8:00 pm ET.

Colleen and Gordon Bullard facilitating.

CORE Peer Recovery and Resource Center 11 - 15 Parker Street, Gloucester, MA

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83349371338?pwd=RXM5RnRINGJKL21HTFhiSVYyR1NCdz09

Meeting ID: 833 4937 1338

Passcode: 560270

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Tuesday - IN-PERSON, BRIDGEWATER, MA 1/28/25 6:30-8:00 pm ET.

Judy Kelly facilitating.

Trinity Episcopal Church 91 Main St Bridgewater MA

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

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Tuesday - MEN'S ONLY - ZOOM 1/28/25 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Dave Swindell and Gary Carter facilitating.

For men 18 and over who have experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96961980647?pwd=cFVTMHR3VE9COGc3UGdIZHo4TWVaZz09#success

Meeting ID: 969 6198 0647

Password: 300626 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

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Tuesday - PARTNER & SPOUSE - ZOOM 1/28/25 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Kar-Kate Parenteau facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of a partner, spouse or significant other due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86578435343?pwd=avNFpCQpiLGCsKRKFEsexJj7E87gM5.1

Meeting ID: 865 7843 5343

Passcode: 287422 or

One tap mobile: 13052241968

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Thursday- ZOOM 1/30/25 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Janice Kaplan facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/97723147956?pwd=9D923G6QSFBW9Xll4jo5jtNLw7rpZa.1

Meeting ID: 977 2314 7956

Passcode: 074951 or

One tap mobile 13017158592

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