Behind the Design: Creating Sacred Spaces Grief Journal’s Compassionate Layout
In the midst of profound grief from witnessing the genocide in Palestine, I stumbled upon a way to transmute the weight that clenched my jaw and constricted my chest. This grief journey isn't just mine; it's a heartfelt offering to our collective spirit. Allow me to guide you through why I birthed this journal and how it can become a compassionate companion on your own grief journey.
The Birth of Sacred Spaces: The Grief Journal
The very essence of grief embedded in my bones birthed the inspiration for this journal—a tangible companion designed to navigate the turbulent waves of sorrow. I intimately understand the weight that grief carries, the suffocating ache that can render us momentarily paralyzed. This journal is my attempt to extend a hand, to walk alongside you through those profound moments of heaviness.
A Community Offering
Beyond the pages and prompts, this journal represents a community offering. Forged in response to collective pain, it recognizes the bending and breaking of spirits and the underlying current of vibrating anger. It stands as a testament to the strength found in shared vulnerability and the courage required to face darkness together.
What the Journal Does
It's crucial to acknowledge that this journal won't miraculously heal wounds. Instead, it serves as a compassionate observer and guide. It prompts small steps out of despair—tiny, manageable actions that gently lead towards hope.
Accessibility Matters
In crafting this journal, accessibility was at the forefront of my mind. I wanted it to reach as many hearts as possible. That's why you can download the PDF for free. For those who prefer a physical copy, it's available for just $8, covering product costs and postage. Printing in bulk is encouraged—share it with your community, bring it to protests, or gift it to someone you love. This journal is meant to be where it's needed the most.
Layout Overview:
Left Side:
1. Ten Deep Breaths Icons:
Start your journaling journey with 10 lung icons, each symbolizing a grounding deep breath. Scientifically linked to emotional states, these breaths invite a sense of calm and assist in navigating activation. Color in each pair of lungs after every belly breath. As you color, visualize your lungs expanding and contracting, and close your eyes to hone in on the sensation.
2. Heart Gauge:
Choose from four heart icons to identify your emotional state. This section cultivates awareness, enabling you to articulate your feelings—a crucial step toward understanding and navigating your grief. Once you've identified your heart gauge, color it/them in.
3. Grief Alchemy:
Visual icons represent low-effort, supportive actions for your grief. No pressure, no boss-babe directives—just a range of neurodivergent-friendly activities to explore. Color them in as you complete each action.
Right Side:
1. Journal Prompt:
Dive into introspection with a carefully crafted prompt. Express your reflections through words, poetry, drawings, or bullet points—this prompt guides you to delve into your emotions on a micro level.
2. Optional Side Quest:
An optional side quest awaits, perfect for high-energy days. Low-effort, high-value activities expand your exploration of the day's prompt, gently nudging you towards collective liberation.
3. Coupled Affirmation:
Seal your reflections with a coupled affirmation, adding language to your reclamation of hope. Words, after all, hold immense power and contribute to the transformative journey of healing and perception.
Why This Layout?
Inner Child Connection: The cartoonish appearance of the icons serves to reconnect you with your inner child, fostering a playful and cathartic process. Coloring becomes a creative and soothing act, offering simplicity amid complex emotions.
Neurodivergent-Friendly Design: Recognizing diverse processing styles, visual icons provide a non-verbal and inclusive means of communication. This design respects the uniqueness of each grief journey, offering a flexible, open-ended approach to expression.
Conclusion: A Companion in Grief
In essence, this grief journal is a companion—an offering born from the collective heartache we endure from witnessing genocide. It stands as a reminder that even in the darkest times, we are not alone. I invite you to download, print, and share it widely. May it serve as a small, gentle beacon, guiding you through the labyrinth of grief and offering solace when words seem insufficient. You're not alone on this journey; let this journal be a humble companion as we navigate the path towards a liberated future together.
