The Good Grief Journal - by Jill Alexander Essbaum (Paperback)

About the Book

From that beginning of this work, the author offers a path for those who grieve, whether the loss is from a physical death, a looming divorce, declining health, bankruptcy, or some other wound. Each of the 10 meditations in this journal corresponds to a stage of grief as outlined in Granger Westberg's classic book "Good Grief."

Book Synopsis

A thoughtful, spiritual journal for processing the ten stages of loss and grief--a wonderful companion to the bestselling Good Grief.

Every loss "deserves a fitting grief," author Jill Alexander Essbaum assures us in The Good Grief Journal. Healing is possible, and Essbaum offers a path for all who grieve, whether the loss is from a physical death, a divorce, declining health, bankruptcy, or some other wound.

Each of the ten sections of meditation in this journal corresponds to a stage of grief as outlined in Granger E. Westberg's classic book Good Grief, first published in 1968 and still timely for today's reader. With more than three million copies in print, Good Grief has provided readers validation for their "minor" and "major" types of grief, understanding of their feelings, and guidance for how to live through grief and rediscover hope.

Scripture passages, poems, and quotes from a variety of sages and artists offer inspiration for this journey. Every poignant meditation is followed by interactive prompts and questions designed to help you reflect more deeply on the nature and effects of your loss.

The meditations and prompts in this journal are intentionally nonspecific so they adapt to both the nature of the loss and the needs of each grieving person. No matter what shape your grief takes, you will find understanding and comfort here.

Review Quotes

"At the heart of this beautiful journal are Jill Alexander Essbaum's words, 'I'm not the expert on your grief. You are.' Through poetry, Scripture, and evocative questions, Essbaum leads readers into their own unique processes of grieving. The Good Grief Journal is an excellent resource for spiritual directors and others in the ministry of healing." --Jane E. Vennard, author of Fully Awake and Truly Alive: Spiritual Practices to Nurture Your Soul

"While grief is a process, it does not have to be an endless journey. This journal is practical and therapeutic in its overall approach. It's inspirational in the meditations and writing prompts composed by an immensely talented poet and novelist who knows what it is to experience loss and nevertheless to journey toward hope." --Jill Peláez Baumgaertner, poetry editor for The Christian Century

"The moment you read the first few pages of The Good Grief Journal, you know you chose the right book out of all the other books offered. Essbaum speaks of grief with a depth and sensitivity that can only come from personal experience. What she outlines in these brief pages is a journaling map. A map that, by use of poems, meditations, prayer, and biblical verse, can help guide one through the suffering of personal pain and lose. This is a beautiful book. It offers, if not healing through journaling, a solid way to begin that process." --Michelle C. Halsall, M Div, LPC, Diplomate Jungian Analyst

"The Good Grief Journal is a hospitable, soulful place to sit down with your grief, no matter what kind, and engage with open-ended questions, poems, prompts, quotes, verses of Scripture, and lots of lined, open space to write your thoughts, feelings, and prayers. A variety of themes makes room for you no matter how you may be experiencing grief: from shock, to physical pain, to guilt, to resistance. A worthy companion for a painful journey." --Heidi Haverkamp, author of Holy Solitutde: Lenten Reflections with Saints, Hermits, Prophets and Rebels

"I appreciate this wise and poetic, courageous and kind approach to loss and grief and mourning and healing. The gentle and respectful voice will empower readers who are experiencing their dark night of the soul to go deep and face their darkest hour with courage. The literary offerings throughout this book are brilliantly chosen to resonate with the themes and stages that provide guidance and comfort." --Robert Zucker, grief counselor, national speaker, author of The Journey Through Grief and Loss: Helping Yourself and You Child When Grief is Shared