Grief and loss are one of the most life-transforming issues anyone can deal with. Without getting into religious beliefs, I would like to talk to you about the stages of grief and loss. There are 5 stages that everyone, no matter what his or her beliefs on death or loss are, each have. We must move through the following stages in order to resolve the emotional feelings that accompany these transforming issues.

1) Denial: Refusing to accept the loss has occurred.

2) Anger: This may be directed at either the person who has been lost or at anyone else who happens to be there or not there. In the case of our current national situation, We must be careful not to do harm to those who are not responsible.

3) Depression: This stage and anger go hand-in-hand. We can go back and forth between these two stages until it is time for us to go on to the next stage. By learning good coping mechanisms we can move through these stages safely.

4) Bargaining: We will bargain with anyone: God, our therapist, anyone in the grievers life. We can even bargain with ourselves. A bargain is struck that assists us to cope with the tragedy or loss.

5) Resolution: In this final stage is acceptance. It is the beginning of putting one's life back in order. When we move We honor the fact that life is precious and that each and every moment of our lives needs to be spent recognizing our purpose while taking positive action to achieve our goals and enjoy our journeys.

During times of trauma the subconscious mind will create a walking waking trance state created by overload and the sense of being overwhelmed. One thing that we can do right now is to count ourselves out of this state. Do this by counting from 1 to 5 out loud and saying to yourself one, two, three, four, five, wide awake, non suggestible. Repeat this process several times. throughout your day. Stay in control of your intake of information.