NPR Explores the Healing Power of Walking Through Grief

In Northampton, Massachusetts, a unique walking bereavement group meets weekly to support individuals dealing with grief. The group particularly serves those coping with the loss of a spouse but includes members mourning siblings, parents, and children.

The Healing Power of Walking Through Grief

On November 21, numerous members gathered at a local park. Among them was 91-year-old Maureen Cahillane, who has navigated the grief of losing her husband, James, over two years ago. “This group is quite a bit of help,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of shared experiences in managing sorrow.

Conversations That Matter

The group’s pace is slow, fostering conversation rather than exercise. Shelly Bathe Lenn, a bereavement counselor at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, leads the sessions. She emphasizes connection as walkers engage in discussions ranging from lighthearted topics, like the Red Sox, to deeper emotional reflections about their loved ones’ experiences before death.

• Conversations include personal memories and shared sorrow.
• Participants often break into smaller groups to facilitate deeper discussions.

Jill Mendez, who lost her partner, Patrick, nearly four years ago, walked alongside Cahillane. “The grief is now more of a yearning,” Mendez shared. Cahillane added, “It never goes away. It becomes part of your anatomy.”

Emotional and Physical Benefits

Many, like Helena Donovan, find that walking lifts their mood. “I was doing way too much sitting around. This gets me up and moving,” she said, noting that movement positively affects her emotional state.

The dynamic of walking side by side encourages openness. Elaine Beaudoin believes that walking facilitates meaningful conversations as it avoids the pressure of direct eye contact. Along their route, members discuss the evolution of their grief and ponder what comes next in their lives.

Additions to Their Healing Journey

Some members describe the pain that lingers amidst daily life. Roger Brown expressed his feelings of longing for his late wife, Jeanne. Additionally, Diana, who has been grieving since the death of her husband Philip nearly a year ago, noted, “It’s therapy. But it’s also hard because I can no longer walk with him.”

Through walking together, members of the group find solace. They provide mutual understanding, demonstrating the healing power of engaging with others while navigating grief.

Year-Round Support

This walking group meets throughout the year, finding that the changing seasons can aid in their healing journey. “Being outside distracts your mind,” said a member who chose to remain anonymous. This supportive environment allows them to cope with their loss collaboratively.

The collective strength derived from their walks serves as a reminder that healing through grief is a shared experience, profoundly underscoring the therapeutic benefits of walking together in remembrance.