A word that reverberates as never before, and seems to be growing in its familiarity and power, is Grief.
What is it?
Smoldering feelings, firey feelings, aching feelings, immobilizing feelings, feelings feelings feelings, all in response to someone or something that has been lost.
Among the Lakotas, a person who is grieving is believed to be most holy. He or she is wakan.
The belief is that when someone is struck by the sudden lightening of loss, he or she stands on the threshold of the spirit world.
In the grief state, we are naked. Every single layer of protection has vanished, and this shines through in the eyes. You can see it and you can feel it. There is nothing left to defend.
In the openess of sorrow, there is a wholeness of presence and deep natural wisdom.
The prayers of those that grieve are infused with might, and it is important to ask them for their prayer help.
We must honor and welcome all that is gifted through the walk of being wakan.