A cyclical framework recognizing that child grief doesn't follow linear stages but moves through seasons of intensity, dormancy, sudden return, and integration.
Rather than Kübler-Ross's linear stages, Bhakti spirituality understands human experience cyclically—seasons of abundance and scarcity, presence and absence, celebration and mourning. A grieving child doesn't "progress" from denial to acceptance in orderly fashion; grief returns unpredictably. A song on the radio, an anniversary, a friend's casual mention of their own parent—these can reignite acute sorrow months or years later. The Seasons framework helps children (and their caregivers) expect this. Spring might bring new energy and moments of guilt for laughing. Summer might hold heavy sadness. Autumn offers integration and gratitude for what was. Winter brings quiet, introspection, and renewal of longing. Understanding grief as seasonal rather than linear reduces shame when old pain resurfaces. A child realizes: "This is winter again; it will pass." They learn to prepare—reaching out to support, engaging comfort practices—when emotional seasons shift. This cyclical view honors both the permanence of loss and grief's natural rhythms.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.