‘Awakening Through Grief’ offers healing to the hurting
By Joan Janzen
Angela Clement launched her new book ‘Awakening Through Grief’ on November 1st. Three years ago, she retired from her teaching career and moved to Maple Creek. After losing her husband to colon cancer in 2021, she began her deep journey of grief and healing.
“I really wrote the book for myself; it was probably the best thing I could have done,” she said. “But thinking I might help others really added another layer of excitement. If I had been given a book like this, it would have really helped.”
Angela Clement from Maple Creek has recently launched her new book ‘Awakening Through Grief - A Spiritual Journey of Healing and Transformation After Loss’. SUBMITTED
Consequently, Angela utilized her educational background to craft a book that included advice to help people move through their grief. “Everyone’s journey is unique, but I put in as many things as I could that really helped me, and I hope there’s something for everyone,” the author said.
In her book, she explains how the mind works, as people find comfort in knowing exactly what is happening in their brain when they are grieving. “Grief forces people to look at who they truly are. That’s why I called the book ‘Awakening Through Grief,’ she explained.
The book takes readers through the four phases of grief:
Initial loss
Opening and healing of the heart
Acknowledging your grief
Finding purpose and expansion
“There are a lot of journal prompts because it’s important for people to see those thoughts and process them,” she said.
Because she encourages readers to experience the healing power of community, she has questions set up on her website for anyone who wants to start a book club. She also offers a 30-minute session for book club members to see if there’s anything she can do to help.
“We don’t have to face this journey alone. Together, we can find the strength to carry on,” Angela advised.
After Angela lost her husband, she said she didn’t know where to go or what to do. “It seems like people just leave you to figure it out,” she said. But she got to the point where she knew she needed help, and a quote by a grief coach resonated with her. The coach noted that people say you’ll grieve for a lifetime, but that’s not true.
This prompted Angela to take a six-month course, during which she learned about various healing modalities, such as reiki, shamanic journeying, ancestral healing, and more. She said, “In my book, I discuss the healing modalities I’ve explored and how they can help us navigate grief with grace and resilience.”
Angela has been a grief coach for the past two years and has a core group that enjoys being together. “Lots of them have gone on to write their own books or are helping other people. It’s fun to see the transformation,” she said.
The pages of Angela’s book include many helpful tools for her readers. She stresses the importance of recognizing the linear process of grieving: some days are bearable, and others can be overwhelming. Even if those grieving can hold up during the day, the nights can seem overwhelming. Angela recalls filling her journal with memories during those times. “This journey of grief is not about forgetting; it’s about learning to carry the love we had for them alongside our pain,” she said.
Although her book launched only a few weeks ago, Angela said it’s already gaining momentum. “I always said if it helps one person, it’s worth it,” she said. However, it’s sure to help many, many people join the conversation about healing, love, and the path forward.