Companion Sea

11/29/2025

This campaign reminds us that grief isn’t something to “get over.” It’s something we learn to live with – woven into our everyday routines, relationships, and sense of self.

08/15/2025

08/15/2025

Grief moves like waves - for some of us. What's your experience of grief?

Since the 1990s, grief researchers have been exploring more compassionate and realistic models. One is the Dual Process Model, developed by Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut. This model suggests that we do not move through grief in a straight line. Instead, we oscillate between confronting the pain of the loss and stepping into moments of normalcy or even joy.

You might find yourself crying in the morning, laughing at a friend’s joke by lunch, and then, feeling guilty about the laughter. That back-and-forth is not only typical, it is also healthy.

Another important shift in understanding came with the ‘continuing bonds’ theory: Instead of encouraging people to ‘let go’ of the person they lost, this approach recognises that we often stay connected to them in meaningful ways. Through memories, rituals, photos, or simply carrying them with us emotionally, those who have died remain part of our lives.

Grief, in this view, is not about severing ties. It is about redefining them and that feels like a beautiful gift to give to those whom we love.

Read more of guest glogger, Aoife M. Lynam blog post here: https://griefmatters.ca/blog/what-bridget-jones-teaches-us-about-grief

08/15/2025

HEALING PATHWAYS FUNDING GRANTS
Free Webinar – Learn How to Apply for Healing Pathways Funding Grants.

Date: September 16, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:00PM EST
Online – Free to attend
REGISTER HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Ze2ZJcg

A Zoom link will be provided in the follow-up Thank You email once you register.

08/15/2025

Northern Region Roundtable Event

Join the Nova Scotia Grief Alliance on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Debert Hospitality Centre for a day of connection and collaboration on grief and emotional wellness in Nova Scotia’s Northern Region.

Please forward and share this announcement. Thank you!

🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 130 Ventura Drive, Debert, NS

🔗 Register now: nsgriefalliance.com/events

08/15/2025

Join us on Aug 26th from 1015 - 215pm at 69 Cedar St in Windsor, for Dying 2 Know.
Register Today: programs@westhantshospice.ca

08/07/2025

Grieving is hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Join for a free Eight Week Grief Counselling Group, starting August 29. 💜

🕐 Fridays | 1–3 p.m.
📞 Call (902) 446-0929 to register.

08/02/2025

What is a doula?
A doula is someone who stays.
I don’t replace doctors or nurses - I support what the system can’t always offer:
time, clarity, presence, and care for the whole person.
I work with elders, people in transition, and those nearing the end of life.

08/01/2025

Meditation for Complicated Care
To be read aloud, spoken softly, or simply followed in silence.

Close your eyes, or lower your gaze.
Let your hands rest gently in your lap or on your chest.

Take a deep breath in… and slowly release it.
And again. Inhale… exhale.
There is nowhere to go but here.

Let yourself arrive.
Not the version of you that feels like a good person.
Not the version that has it all figured out.
Just you — exactly as you are.

Let your breath meet the tension in your body —
in your chest, your stomach, your jaw.
Let it soften you, just a little.

Bring to mind the person you are caring for —
or feeling called to care for —
even if your heart doesn’t know how.

See them, gently, as they are now.
Not the version from memory.
Not the one who hurt you.
Just this person. In this moment.
In need.

Let yourself feel what comes up.
You don’t have to fix it. You don’t have to push it away.
You can feel resistance and love at the same time.
You can feel grief and duty.
Anger and compassion.
Boundaries and longing.

There is room here for both/and.
Room for complexity.
Room for you.

If it helps, place your hand over your heart and say,
“This is hard. And I am doing my best.”

Or, “I don’t have to be ready. I just have to be honest.”

Let that truth settle.

You don’t owe perfect forgiveness.
You don’t owe perfection at all.
But you do need support, space, and care — too.

Stay here for as long as you need.
When you’re ready, take one deeper breath…
Wiggle your fingers…
And gently return.

08/01/2025

We’re thrilled to share the trailer for Still Here, the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association’s thoughtful new podcast, hosted by Jason Flinn - a grief recovery specialist, educator, and life coach. This trailer offers a moving glimpse into the heartfelt stories and meaningful conversations that the full season will bring.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/still-here/id1830276233

The podcast features “I Am Still Here” by Vivian Khor as its official theme. Her song was was chosen for this podcast because it echoes the emotional depth, resilience, and quiet strength that define both caregiving and grief. The track’s gentle piano and evocative melody reflect the spirit of the stories shared - tender, unflinching, and profoundly human. NSHPCA is honoured to feature Vivian’s work as the musical heart of Still Here.

Theme Music: “I Am Still Here” by Vivian Khor
www.viviankhor.com

Episode 1 will be launched tomorrow. We hope you enjoy it.