Unraveling The Aftermath Of Suicide And Healing

keats quote | Dianna Bonny Photography

A couple weeks ago, I talked about the trials and tribulations of doing video work. Today, I learned that I needn’t have been so worried about it being perfect because apparently a highly skilled video editor can remove any and all imperfections. It made me laugh to think of how hard I tried to get the lighting, sound and actual words just right. It can all be corrected behind the scenes.

Wouldn’t it be nice if life were like that?

The video is for an upcoming tele-seminar series I have been working on. It is something I have resisted for a long time because trying to encapsulate the healing process in the aftermath of a suicide is rather difficult. There are no five easy steps or magic pills. It is a long and arduous process of going inward, again and again, to find what is buried there. Then, the painful work of excavation begins.

None of this is pretty or simple. Healing in the aftermath has to be one of the messiest of human experiences, requiring indomitable will and a special brand of bravery. Not many want to do this and it is no small wonder why.

What makes healing so very difficult is this: as far as I know, suicide is the only type of death that leaves a very twisted, mental element in its wake. Another person’s death, and choice to die, is interpreted to have some kind of meaning about the people left behind. It ushers in judgment and leaves a distinctive residue, not unlike an oil spill, that can be far reaching and incredibly damaging.

I have had many people tell me that this is what causes them to keep it a secret. They don’t want to be judged because their loved one took his or her life.

Although I have felt the contraction of many a person standing opposite me when I mention what happened in my family, I have felt equally the sigh of relief when someone is able to speak of a loved one’s suicide in my company. This is where I have planted my flag – in the fertile compost of this sigh of relief, because I believe it’s time we begin a new conversation about the many facets of suicide and allow the collective sigh to escape into the open where it can be transformed into action.

Positive, life affirming and loving action.

In this spirit, I am very excited to announce that I will be hosting a tele-seminar beginning April 21st. It is an exploratory venture into unchartered territory and one I hope will send molecules of healing out into the world.

I would love it if you would join me. I would be honored if you would share it with anyone you feel might benefit. And, I would be incredibly appreciative if you would share your struggles if you are one of the invisible population of people left behind. What is your biggest challenge? Email me at dianna@livingonthefaultlines.com.

Here is the link:

Unraveling the Aftermath of Suicide: Healing the People Left Behind

I love the word unravel. It is the word that has bounced endlessly round in my head since the very first days of this experience. We are entirely unraveled by a suicide. Our lives, our relationships, our beliefs and our sense of self. But, as we gather up the strands to build a new life, we are graced with the beautiful opportunity to come together in a new way. Let’s explore this together.

As always, sending you love and light.

May you be blessed and protected always.

–db

Who is Dianna Bonny?

Hi, my name is Dianna Bonny. It’s my mission to candidly share my journey with you. For me, it’s all about the healing: to create a radiant healing energy for others who have befallen a similar fate. Together, we can forge beautiful lives of belonging and connection. Thanks for joining me today! I look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

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