Our Weekly Tip: Turn Your Grief to the Sun

Credit: Project Share the Love

Our Tip of the Week: The stages of grief vary in their nature for everyone, but at some point, the need for expression of that grief becomes vital, whether those surviving the loved one are aware of it or not. This simple activity will let the bereaved release that grief by writing their feelings on a balloon (or several) and letting it go, onwards and upwards to the sun.

How-to Suggestion: Gather those who were close to the one who has died to write their thoughts — their memories, their pain, whatever they wish — upon a balloon. The next step is simple: set them free.

Explore other grief tips through our Practical Tips column.

A Note From Our Founder of SevenPonds’: We’ve received comments from some of our readers, expressing their concern that balloon releases are harmful to the environment and wildlife animals. Our subsequent research shows that it’s true, even biodegradable balloons can still take anywhere from six months to four years to fully decompose. While balloon releases have been a most lovely practice of the past, SevenPonds would like to suggest new updated ways of offering a release at a memorial service. Releasing balloons can still take place in a contained space such as a barn, home or commercial atrium where they cannot float away. We also recommend some lovely eco-friendly alternatives to balloon releases such as releasing of flower petals or paper boats, to name a few. Please check out our “Practical Tips” column where we may offer other beautiful and meaningful ideas for ceremonial releases. Thanks for joining in to help make the world a better place. –Suzette