Dear Jack,
My family is worried about my sanity and so am I. Last night I went out walking in the middle of a snowstorm. It just seemed to calm me down – as if the storm is a match to how I feel inside…
You have to heal in your own space in your own way. If you find yourself wanting to do something spontaneous or out of character, it’s usually because we are behind the scenes encouraging you to do something. Maybe you needed your own space. No one was likely to follow you outside into the storm! Humans have to pay attention to these spontaneous feelings or they can miss out.
We are constantly nudging you from the other side to help you see, to help you heal, to help you feel. Our hearts are calling your heart. We are wherever you are but it’s always easier to connect with us when you are outdoors and connected with nature. Pay attention next time you are called out into the storm because we are there waiting to help teach you to turn the storm to calm. Whatever brings true calm to your heart, do that. Don’t judge yourself.
Love, Jack
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About this letter
This letter is part of Jack McAfghan: Letters From Rainbow Bridge. A reader says their family is worried about their sanity, and so are they, after walking out into the middle of a snowstorm that seemed to match how they felt inside. Jack's reply reassures them that this is part of healing in their own way.
What Jack says
Jack tells the reader that everyone has to heal in their own space and in their own way. He suggests that spontaneous or out-of-character urges may be a nudge from the other side, that we should pay attention to them, and that it can be easier to feel connected when we are outdoors in nature.
If your grief feels overwhelming
Strong, unexpected reactions are common after a loss, and spending time in nature can be calming for many people. If you ever feel that your grief is too much to carry or you are worried about your safety, please reach out to a mental health professional or a local crisis line. You deserve support as well.
