The grieving process is one of the most important aspects of coping with a death. Although most people are aware that they need to grieve, the challenge comes in doing so while everything else in your life must and will go on. You can draw strength from knowing you need help during this process - and then reaching out to get it.

Not surprising, a dominant association with ceremonies surrounding death is grieving and coping. The attributes of Religion, Minister, Eulogy and Memories are associated with ceremonies surrounding death. In fact, they have a synergistic effect and tapping any element of this cluster may have a spreading effect to the other elements and thus have a powerful effect in helping us to cope with the death of a loved one.

The consequences of coping have several deep motivations behind it. A dominant value triggered by the coping process is eternal life. Humans make sense out of death and resolve their grieving with deep religious beliefs in the permanence of the soul. Feelings of hope for the future and love are also stirred by grieving. Ultimately, grieving brings a sense of Self worth and human dignity and an affirmation of the value of every individual.

Self worth can be identified by the following elements:

Memories, Religion and the Eulogy (attributes) cause Grief, Comfort and Relief (consequences) which collectively might be referred to as Coping.

Eternal Life/Belief in God, Love, Peace of Mind and Self Worth/Dignity are the deep motivations or values triggered by Coping. Of these four values, Self Worth/Dignity is the most dominant and powerful.

In practical terms, it can range from the simple - "I'm just glad its over and I made it through" -- to the sublime, "I have more confidence in myself. I've used the gift God gave me, intelligence, to do the best for someone about whom I cared the most."

Those who are grieving are best helped with funeral services which assist, nurture and reassure us. These services should ensure that the ceremony and arrangements reflect the wishes of your family to show your love, respect, and hopes for the deceased thus contributing to a healthy completion of your bereavement and grief process. This builds your self-worth and dignity as you have coped with one of life's most difficult experiences and have done the best for one about whom you cared the most.

The ceremonies surrounding death are social functions. They reflect the need of people to be together and witness a personal event as a group rather than as individuals. Family and friends are a great source of support. Those family and friends who show support join with the bereaved and thus achieve a sense of belonging.

Family and friends are also important because of the value of friendship. One attends a ceremony surrounding death - or notices the passing of another - because of a deep friendship shared with the deceased or the family of the deceased.

At the death of a relative or friend, people are motivated to participate because of the deeply held values of family and friendships. Their attendance, gifts, expressions of sympathy, flowers and cards are a show of emotional solidarity and support for the Survivors, but also a reaffirmation of their own values of family and friendship.

Signs of respect also help us to cope with the passing of a loved one. The peaceful atmosphere as well as the cathartic sadness that a final viewing brings also contribute to our ability to cope with a death. Ultimately coping brings self-worth and satisfaction within oneself and provides a sense of accomplishment from making it through a difficult time.

The honored and valued services of the DeathCare industry provide the means whereby we can demonstrate emotional solidarity and reaffirm our bonds and values of family and friendship in our rich and diverse society.

Once the ceremonies typically associated with death are completed and our lives are suppose to resume some sort of normalcy, we often find ourselves most consumed with grief. This is perfectly normal. Try to pinpoint what might be complicating your grief. This awareness gives you more control and allows you back in the driver's seat to make the necessary changes.

The most important thing you can do is to accept that you need support. Again, knowing that you need support and reaching out to get it provides you a path to regaining your internal strength.