Synopsis (taken from Amazon)
Sheila K. Collins is no stranger to grief. After the loss of two of her children, Sheila felt disconnected from the support she needed, living in a society that makes us feel like we can’t speak openly or honestly about the one thing we will all become acquainted with: grief.
The Art of Grieving challenges conventional attitudes towards grieving. Part memoir, part grief handbook and guide, Sheila draws on a lifetime of experience as a dancer, social work professor, and therapist to illustrate the value of grieving and how the arts can become grief’s collaborator. This book provides guidance and resources on how to use the arts of storytelling, music, dance, and visual arts to make grieving itself a life-long art. When we utilize the arts to honor our losses and celebrate together, as our ancestors once did, we are provided a path to insight that allows us to continuously learn from our grief rather than fear it.
Review
What I really loved about this book is how it recognizes that loss and grief aren’t limited to death. It’s nice to see a resource that acknowledges the various kinds of grief —loss of health, relationships, dreams, identity, etc.
The writing style feels like having a heartfelt chat with a friend rather than reading a textbook. It’s easy to follow, with short sections and bolded subheadings that let you pause, reflect, and come back without losing your place.
The pictures scattered throughout the book add a touch of lightness and warmth. They make the heavier content easier to digest, which I really appreciated. It’s visually inviting, and that helps when you’re reading about such emotional topics.
I also loved the thought-provoking questions at the end of sections. They’re gentle prompts that encourage you to reflect on your own experience without feeling pressured or judged.
One chapter that really stayed with me was the one about emotions linked to grief. After losing my brother, I tried so hard to hide the “bad” emotions, anger, guilt, and sadness, thinking I just had to stay strong. But this book reminded me that we’re allowed to feel them. Those feelings are part of healing, not something to be ashamed of.
Another chapter that hit home was about illnesses—the idea that grief starts long before death, often when a diagnosis is received. I know firsthand that it’s not just the patient who grieves, but the whole family. And, we do it in a different way than losing someone to death. That truth is rarely talked about so openly, and it was comforting to see it explored here.
Each chapter focuses on a different art form, whether it’s writing, painting, music, or something else, and shows how creativity can be a tool for healing. I loved that mix of practical advice and emotional insight.
If you are looking for a book to help connect you with ways to process your grief, this is the book for you.
Get your copy here (affiliate link—thanks for the support).
