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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2024 49 Life After Loss In the two previous editions of the Breeze (June and July), we covered the first two phases of a transition — the ending and neutral zone. Now we focus our thoughts on the final part of the transition process, what Bridges terms "a new beginning." (Bridges, 2019, p.4).* As with nature, the complete metamorphosis of the butterfly occurs AFTER the time of inner transformation in the cocoon, what we would call the "neutral zone." WHAT IS A NEW BEGINNING? A new phase of life when the griever is psychologically ready to enter and embrace the change of growth for them personally. Entering a new beginning does not mean forgetting the past or who we once were, but does involve an inner assimilation of personal renewal and change from who we once were. HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT HAS BEGUN? Genuine beginnings are subtle in nature, time sensitive for each person and vary according to the type of individual grief. Unlike society around us, grief work and personal renewal is not a mechanized process involving a switch or key. The vital work of preparation in the neutral zone — inner realignment — depends on being attuned to what we personally require. If in the midst of our grief, we have developed a sensitivity to our inner needs, we will in the same way, be alerted to the proximity and signal(s) of a new beginning. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS 1. Consider your grief. Is your perceived "beginning" a way of avoiding or aborting the neutral-zone experience? 2. Consider your person. Are you fully attuned and aware of the inner work required in your particular neutral zone? 3. Consider your readiness. How ready are you for the idea of a new beginning? Should you desire a deeper understanding of what it means to live a more meaningful "life after loss" we invite you to join us. The Life After Loss Group is about "people helping people" who have encountered any form of grief/loss in their life. Unless otherwise notified, we meet in RCN Room #3, the first and third Mondays of each month from 1 to 3 pm. All information is kept confidential. If you have experienced a form of grief/loss and would like to join the group, please text/call Byron Thomsen beforehand at (909) 936- 7097 OR email him at byron.thomsen@yahoo.com. * Bridges, W. (2019). Transitions: Making sense of life's changes. New York, NY: Hachette Books. ~ Byron omsen Attention Four Seasons women! We are formally inviting you to attend the "Believe…" Women's Bible Study! We are presently studying the Book of Joshua in the Old Testament, which is rich in history and God's amazing miracles for His beloved people. We will complete this study the end of August, and will then embark on a quick study of the tiny Epistle of Jude in the New Testament. In mid-September through the end of the year, we will then delve into the study of the teachings and prophesies of the amazing prophet Jeremiah. Beginning our 12th year of "Believe…" Women's Bible Study in 2025, we will be studying the many Old Testament kings in Books 1 and 2 of Kings. We will study a lot of history and historical preparation for some of the books we have already studied. After we finish 1 and 2 Kings, we will study the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the New Testament. Since these three gospels contain many of the same stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we will be comparing the similarities and differences in how these writers described specific events. We will not be including the Gospel of John, however, since we studied this amazing gospel last year, and since it is not considered part of the three synoptic gospels but rather contains Jesus' theological teachings in Judea. So, all you attentive Four Seasons women come and join in these studies with us, every Friday at 10:30 am in The Lodge Game Room. We look forward to meeting you! ~ Eileen Gilbert-Antoine, (951) 922-6829 or egcellent@msn.com "Believe …" Women's Bible Study

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