The Model of Heart-Centered Grief co-developed by Mandy Bird and Chris Saade, is a process model. There are many models designed around the stages and transitions of Grief. What makes this Model unique, is it is a helping model, designed to support the individual through the journey of Grief. It is a model that holds the fundamental belief that Grief is a gift. The wounds we receive in life are a womb, that hold important keys to our authenticity and our life calling. The steps are designed to give the individual hope and tools through the Grief Journey. In a culture that shuns Grief, this Model celebrates Grief as a necessary and integral part of our human development. It brings hope and dignity to a part of our human journey that we all experience.

 “By reengaging the divine powers of love and freeing the heart into action, my hope is to support those of you who have been shattered by grief and are teetering on the brink of giving up your true purpose. I understand we all crave to be unburdened from the heaviness of expectation. That we need to rest, just for a moment in a space where the consequences of profound loss and disappointment are suspended, and where complete acceptance surrounds us.

The Model of the Heart Centered Grief Belief System is:

• A step-by-step journey that will teach you how to let grief inspire your spirit
• Your guide to finding the special gifts of your grief… and how these gifts can help you make a difference in the world
• A process that will move you forward in life with hope and greater meaning
• Uniquely designed as a series of personal coaching sessions
• Designed for any form of loss – the death of a loved one, the loss of a significant relationship, a job loss or life transition

Affirm Your Grief

This step teaches you about the importance of honoring and affirming the sacred nature of your grief.

Open Your Heart

When your heart has been broken, it may seem like you will never be able to love others or the world again. This step speaks about letting grief open your heart and how by doing this, healing can begin.

Initiation

This step shows you how grief is a most important experience of sacred initiation. It initiates you into your calling, your purpose in life.

Paradox

The saying “there are two sides to every coin” is a good example of paradox. This step teaches you that life’s journey is constituted of both grief and joy, that grief as well as joy are noble and necessary to expand our heart. We can learn to experience both aspects of our emotions fully and with time do so simultaneously, thus experiencing the full paradox of life.

Spiritual Fortitude

With respect for all religions and philosophical beliefs, this step speaks about letting your “heart spirituality” be the sturdy and supportive container of your grief.

Service

Within grief and loss there are gifts that can lead you to find your unique way of serving peace and justice in the world and making a difference. This step encourages you to look for those gifts and then take action in the world.

Celebration of Life

It is so important to celebrate your WHOLE life – both the grief and the joy. This step is about honoring and celebrating the depth of your grief journey.

Transformation is possible

Now is the time to become EMPOWERED like never before! And you won’t be alone… Mandy and Chris will be with you every step of the way. They understand what you are going through, because they have been there, too.”