Our assumptive world is like a mental framework that we unconsciously develop throughout our lives. It consists of beliefs, values, and expectations that shape how we perceive and interact with the world around us. These assumptions serve as a foundation that helps us navigate through the complexities of life, providing a sense of stability and predictability.
These assumptions are deeply ingrained within us, influencing our thoughts, behaviours, and emotions without us even realising it. They act as a lens through which we interpret reality, guiding our decisions and shaping our relationships.
These assumptions are often things like;
🪷The world is benevolent
🪷 Good things happen to good people
🪷 I am worthy
🪷 I, and my loved ones, will live a long and healthy life and die in old age
🪷 Parents will not outlive their children
🪷 Siblings will live their whole lives alongside each other
🪷 If I want a family, this will be easily achievable
Loss shatters this assumptive world.
It takes away from these core beliefs, and so it's no wonder it feels so unsettling, so unsafe.
Suddenly, in the midst of the chaos of life and grief, we find ourselves grappling with a profound sense of identity crisis. The very essence of our being is called into question, leaving us adrift in a sea of uncertainty. We are confronted with the daunting task of unravelling the intricate layers that make up our sense of self, peeling back the façade we have constructed to reveal the raw, unfiltered truth beneath.
As we navigate this tumultuous journey of self-discovery, we are also forced to confront the enigmatic nature of the world around us. The once-familiar landscapes now appear foreign and unfamiliar, shrouded in a veil of ambiguity. We grapple with the age-old question of our place in the grand scheme of things, seeking meaning and purpose in a world that seems increasingly complex and inscrutable.
Grief work is about finding ways to make sense of and reconcile what's happened with the goal of restoring your safety, and learning to live in this new world; a world changed by your loss experience(s).
If your assumptive world has been shattered, and you're looking to find who you are and how you are in this new world, you don't have to do this alone. Perhaps you could benefit from some guidance or to have someone to walk alongside you in this process.
Please reach out and let's talk about where to start. 🪷
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