Part 1 - Leaning Into the Silence: Healing Through Loss

"Heart in Silence" is a poem that reflects my experience with loss—something most of us can relate to in different ways.

Whether it’s a person, a place, a moment, or a feeling, losing something we care about can leave us disoriented. Writing this poem helped me make sense of my emotions and reconnect with the parts of myself shaped by that loss.

Of course, writing isn’t the only way to process feelings. You might find value in painting, surfing, hiking, reading philosophy, or any other activity that helps you express and define your emotions. The key is to honor your feelings while healing. If you don’t deal with your emotions, trust and believe, they’ll eventually deal with you!

Heart in Silence

It was like a sacred song

    Soft

    Enveloping

In a moment, it was gone—

Suddenly,

Without

    Warning.

Putting on my bravest face,

One foot

    In front of the other.

Sometimes, I think that I’m okay.

Although,

    It's not the same.

Replaying scenes—

    Over

    And over—

Searching for clues

    That lead

    To nowhere.

I come to my senses

    As if

    Through a fog.

 In the way that a dream,

    leaves, 

    At dawn.

But maybe,

    In another life,

    On some cool October night,

I’ll listen to the wind—

    Its whispers,

    Its hums,

    And I might

Just hear

    The song.

The holidays can be particularly challenging for many. If you’ve lost a loved one or don’t have much family, seeing others celebrate merrily, may remind you of what you feel is missing. If this time of year sparks more sadness than joy, you are not alone. Whatever your situation, allow yourself to lean into your emotions.

Leaning in doesn’t mean wallowing. It means allowing your feelings to come without avoiding, numbing, or blocking them out—something humans instinctually want to do. In those moments of intense feeling, you have the opportunity to learn more about yourself. You can rediscover who you are beneath all the layers you’ve built.

Another benefit of sitting with your feelings is that you’re often able to reconcile them in a way that feels less chaotic and disruptive to your life. When we avoid our feelings, they tend to pop up at the worst possible times. In the extreme, you can find yourself unable to feel anything at all. If you want to skip random emotional breakdowns on a plane or leaving an office party abruptly because you’re triggered, try embracing your feelings when they come instead of tucking them away.

We all have songs in our lives—moments, people, or connections that stay with us long after they’re gone. These songs may leave us silent for a time, but they can also guide us toward healing and hope. In sharing this poem, I want to remind you that it’s okay to sit with the silence and wait for the music to return.

Journal Prompt:

• What is your sacred song, and how do you honor its memory?
• How do you take care of yourself during challenging periods or when emotions feel overwhelming?
• How do you show up in the world—in your job, with loved ones, or for yourself?
• Most importantly, how do you know when you’re truly feeling better and not just masking your emotions?

Take time to reflect on these questions and see what comes up for you. You might be surprised by what you discover about yourself!

As always,
I wish you well on your journey 💛💛

Cristina Chinchilla, LCSW
Therapist at Untamed Journey
President of Phoenix Rise Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to end human trafficking