The Ring Theory of Grief: Comfort In, Dump Out

When someone you know is grieving, and you're not sure what to say/do, remember this principle: Comfort in, Dump out.

A friend once told me about this theory in grief work where the invitation is to “Comfort in, and Dump out.”

Huh?

She went on to explain (which I'll do here in a minute) and it makes SO MUCH SENSE.

But first let me ask you, have you ever:

• Experienced deep grief and then been subsequently shocked and discouraged by how your friends and family react and treat you?

• Been close to someone who’s experienced deep grief and not been sure what to do or say (that would hopefully avoid the aforementioned “shock” and “discourage”)?

• Wondered why some people who aren’t themselves the direct recipient of the grief event nonetheless act in a way that makes it seem like it’s happening to them?

If you answered yes to any of that, then read on. Because the Ring Theory (aka, Comfort in, Dump out) is a game changer.

And if you answered no to any of the above, then, well, bully for you that you’ve gone through life thus far unscathed by grief and its terrible ripple effects (and maybe bookmark this for later, cause grief comes for us all).