Experiencing Grief
Recently my uncle passed away at my native town of Trichy. As soon as the news reached me, my wife and I got into the action mode. We called other relations, arranged for rituals, transportation etc. As we drove from Chennai, I was wondering if I am an emotionless task master. A little later, grief enveloped me like a breeze and I cried. The sight of the dead body, his personal items and favorite food triggered the grief over the next couple of days and I didn't hold back by grief. There is a sense of satisfaction every time I experienced it. When people do not know what it is to experience, they talk. I was harsh on cousin who kept talking at the time of grieving. Grief is as normal as breathing and not experiencing it would amount to suffocation. An important factor in Indian cultures is the presence of rituals and music that force people to grieve. Oppari (Rudaali) and other rituals (where visitors remind the deeds of the dep...