Welcome to this week's episode of Solace: Soul + Grief . I'm Candee Lucas . We're glad you're here . This podcast is sponsored by Catholic Cemeteries and the Diocese of San Jose .
The death of a loved one is a very difficult life transition and we hope we can answer some of your questions , help you find where God is moving in your life as you continue your grief journey , and remind you of the power of your faith and love for God . You're always welcome in our circle of healing , love and care .
Isostasy is the process by which the Earth's crust adjusts to changes in its load , such as the weight of glaciers or the movement of tectonic plates . The word isostasy comes from the Greek words isos , meaning equal , and stasis , meaning standing . Isostasy is a dynamic process that is constantly occurring and it helps to maintain the Earth's equilibrium .
When the load is removed from the crust , such as when a glacier melts , the crust will rebound . This is because the crust is now less dense than the mantle and the mantle is able to push the crust back up .
To push the crust back up , for example , the weight of the glaciers during the last ice age caused the crust to sink in some areas and this created the Great Lakes . Have you wandered into a 7th science , lesson ----no ? Because , as I was thinking about this the other day , I thought how similar grief is to this concept .
We most readily think of this term isostasy when we think about an iceberg . Now , grief and an iceberg may seem like vastly different entities , but they share some profound similarities . Both involve hidden depths , gradual exposure , emotional impact , uniqueness and the passage of time in the healing process .
Understanding these parallels can provide a unique perspective on the grief journey . Grief is the process by which people adjust to the loss of a loved one . Isostasy occurs when the earth's crust rises or sinks , and this process can take thousands or even millions of years . Grief , similarly , is a process that takes time .
People who are grieving may experience a range of emotions , from shock and disbelief to anger and sadness . Over time , they may gradually come to terms with their loss and find ways to move on terms with their loss and find ways to move on . Both isostasy and grief can cause significant changes in the landscape .
Those melting glaciers cause land to rise and the movement of tectonic plates cause mountains to form . Grief can also cause significant changes in people's lives changes to relationships , careers and even physical and mental health . Both these are natural processes . One helps the earth to maintain its equilibrium and the other helps people to cope with loss .
Although both can be difficult , they are both essential for healing and growth-- one of the earth , the other of the person . And while we know that mourning is the process of grieving the death of a loved one , isostasy is the process by which the earth's crust adjusts to changes , from shock and disbelief to anger and sadness .
Over time , they may gradually come to terms with their loss and find ways to move on . It takes time for the crust to adjust and reach a new equilibrium the very purpose of grief and mourning to reach a new equilibrium . And although mourning can be difficult , it is essential for healing and growth .
Much as the Earth's healing and growth through isostasy can sometimes cause problems such as earthquake and volcanoes , it is essential for the long-term stability of the planet . Here are some striking similarities between the iceberg and our grief . Between the iceberg and our grief , the majority of an iceberg's mass lies beneath the water's surface , hidden from view .
Similarly , much of the emotional pain and turmoil experienced during grief remains unseen to others , unless we make a point of sharing it with them . As an iceberg melts , more of its mass becomes visible above the water's surface , just as , over time , as we grieve , we gradually begin to express our emotions more openly .
Much as icebergs can be hazards to ships , grief can have a profound impact on individuals lives , causing emotional turmoil and affecting relationships . No two icebergs are exactly alike , each having its own unique shape and size . Each person's experiences grief differently , with no two grieving processes being identical to one another .
Icebergs eventually melt and disappear over time . While grief may never fully disappear , its intensity diminishes over time as individuals heal toward new equilibrium . Understanding these parallels can provide a unique perspective on the journey . Our Bible conveys the message that God is a God of restoration .
He desires to restore His people , their relationship with Him , their lives and the entire creation to a state of peace , wholeness and beauty . He promises to create new heavens and a new earth where there will be no more sorrow and pain in Isaiah 65 . He promises to restore the broken relationship between himself and us in Hosea 2 .
Lamentations 3 emphasizes God's enduring love and faithfulness , reminds us that His mercies are new every morning and encourages us to find hope and strength in God's constant presence and care . That concludes another episode of Solace . A new one drops every Friday . Please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon or find us on Google .
I'm Candee Lucas , your host , Aftercare Coordinator , chaplain and spiritual director at Catholic Cemeteries at Gate of Heaven in Los Altos , California . Please contact us if you have questions or seek spiritual direction . Our contact information is in the show notes . Be gentle with yourselves . Travel with God . Vaya con Dios .