Bethany Orrick

The Gift of Small Moments—Finding Light in the Midst of Grief

Grief has a way of shrinking the world.
In the early days, everything felt heavy. The weight of loss filled every room, every thought, every breath. I couldn’t see beyond the pain. It was all-consuming, like a storm that never ended.
But lately, I’ve noticed something new—small moments of light.
A warm cup of tea in the morning.
The softness of a blanket on a cold day.
A bird singing outside the window.
The way sunlight filters through the leaves.
These moments don’t erase the grief, but they soften it. They create little pockets of peace where I can breathe, even if just for a moment.

Learning to See the Light

It took time to notice these small moments.
For so long, I felt guilty for any bit of happiness. I thought that if I allowed joy in, it would mean I was letting go of my child. But slowly, I’ve come to realize that these moments are not a sign of forgetting—they are a sign of living.
My grief is part of me, but so is love. And love exists not only in the pain but in the beauty of life that continues around me.
Allowing myself to see this light is not a betrayal—it is a way to honor my child by choosing to live fully, even with the weight of loss.

The Power of Presence

These small moments are a reminder to be present.
When I take a deep breath and truly see what is around me, I find a sense of grounding. The world is still here. Love is still here. My child’s spirit is still here, woven into the beauty of the everyday.
I am learning that healing is not a destination. It is in these small, quiet moments of grace.
And maybe, just maybe, these moments are where love meets me—gently, quietly, holding space for both grief and peace.

Learning Tools: Finding Small Moments of Light in Grief

You do not have to chase happiness. Instead, allow small moments of light to find you. These tools will help you cultivate presence and peace in your daily life.

1. The “5 Senses” Grounding Practice

When grief feels heavy, take a moment to connect with your surroundings through your senses:

Sight: What colors and shapes do you see?
Sound: What gentle sounds can you hear?
Touch: What textures can you feel?
Smell: What scents are present around you?
Taste: What flavors linger in your mouth?

This practice brings you into the present moment, offering a break from the weight of grief.

2. The “Gratitude for Small Things” Journal

Each evening, write down three small moments that brought a bit of light into your day.

It could be a kind word, a beautiful view, or a moment of peace.

There is no pressure to feel joy—simply notice the moments that made breathing a little easier.

Over time, this practice creates a gentle reminder that light exists, even in the midst of loss.

3. The “Gentle Presence” Meditation

Find a quiet space and sit comfortably.
Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath.
With each breath, imagine light filling your body—soft, warm, and gentle.
Say to yourself:
“I am allowed to find light, even in grief.”
“I honor my child by choosing to live fully.”
“Love is present in the small moments of life.”

Guided Meditation: Finding Light in Small Moments

Find a quiet place. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath.

Imagine yourself sitting in a garden at dawn. The sky is still dark, but slowly, soft light begins to touch the world around you.

Every petal, every leaf, every drop of dew catches this light. It is not harsh or bright—it is gentle, wrapping everything in a quiet glow.

You do not have to search for the light. You only need to sit still and let it find you.

You whisper to yourself:
“I am allowed to feel lightness, even in my grief.”
“I do not have to force joy—I can simply allow peace to find me.”
“Every small moment of light is a gift of love.”

Stay in this space as long as you need. Let the light fill you, softly, without rushing.

When you are ready, take a deep breath, gently open your eyes, and return to the present moment.

You are still grieving. You are still healing. And you are still finding light.

And that is a beautiful thing.

Created By: Bethany Orrick

Recommended Blogs