A Resource for Grief: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy

Dear friends,

It’s been a bit since I’ve posted here. New patients have kept me busy, each with their own journey through life’s final chapters, and I’ve been in the studio, working on art that helps me make sense of this work. But I’m here now, eager to share a book that’s caught my attention for anyone grappling with grief: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop.

Grief can hit like a ton of bricks—whether it’s losing someone close, facing a serious illness, or carrying a private pain. In my work with people at the end of life, I see how it can shake you up but also open new ways to heal. I haven’t read Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy yet, but it’s been recommended, and after listening to Vroegop on a TGC Podcast episode (49 minutes), I can see why it resonates. Vroegop, a pastor who lost his stillborn daughter, explores lament—a practice from the Bible where you bring your raw emotions to God, or whatever higher power you lean on. It’s built on Psalms and Lamentations, with four steps: turn to that power, lay out your struggles, ask for help, and hold onto trust. It’s about being honest with your pain, not hiding it.

This approach feels universal. It’s like yoga, where you face tough feelings through breath, or Buddhist practices that teach you to sit with suffering. Indigenous traditions often weave grief into rituals that connect you to community. Even journaling or therapy can be a kind of lament—putting your pain into words to find clarity. Whatever your path, this idea of facing grief head-on is something we all get.

If you’re navigating end-of-life challenges—yours or someone else’s—I’m here to support you. My work is about meeting you where you are, no strings attached. Visit my services page to see how we can work together.

Everyone has their own way of finding meaning—whether it’s a church, a mosque, a hike in the woods, or just your own thoughts. I respect that, and I share resources like this book to offer ideas, not to push one way. We’re all on this road, just taking different paths.

Give Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy a look, listen to the podcast, or try the audiobook if it feels right. Got your own ways to deal with grief? Share them with me, your community, your pets—your perspective matters.

Till next time,
Sundara Heart
JourneyingOn.com