Losing someone we deeply love shakes the soul. Life changes color, our chest fills with longing, and our mind searches for answers that might ease the pain. In the Spiritist view of grief, however, death is not an end — but a transition to another dimension of life. Understanding this passage can turn pain into hope, allowing longing to become a bridge of eternal love.

What is Spiritism and how does it comfort during grief?

Spiritism, codified by Allan Kardec, teaches that we are immortal spirits experiencing life in physical bodies. According to this doctrine, death is simply a return to the spiritual world — our true home.

Spiritist characteristics that bring comfort in grieving:

• Christian doctrine with philosophical, scientific and religious aspects
• No clergy, rituals or hierarchical structure
• Spiritual guidance is never charged for
• Based on Kardec’s books and psychographed works by mediums

This spiritual understanding transforms grief into a learning process filled with faith in life after death and in future reunions.

How does the spirit experience death?

Mediumistic accounts show that many spirits, after passing, awaken surprised to find they are still alive. They report being received with love by likeminded spirits in environments of care. For this reason, our prayers and loving thoughts work as important support during their adaptation.

Spiritist view of grief: pain is natural, despair is not necessary

Spiritism does not eliminate the pain of loss — it illuminates it. Feeling pain is part of the soul’s emotional evolution; not feeling would be denying love. However, knowing that those who departed live on brings tenderness to grief — longing becomes proof of love, not a reason for despair.

How does longing affect spirits who have passed on?

Yes, our emotions impact those in the afterlife. Thoughts of peace and gratitude strengthen their new journey. Excessive suffering, rebellion or loss of control can disturb their adaptation, tying them magnetically to Earth. Spiritism therefore invites emotional balance as a true demonstration of love.

Early or violent death: is it random?

Spiritism explains that every reincarnation follows a spiritual plan defined before birth — including life experiences and length. Therefore, no death is premature. Even accidental or violent deaths may be linked to the spirit’s evolution. This, however, does not remove responsibility from those involved before divine and human laws.

Suicide and harmful habits: what happens?

In Spiritism, direct or indirect suicide (through addictions or reckless behavior) interrupts the planned time on Earth, bringing suffering and a need for adjustment in the spirit world. No one has the right to shorten their incarnation without consequences. Spiritism therefore advocates self-care and seeking help when pain feels unbearable.

How to help loved ones who have died?

You can spiritually assist a departed loved one through:

• Heartfelt prayer, radiating peace and love
• Requesting collective prayer in Spiritist centers
• Holding the Gospel at Home
• Practicing charity in their name

These acts serve as spiritual embraces that ease adaptation and bring serenity to the living.

Is communication with the dead possible?

Yes. According to Spiritism, natural spiritual encounters can occur:

• During sleep, when the spirit partially detaches from the body
• Through comforting psychographic letters, like those from Chico Xavier

However, communication only happens when spiritually needed, with divine permission and depending on moral preparation.

Turning longing into active love

Grief invites us to turn longing into acts of kindness. Helping others, doing charity or dedicating good deeds in our loved one’s name preserves bonds and fills pain with hope of reunion.

Reunion is certain — live with that truth

For Spiritism, no one ever truly loses someone they love. Death separates bodies, never spirits united by love. Once we understand this, grief becomes a journey of faith: we weep with gratitude for having lived that love, confident we will meet again at God’s chosen time.

Conclusion: Live courageously, love eternally

The spiritist view of grief invites us to see pain as part of an eternal journey. Longing stops being a prison and becomes a bridge of light. Keep hope alive, because love — a divine essence — never dies. Until reunion comes, live with serenity, do good, and prepare your heart: the happier you love, trust and move forward, the brighter that meeting will be.