Megan Devine Grief Writing Reset

A gentle grounding session based on the Megan Devine grief writing routine. Write honestly about difficult feelings without trying to fix them.

4 time blocks, 15 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Somatic Body Check In: 3 min
Notice physical tension without trying to change it
Unfiltered Writing Prompt: 7 min
Write what is painful or true right now without editing
Acknowledge and Validate: 3 min
Read your words quietly without fixing or judging them
Grounding Close: 2 min
Take deep breaths and step away from the notebook

About this routine

The Megan Devine grief writing routine centers on writing what is real and true in the present moment, resisting societal pressure to find a silver lining. As a psychotherapist and grief advocate, Devine encourages acknowledging pain exactly as it exists rather than forcing positive reframing.

This 15 minute grounding session creates a quiet space to express difficult feelings without self criticism. By combining somatic body awareness with a brief writing burst, you establish a safe container for emotional honesty.

You can run this structured sequence using a routine timer online to keep your writing spurts focused and contained.

Why this routine works

Expresses painful feelings without self criticism
Avoids premature silver linings or toxic positivity
Builds physical awareness during moments of grief
Creates a contained timeframe for heavy writing

FAQ

What is Megan Devine's approach to grief writing?

Megan Devine advocates writing unfiltered truths about loss without attempting to fix, reframe, or search for positive takeaways.

How long should a grief writing session take?

This practice takes 15 minutes, keeping writing spurts brief to prevent emotional overwhelm.

Sources

Devine, Megan. It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand. Sounds True, 2017.
Refuge in Grief: Writing Prompts and Practices