By Raquel Salas
Special for El Inmobiliario
The recent tragedy that has plunged our country into mourning has left a deep mark on every corner of our society. In these days of shared grief, I want to address you not as agents or stakeholders in the real estate sector, but from a more human perspective, from my humanity to yours. Today, more than ever, it is crucial that we acknowledge the vicarious grief we are experiencing.
Psychologists explain that vicarious grief, or secondary grief, refers to the emotional suffering we feel when we witness the pain of others. It is a process that affects us all, since, in one way or another, we have all been touched by this tragedy. Whether through the loss of loved ones, the anguish of friends and family, or simply by seeing the suffering in the news, this grief unites us in a collective experience of sadness and vulnerability.
These past few days have been difficult. Sadness, low energy, and a clouded mind are feelings many of us have experienced. In this context, I want to share some words I saw posted in an Instagram story by the renowned psychologist Haydeé Domínguez.
I quote verbatim:
“Treat yourself well.
In the collective grief we are experiencing, let us be merciful to ourselves.
Let's accept the sadness, the low energy and the clouded focus, the urge to cry and the listlessness. Let's accept that humanity and empathy are at a higher and more vulnerable point than usual.
Without shortcuts, feel it, live it, respect the grief of others, and let's project healing in due time.
We're going to be okay. Believe it
This exhortation invites us to be kind to our emotions and allow ourselves to feel the pain that surrounds us.
Accepting sadness and listlessness is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage. It is an acknowledgment of our humanity and the empathy that connects us. In moments like these, it's normal to feel like crying, to feel like your energy is draining away and that the world is clouded. Accepting these feelings is the first step toward healing. We shouldn't rush to "get over" grief; instead, we should allow ourselves to fully experience it.
Haydeé's invitation to "feel it, experience it, respect the grief of others" is a powerful reminder that each of us is on a unique journey. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Every tear, every moment of silence, every shared memory is part of a process that deserves to be honored. By respecting our own grief, we also learn to respect the grief of others, creating a space of healing and mutual understanding.
It's important to remember that, although grief can seem overwhelming, there is hope. “We're going to be okay. Believe it.” These words are a beacon in the midst of the storm. Healing is not a destination, but a journey we undertake together. By giving ourselves permission to feel, we also open ourselves to the possibility of healing. The community that forms around shared grief can be a source of strength and support.
In conclusion, in this time of crisis, I invite all those affected, whether directly or indirectly, to allow themselves to grieve. We are not alone on this journey; together, we can find light amidst so much darkness. By honoring our emotions and those of the people around us, we cultivate a space of healing and hope that will allow us to rebuild and move forward.
The author is a public relations specialist for Mystiq developments, CEO and founder of Positive Refocus and Real Estate Balance, director of the RP Media Group, an integrative coach for personal development, and a motivational speaker certified by John Maxwell Leadership. She is also the director of the "Time To Grow" training program for real estate agents and the author of the books "Before Saying Yes" and "Time for Me.".
