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# The Art of Grieving (2021)
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## Grieving is natural. Let yourself feel it.
Grieving is natural to losing a loved one, friend, love of your life, loss of a pet, or loss of goals.
Normally, we are not taught how to deal with grief. It is something we experience when the moment happens. We feel lost, afraid, angry, numb or confused. We feel guilt and sometimes blame ourselves for the loss.
So how do we work past grief? How long does grief last? Is there a set time when we are supposed to have gotten over it? What does  society expect? What do our jobs  and careers expect of us after we experience loss?
This post will hopefully guide you through grief and answer some of the above questions. We also welcome comments, suggestions and insight from our readers.
Mateo Diaz with his uncle, grieving the loss of his grandmother. Photo taken by Shaunice Roberts
We can work past grief by allowing ourselves to grieve. To “properly” grieve, (if there is a proper way), let yourself feel. Feel the heartache, sadness and distraught. It is important to not ignore how you feel and replace it with something else. You cannot distract yourself from grief by replacing it with an unhealthy habit or unhealthy focus on something.
Grief lasts. It can last from a few months to a few years. It can last forever. Do not feel like it should expire after a set time. But as time passes, time heals. Try to not let the good around you slip away. If you can open yourself to time’s healing powers, you will see strength and  growth.
Always remember no matter what, life will get better. It will require your  strength and  drive to work through the emotions.  It will make you a stronger, more empathetic and understanding person.
Your work should be  compassionate to your loss, if you tell them. If they are  not, request at least a  day   off to allow yourself a break. If  you feel like working is more efficient for you, keep  working and do what feels right for you.
Co-founder Rawan Ita Diaz and her sister, grieving the loss of their father.
Loneliness itself can cause grief or make grief much worse. When you feel that way, here are some tips:
**1.** Read a fiction book, it will take you into a separate world you can get lost in. It can expand your mind and take it away  from feeling lonely into building relationships with characters experiencing similar situations. Now, I am reading “The Stand,” and highly recommend.
**2.** Create a relaxing atmosphere. I like to turn on my $15 amazon diffuser, light up some candles I bought on sale from Bath and Body Works,  and just enjoy the serenity.
**3.** See a therapist. My psychologist has changed my life, from poor habits in handling grief and loneliness to productive, meditative  techniques.
**4.** Create art  that expresses how you feel. It could be writing a letter to a  close friend, painting, writing to yourself or making music.
**5.**  Reach out to people. Nothing makes a bigger difference than knowing you are not alone. So reach out to old friends. Facetime or have coffee with a friend you have not talked to in  some time. It could really help them in ways you could not imagine.
We are always here if you need to talk.  Call me, email me or DM @the.art.spread.
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### 8 thoughts on “The Art of Grieving (2021)”
1. !
   **John Doe** 
   Your suggestion number one is great. Reading expands your mind, imagination, vocabulary, and awareness. I believe reading, whether fiction, non-fiction, magazines, or comic books/graphic novels, is the most important thing to deal with stress, grief, sorrow, or just “bad thoughts.” I would also suggest exercise. That has helped my through some very tough times. Keep up the good work guys. Spread the art!
   1. !
      **Nadin S.** 
      Hi John Doe – we are so happy you read our post and can relate. Reading has really helped me, as you so eloquently stated, overcome grief. The Stand is a great one to read. I also agree with your comment about exercise. Check out our post on Mental Health Awareness, where I highlight simple exercise that improve mood and emotions. Thank you for your continued support!
3. !
   **PG** 
   Thanks for sharing such an informative post. I personally have also felt grief losing my dad at a young age. Over time I have realized that time does heal but there is no set time. It can take one person a day to overcome their grief and another years. All the mentioned tips in the blog are great but for me I have found that meditation is the most effective way for me to fight the thoughts in my head and be able to move forward.
      Thank you for sharing your story PG. We are sorry about the loss of your dad and appreciate you sharing how time has helped you heal. Time is powerful. Meditation is also powerful and cathartic to clear our minds. Thank you for the tips. Feel free to check out our mental health awareness blog, where we also talk about the release we experience through meditation.
5. !
   **** 
   Thank you for writing this. I feel like I’m not the only one in my own head, searching for the “right” way to grieve. It’s comforting in a strange way to know that there isn’t a time limit on grieving and that I’m allowed to feel the way I do for as long as I need to. Your #4 tip is my favorite. Creating art through painting and writing has truly helped me express myself in ways I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. Painting is my go-to safe space but there are times when I need more connection. Sometimes, I visit my father’s grave site and sit with him. I spend time near him and just talk to him or even write to him about my day and about who else is missing him. It feels strange at first but it’s one way I feel closer to him.
      Thank you Rawan. The best art can be created through our darkest emotions. Your pieces inspire conversation about difficult topics and have helped me open up about things that I have been silent on for years. Thank you for painting art that gives me the opportunity to become more vocal.
7. !
   **Teo** 
   I won’t be able to be at the event to share my experiences with grief, but I can most certainly relate to #5. As you’ll hear about my toughest times on Saturday from my Sister, people played a vital role at the time, and still do to this day, when it comes to grieving. I personally need to be around people where I can have conversation and not be in my own thoughts. It is a bonus to be with people that also knew the one that I am grieving as well. They may be grieving too.
      Thank you for sharing Teo. It is so important to schedule activities and be around people. Sometimes, being alone in grief can be good. But it should not always be this way. We need to surround ourselves with positive people and a purpose to help overcome grief, sorrow and anger. We appreciate you sharing and want you to know that you are always supported by us here at The Art Spread.
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# Top 10 Spots for Art Lovers in Phoenix, AZ (2021)
**Welcome to our Art Adventure: Top 10 Spots for Art Lovers in Phoenix, AZ**
Hello friends, welcome to our Art Adventure: Phoenix Edition
Let’s get into the Top 10 Spots for art lovers in Phoenix, Arizona. To visit Phoenix is to visit a place immersed in both natural and man-made beauty. The city is one of the top 5 largest cities in the United States and is growing in population now more than ever. Arizona is often misconstrued as being a desert with 50 shades of beige but don’t let the rumors fool you. This place is filled with diverse art, unforgettable views, and exquisite food and drink options.
**We’ve summarized our top 10 spots for art lovers to explore:**
**Phoenix Airport Museum**
If you’re flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, you’ll get to discover exciting art as soon as you land. The airport is surrounded with artwork – literally! As you make your way to the gate, you’ll step your way over images of anatomy and local plant life.
My favorite route is the way to Gates E-F. If you’re eager for more to jump start your art adventure, check out the . It is free to all airport visitors and most of the exhibitions are viewable 24/7.
**Cartel Coffee**
Hands down, this is our favorite spot for any coffee drink. Not what you expected on this list? Well, good coffee is an art for in itself! It’s also a partner in the painting process. As an artist, I always have a cup of coffee or tea close by while I paint…sometimes too close that I accidentally pick up my paint cup instead – yikes! Back to , I ordered my staple drink, a medium iced latte with almond milk. Mateo opted for an iced chai tea latte. Both drinks are deliciously refreshing in the Arizona heat. Iced drinks in hand, we are now ready for an outdoor art adventure.
These next few spots are public murals, making them free and accessible art pieces!
**La Musa**2nd Street is THE spot you don’t want to miss! This mural stopped us in our tracks. The woman in this painting is stunning herself but we were in awe for more than superficial reasons. The artist, , uses his signature style to create this motion effect, making the painting appear blurry. It’s as if you’re driving past quickly even when you’re standing still directly in front of this woman as she ponders.
**The Garden**Directly across this beauty are two delicate works of art that bird enthusiasts and philanthropists can’t help but love. Go towards the birds flying across the building to get a close look at Mother Teresa’s wise words written where a young boy stands. Let her statement resonate as you uncover the birds pouring out of the watering can. Artist Jon Linton uses this mural as a message to the community. It represents the homeless in Phoenix and begs the viewers to become more compassionate towards one another, especially towards those who are homeless. You can find more about Linton’s awareness efforts through the.
**Phoenix Center for the Arts**This next spot is both an art piece and a smart marketing strategy. The colorful cacti and shapes draw you in. The mural is exciting from end to end, enticing you to explore every part of it. Your eyes are then directed to the tag, “Phoenix Center for the Arts”.  is located just around the corner at 3rd Street and E Moreland Street. Without the mural, we wouldn’t have known much about the Phoenix Center for the Arts or realized that it was nearby.
**Martin Luther King Jr.**Phoenix is a culturally diverse place that embraces African-American history from MLK to Jazz musicians. Through , MLK is brought to life and portrayed as a current member of society. It’s almost as if he’s right here in front of us, also wondering what is happening to our world as he stares outward, deep in thought with his hands intertwined, wearing a face mask. Kyle Holbrook uses this mural to connect iconic moments of the past with our unprecedented issues we face today as a society.
**Billie Holiday**As we come out of our somber state from the previous artistic statement, we’re engulfed in this exciting and celebratory image of . Roy Sproule is a fellow Detroit native and the artist behind this beauty. He helps us connect with the musician so well – we can feel her passion through the raw portrayal of her facial expression. She’s singing these words to us: “It is that of a summer song…a few moments not forever long, through the image look & listen, the given moment, let life glisten.”
**Anatomy Art**Moving out from historic artwork spots towards the south side of 2nd Street, we were met with great contrast by the  of artists, Bishop Ortega, Larry Valencia, and Anthony Vasquez. This mural is both sophisticated and haunting at the same time. The man’s anatomy is exposed, his long arms are stretched outward, and his mind is filling with geometric elements. This makes us ask the question, is he filling up with these rigid shapes or are thy being released from him? What’s your interpretation?
**Artisan Shop**Artisan shops are the best spots for souvenirs and gifts. We loved seeing all that  had to offer. They carry greeting cards, apparel, plate sets, and mugs galore!  The porcelain handmade pieces are large enough to be vases for short-stemmed flowers. Some of the mugs are even designed to rest on your thigh as you sip leisurely. Be sure to make your way to this spot for original art you can use!
**Comic Book Stores**Mateo, an avid comic book collector, is sure to find the best comic bookstores in any new city he visits. His favorites in Phoenix include  and . Ash Avenue Comics & Books may be small, but it has an excellent collection of back issues and new books. Mateo bought a ton of Dark Horse Star Wars back issues from this store alone. Samurai Comics offers a great variety of back issues and new books as well. They also have an impressive selection of games, cards, and posters.
**Bonus: Arizona Sky**Saving my personal favorite art for last; the pure natural beauty of Arizona sky! The more time spent in Arizona, the more these unforgettable vistas were explored. It felt as if we were immersed in a beautiful watercolor painting, endless layers of mountains surrounding us with the sun shining between the peaks as it sets. These scenes along our drives from Phoenix to Buckeye resemble a live art show that are exceptionally beautiful to watch.
We hope you get to discover these top 10 spots for art lovers in Phoenix!
##### *Comment below which one is your favorite and let us know what recommendations we can explore!*
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### 1 thought on “Top 10 Spots for Art Lovers in Phoenix, AZ (2021)”
   **Nay** 
   This is an incredible article that really guides me on an art adventure the next time I am in Arizona. I can’t believe there is a spot at the airport. How cool!