Meditation For Grief & Loss
Loss can take so many forms and com in so many ways.
It can take you over with anxiety, fear, sorrow, regret, loneliness, and depression. It feels so personal.
Meditation is a useful tool when one is experiencing loss. Meditation brings us back into our body and allows us to confront unfinished business we may be dealing with. Below is a meditation to work with at home if you’re experiencing the loss of a loved one.
Find a comfortable place and way to sit. You’ll be sitting for 15-20 minutes so make some adjustments, use pillows and blankets as necessary and find ease in the body.
Begin to bring your awareness on your breath. Without changing your natural breath, just notice the way the inhale touches your nostrils, and the exhale drops your chest. Notice the length of your inhales and your exhales. Notice how your body rises and falls, your chest widens and contracts, and how your back adjusts.
Now bring into your view the person you are grieving. Can you see his or her face? Try to create this image in your mind and begin to consider what you feel needs to be said. Were there conversations you were not able to have? Was there forgiveness not granted? Were you unable to say goodbye?
As these thoughts come to mind, begin having this conversation with your loved one. Visualize this conversation. Share from your heart and really listen to what they need to tell you from their heart. If you need to ask for forgiveness, do so. If you need to forgive, do so. Focus on this conversation and try to maintain compassion throughout. These can be difficult conversations.
Now, bring to mind a very positive memory you have of this person. Imagine a time where you and your person are having a great time together and the connection is deep and positive. Notice how this feels in your body. This joy you felt in that time. The happiness you shared here. Stay here as long as you’d like.
When you feel complete here, bring your focus back to your breathing.
When you are finished, take a few slow, deep breaths. Sit quietly for a few minutes and bring your meditation to an end. Do this meditation as often as you need to and know that you can always return to this space whenever you want to feel at peace.