A Meditation For Grief And The Holidays

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness.

However,

For many,

It can bring a wave of grief and emotional challenges,

Especially when dealing with the loss of a loved one or strained relationships.

In these moments,

It's so easy to lose touch with ourselves,

But being mindful of this energy and noticing where we hold this tension is key.

When life feels heavy,

The greatest gift we can give ourselves is stillness.

Even just a few minutes of mindfulness,

Whether gentle breathing,

A quiet walk,

Or listening to some soothing music,

Can bring us back to our center.

Now let's take a moment to prioritize some calm.

Begin by lying down,

Or simply begin in a seated position.

Start by taking a couple of deep,

Mindful breaths.

Place your hand on your heart as though you are holding a vulnerable human being.

Become present with what is within you.

As you continue to breathe,

Bring to mind the loss or pain you are grieving.

Let the story,

The images,

The feelings come naturally.

Hold them gently.

Take your time.

Let the feelings come layer by layer,

A little at a time.

Sometimes absence of a loved one,

Or even an animal,

Can feel like a void that's impossible to fill.

It can leave you feeling hollow,

Winded,

And empty.

You can feel stuck and unable to see a way out.

And the grief can feel all-consuming.

Let whatever feelings are there,

Pain and tears,

Anger and love,

Fear and sorrow,

Come as they will.

Touch them gently.

Let them unravel out of your body and out of your mind.

It is time now to let it go and release it all to the universe.

And in releasing,

You find a new sense of freedom and hope.

The loss of a loved one will always be there.

And although it is a part of your story,

It is not the end of your story.

It's not a straight path.

There will be twists and turns.

But with each small step,

It will only make you stronger.

Today,

Take time to notice the world again.

The way the sky changes at dusk and dawn.

The way the wind feels on your face.

Take a walk and feel the ground under your feet,

Solid and real.

Life is waiting for you.

There is a natural cycle you can trust.

How life in the heart renews itself.

Like spring after winter,

It always comes.

Let grief remind you that you are alive.