Meditation

The soil in which the meditative mind can begin is the soil of everyday life, the strife, the pain, and the fleeting joy. It must begin there and bring order, and from there, move endlessly.

~Jiddu Krishnamurti Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher

Meditation is another technique we can use to calm the mind and create an inner space where we can be free of worries and discomfort. As with chanting, meditation is an ancient practice that allows us to direct the mind and bring awareness to the present moment. Today, it is taught in a variety of settings from hospitals to corporate retreats as a way to improve focus, and foster relaxation and wellness. For some, prayer is also considered a form of meditation.

Why meditate when you are grieving?

In times of grief and stress, you may find yourself lost, unable to keep to a routine and operating mechanically just to get through the day. You may have difficulty sleeping. The source of this stress may come from the past, dwelling on what has been lost, or in contemplating a future that is fearful and unknown. You forget, or maybe never learned, that you can only exist in the present moment. Meditation helps you live in the present by focusing on one moment at a time. It may help you put aside deep and intense emotions — regret, fearfulness, impatience, whatever it may be. If you can sit and ease your mind, relax for a short time, it may be most important thing you do for yourself all day. In and of itself, meditation will not take away pain, but it may help to ease it. It is not a quick fix, nor a way to anesthetize yourself from grief, but can be a source of peace that will enable you to continue on your journey of healing.

It may be hard to do something good for yourself when you are full of sorrow and sadness; however, this is the time to practice a little loving kindness toward yourself. It may mean that you take one breath and allow yourself to be free from thought for a moment. Perhaps you will be able to do this several times a day as you build mindfulness into your routine. You may have to force yourself at times to “just do it.” You will feel better afterward. On those particular days, you may say, “I don’t have to sit long, but I will sit.”