Laurene Hayden is a Certified Yoga Therapist & Ayurvedic Health Practitioner. I have had the joy of participating in her yoga classes, workshops and retreats and have experienced first-hand her commitment to the well being of her clients. She is our guest blogger today sharing her experience with grief from the recent loss of her father. As she often does, Laurene is willing to authentically share her own experiences to help others. Holidays are tough for those of us who grieve. May Laurene’s words and her five-minute meditation help you as much as it has me to lessen your pain and increase your joy in whatever season it may be for you.
“Grief is a most peculiar thing; we’re so helpless in the face of it. It’s like a window that will simply open of its own accord. The room grows cold and we can do nothing but shiver. But, it opens a little less each time and one day we wonder what has become of it.” – Arthur Golden
During this season of mourning the loss of my father, grieving for me can mean…
Feeling Squishy
Mind Wandering
Periods of Low Energy/Fatigue
Losing Things
Moments of Inspiration
Calling on Friends
Being Outside in Nature
Doing Less
More Self Care
Patience
Grief can be especially difficult around the holidays, when we are naturally triggered by memories of our loved one related to family traditions. These feelings, as part of our healing, are not to be pushed aside; rather it can be helpful to allow yourself time and space to be present with your emotions.
Here is a simple meditation that can be supportive in sitting with and experiencing your emotions.
Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
Imagine in one hand that you are holding whatever emotion feels difficult for you.
In the other hand, imagine holding an opposite or supportive feeling.
Sit with both of these feelings and focus on the center of your spine.
Remain in this meditation for 5 minutes, or longer if you like, any time a difficult emotion comes up for you.
In other words, stop, and give yourself the experience of the emotion while balancing it with an accompanying supportive feeling. Observing yourself from your center will help you feel calm and centered while feeling the emotions, and can leave you feeling refreshed. Once our emotions are experienced they dissipate, leaving us with the fullness of the enriching experience of having walked through them.
“Now more than ever, be gentle with yourself. Don’t do more than you want, and don’t do anything that does not serve your soul and your loss.” – Grief.com
You can find out more about Laurene at Resolution Yoga.