The Importance Of Meditation Through Grief

The stages of grief engulf you with a flurry of emotions that surface. You try to distract yourself, fighting the thought but can’t seem to shrug off the highlight reel of memories. Their sweet giggle, their eyes lighting up every time they see you, the clothes that still smell like them.

Then comes the feeling of regret, the could haves, and whatnots. You find yourself fighting with yourself in pursuit of peace.

You can’t seem to let go…

But what can free you from your own mind when it is chaotic? When the thoughts in your head suffocate you till you’re breathless.

The answer is closer than you think.

All you’ve got to do is surrender yourself.

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the importance of meditation during grief.

Breaking stigmas

Meditation is often perceived as a mundane activity for obvious reasons. In a world where we’re constantly on our phones, scrolling through 10-second distractions and consuming the universe in the palm of our hands sounds like a better alternative to merely focusing on your breath for five minutes.

But if you only looked closer…

You’d find endless opportunities. Opportunities to overcome any overwhelming emotion. To calm your mind despite the chaos that keeps you from achieving your potential.

Author of the book TwentyOne Olive Trees, a journey of grief to deliverance and realization, Laura Formentini, emphasizes on meditation is an essential aspect of your journey through grief.

But how can you find your catharsis in meditation?

Finding your peace

Your mind is inclined to think. These thoughts can be intrusive or lead you to a purpose. When going through grief and depression, the former seems to be true. How do we bring our minds back to the present?

You exercise your mind’s ability to return to the present through meditation. This is achieved by focusing on your breathing or your mantra.

Thoughts will come and go, but what remains is the now. Meditation helps you learn how to live life one second at a time.

Here’s how you can start.

-Set a routine: Start by setting a routine for yourself. The initial steps are the hardest. Author Laura Formentini recommends meditating twice a day for 15 minutes each time. The idea is to reprogram your mind to accept meditation as a daily habit until it’s second nature, like brushing your teeth.

-Set a mantra: A mantra can be a saying, a phrase, a word, or even your own breath. Think of it as a decoy for the mind to follow every time it wanders off into obscure thought trails. The mantra helps bring you back to the present, in the now.

-Accept the distraction: Remember, meditation is about calming your mind and avoiding chaos. It is okay for your mind to wander. Acknowledge that you did and work towards bringing your mind back to the mantra itself.

-Repeat: Repeat this routine every day without faltering. Consistency is key. Soon enough, you shall notice a difference in the way you think. You won’t need to struggle as hard to bring your mind back to the present.

Looking for an excellent post-meditation read? Laura Formentini’s TwentyOne Olive Trees is the perfect companion for your journey to find peace. With fables and poetry laced with messages of wisdom, feel yourself growing with every page turn.

Click on the link to learn more.