Reflection on Grief: a Short Meditation

Hello and Welcome!

There is no question that grieving can be hard. No loss is the same and every person grieves in their own way. This bonus meditation, was initially another listener request.

Grief is something that we all go through at some point in our lives, as we all experience loss. This short meditation is focused on holding space for any feelings you may have as you go through your unique healing journey. 

For more information about Hannah Castillo and her meditation practice visit the website and blog at https://www.love-your-calm.com

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Transcript

Hannah Castillo: Welcome to the Love Your Calm podcast. Mini meditations to help you slow down and find your balance in this fast-paced world. 

Hello and welcome.

This week's topic was initially requested by a listener who is going through a period of grief. I have experienced so many losses in my life. Most recently I said goodbye to a friend. I know grief in any form can be hard. It's also something none of us can avoid. There is no normal way to grieve and there's no checklist to complete. Grief is a deeply personal journey,

So this week's episode is focused on holding space for any grief you may be experiencing.

Let's get started.

Begin by finding a comfortable position. Maybe you'd prefer to lie down for this one, or maybe you'd feel most comfortable in a seated position. Take a moment here to find what works best for you today. If it feels good for you, gently close your eyes or maybe just soften your gaze. When you are ready, take a deep breath in through your nose, allowing your lungs to fill completely. Hold it for just a moment and then exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension you may be holding. Preparing for this practice.

As your breath settles into its natural rhythm, let go of any urge to control it,instead letting it flow naturally, finding its way to its own steady pace. Each inhale bringing in a sense of peace and acceptance. Each exhale beginning to release any heaviness you may be feeling.

I invite you to begin to shift your awareness to your heart. Acknowledge the feelings of grief that may be present. Whatever that feels like for you. It's okay to feel sadness, anger, or even confusion. Give yourself permission to acknowledge these emotions without judgment to accept that any emotions you experience are valid. And as you breathe into the area around your heart, offer yourself comfort and compassion for the pain you're experiencing, creating a safe space for your feelings to unfold. 

Maybe consider imagining your grief as a gentle wave. As you inhale, feel the wave rising, acknowledging the depth of your loss. As you exhale, visualize the wave receding, taking with it some of the weight of your sorrow, leaving behind space for healing and love. 

Take a moment to think of a memory, something that brings you joy or comfort, and as you continue to breathe, feel this comfort filling you, reminding you of the love that remains. Let this comfort expand with each breath, nurturing you and encouraging you to embrace your own journey of healing.

Take a couple of rounds of breath here, continuing to fill your lungs with this comforting energy, reminding yourself that it's okay to grieve and that healing is a unique process.

When you are ready, gently shift your awareness back to the space around you. Take all the time you need, take any movements you might need, and slowly, in your own time, open your eyes. Carry this sense of acceptance and compassion with you throughout your day, knowing that you can return to this practice whenever you may need it. 

Thank you for joining me for this special bonus meditation. It means so much to me that you are here. I love to think of this podcast as helping to create little pockets of calm throughout the world. A reminder for us all that even when things are hard, you are not alone.

If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it with a friend. And don't forget to hit, subscribe or follow. That's the best way to help this small podcast continue to reach more people to help those little pockets of calm continue to grow.

And as always, thank you for helping me to spread the word that even a few minutes of meditation really can make a difference.

Until next week...