Dementia Caregiving - Making Space For You

Holding Responsibility — While Making Space for Yourself is a grounding meditation for times of transition, caregiving, or sustained responsibility. It offers a gentle pause for those who carry a lot — emotionally, mentally, and practically — and may have lost touch with their own needs along the way. Through breath, reflection, and simple inner inquiry, this practice invites you to momentarily set responsibilities down, soften the nervous system, and reconnect with what your body and mind need right now. It’s a reminder that caring for yourself is not selfish, but essential — allowing your care for others to be held with more steadiness, compassion, and grace.

Transcript

Hey, Welcome to this meditation that's designed especially for caregivers and even deeper than that, Especially for caregivers of people that are suffering from dementia of one kind or another. This is a short pause at the beginning, Middle, End or whenever you need it, Especially when you're finding it really difficult, You're kind of trapped in Groundhog Day. So if it's available to you, It's really important to take some time out to kind of pause and reset your internal compass. So if you can find a space now that you can take a little pocket of time for yourself, Somewhere you will be undisturbed and you will feel safe. And if it's available, Gently close your eyes, Turning your attention inwards, Coming to your home, Your heart. As we begin to breathe together, Take a slow breath in and as you breathe out, See if you can breathe out a little longer than your in-breath. This way you can help soothe and ease your nervous system. And as your body settles into the support beneath you, Maybe take one hand over your heart and one hand over your belly. And this is a signal to your mind and your body that you are safe. And maybe this has been a hard day, A hard week, A hard month. And maybe nothing has really made any sense. Maybe everything has been explained again and again, Each and every time. You're digging deep into patience and calm. Yet maybe there have been times where you have felt your frustration or helplessness or grief. If any of that is true for you right now, You don't need to push it away. But with that hand on your heart and hand on your belly, You're giving yourself a precious hug, Not pushing away, Simply noticing your body and allowing it to be here. Right now, It's time for you now to give your nervous system some much rest and rejuvenation. For now, You do not need to fix anything. Simply breathe. And maybe, Just maybe, As you begin to rest with your breath, Just in this moment, You can acknowledge what an incredible job you're doing. Acknowledge the challenges you have and your very own resilience to keep coming back day after day. Let yourself be with your breath just for a few more moments now. You're allowed this time to pause. Even just for a few moments is enough to press the reset button. And your mind will try and move you back into doing yet. See if you can take just a few more breaths just here. And as we come to the end of this little pocket of time of acknowledgement, You may congratulate yourself for taking this precious time to rest, Rejuvenate and be with your breath. Before opening your eyes, Returning to this space, This moment is yours and thank you for taking it.