Finding Your Capacity: A Micropractice Around Grief

Loss brings vulnerability right to the surface. That can feel dangerous. When my relationship of 18 years fell apart, I fought that reality hard. Mindfulness helped me recognize my capacity to hold what was happening. I found grace even as the pain still pressed hard against the ribcage. In this short practice, find your support by turning toward the breath.

Transcript

Welcome. This is Allison with Mindful Pause Center, And I am so glad to share this micro practice around loss with you today. Losing someone, A beloved, A pet, An identity, A landscape, An ability, Brings vulnerability right to the surface. We sense at a visceral level how we can't have life the way we want it. That can feel dangerous. It did for me. When my relationship of 18 years fell apart, I fought that reality hard. I believed that if I just said the right thing, Acted the right way, I could restore my relationship. Mindfulness helped me accept what was happening. With practice, I recognized my capacity to hold what was happening. I found grace, Even when the pain still pressed hard against the ribcage. Sit with me now, Taking just these next two minutes, As you're able, Feeling the body breathing itself. How do you know you're breathing? How does the body show you? Is it at the belly, Or the chest, Or over the lip through the nose? Maybe it's the whole body breathing. This felt sensation of inhalation and exhalation. No need to change the way the body is breathing in this moment. This is how it is. In and out. The breath has been here all along. It may not always show up in the same way, But it is always here, Nourishing the blood, Replenishing the body, Supporting you. It's not something you need to control. For now, You can just rest in the rhythm of in and out. Taking your time, Opening your eyes if they closed, Looking around the space you're in, Noticing the forms and colors, The quality of light, The temperature. Letting your nervous system know, Through the direct experience of the senses, That this practice is complete. Come back anytime. Thank you for your practice.