On Grief: Sitting Together Meditation

In grief, the depth of loss and sadness can be so profound. This visualization meditation is designed for those grieving the loss of a loved one. It seeks to offer a moment of solace by rekindling connection, recognizing that love never dies, but is everlasting.

Note that strong emotions may arise. You can always take a break by opening your eyes and looking around to connect with the present moment. You can also find an anchor like your breath or physical sensations.

Music by Chris Collins

Transcript

Hello,

And welcome.

In grief,

The depth of loss and sadness can be so profound.

If you're listening to this meditation,

You've likely lost a loved one.

And wherever you are in your grief journey,

Know that you are not alone.

I hope that this visualization meditation can offer a moment of solace.

By rekindling a connection with your loved one.

Recognizing that love never dies,

But is everlasting.

Note that strong emotions may arise.

And you can always take a break by opening your eyes and looking around to connect with the present moment.

And you can also find an anchor like your breath or physical sensations.

The Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh said,

When the cloud is no longer in the sky,

It doesn't mean the cloud has died.

The cloud has continued in other forms,

Like rain or snow or ice.

So you can recognize your cloud in her new forms.

And you can look deeply and recognize herself in you and around you.

Go ahead to settle into a relaxed position.

You can close your eyes or soften your gaze.

Relax your shoulders by rolling them back and down.

Relax your jaw,

Your eyelids,

Your forehead.

And begin to bring awareness to your breath and its natural rhythm.

Noticing what it feels like to breathe in.

Noticing what it feels like to breathe out.

As you settle into your breath,

Imagine a beautiful garden bathed in sunlight.

The sky is clear.

The air is crisp.

You can hear the sounds of birds chirping.

And you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as you sit on a bench in this garden.

Butterflies are fluttering.

Flowers are blooming all around you,

Their colors so vivid.

And you can smell their sweet aroma.

And you notice a path through the garden,

Running along the flowers and leading to the bench you're sitting on.

And on that path is your loved one,

Walking towards you and taking a seat next to you on the bench.

Notice the weight of their body on the bench.

Hear their breathing.

Take in their fragrance and feel their presence.

Sit together in silence,

Feeling the comfort of them just being there.

Or if there's something you want to say,

Go ahead.

Stay as long as you need and know that you can always meet here again.