This is the finale of our three-part series covering the various tolls grieving can take on your mind, body and spirit. We explore the state of mindfulness during the grieving process.
*To read part one, on grieving the loss of a loved one, click here.
*To read part two, on how grief can affect your mental and physical health, click here.
Grief can stifle a person’s wellbeing, especially if it is prolonged or traumatic. The feelings related to grief can be overwhelming at times and you may wonder how to get through it when it has gone on for too long or is negatively impacting your day to day living. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, is the founding executive director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He is also a professor who teaches and advocates using mindfulness training with meditation to heal and get past life’s stresses, anxieties and chronic illnesses. Kabat-Zinn integrated the practice of yoga and Buddhist teachings with science in his creation of the popular Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) offered by medical centers, hospitals and health maintenance organizations.
So what is mindfulness you ask? Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them as good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by (as in the state of grief stricken moments). According to Psychology Today, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experiences that are in your current state.
If you are suffering from grief and starting to wonder if mindfulness is the approach for you, here are the top five reasons from my perspective that will provide some great benefits during your time of pain.
1. Helps You Focus on the Present Moment
Anxiety and depression relate to the past and the future. When you experience a higher level of anxiety due to overwhelming responsibilities due to a significant loss in your life, it is mainly because your predominant thoughts are caught up in the future. When you find yourself stuck in sadness and depression, it is because most of your thoughts are caught up in the past. This is really important to be aware of and mindfulness training and meditation can help you focus on the here and now, allowing you to experience life AS IS as opposed to how it WAS or SHOULD be.
2. Allows You to Feel Your Emotions Without Judgment
The meditative aspect of mindfulness is based on the premise of non-judgment which means when you feel or think of anything at all, you let your body experience it and let it pass without resistance. The path of least resistance is a subject we will talk about in the future but for today’s purposes mindfulness training is a gateway to teaching you how to take the path of least resistance in your life. Resisting thoughts and emotions only increases the stress so through non-judgment and awareness, you will learn to accept the emotional rollercoaster of your grieving period. Remember what you resist persists. Mindfulness will help you go with the flow.
3. Relieves You of Stress and Physical Ailments
Mindfulness hasn’t proven to be a cure for major illnesses but it has proven to show improvements in health outcomes for patients suffering from chronic diseases. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is a structured group program that uses mindfulness meditation to improve well-being and alleviate suffering. Reviews of the impact of MBSR for people with chronic diseases found that participation in an MBSR program resulted in improvements to mental and physical health, well-being and quality of life. No negative change was reported between baseline and follow up.
4. Builds Your Inner Strength
By practicing mindfulness, you are building your core self moment by moment. The building of your inner strength is the very thing that will get you through the difficult circumstances that life can throw at you. Compare it to building a muscle when you work out. The more you practice mindfulness during trying times, the stronger your mental, emotional and physical self can deal with the ebbs and flows of this journey we call life.
5. Minimizes Fear and Allows You to Live Life Fully
Many times, the fear of hurt and pain can prevent us from trying new things in life or taking that step forward to opening up to exciting experiences. When you become tuned to the present moment rather than worrying about what could go wrong, you start opening up and being courageous. Experiencing new life adventures requires courage with the confidence that no matter how it all turns out you will be ok. Imagine how full your experiences and moments can be when you build your courage and minimize your fear.
After a difficult stage in your life and when you are ready to work through your grief, mindfulness is a gateway to let your true spirit soar and experience joy again.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.brown.edu
Yvonne Sinniah
Author
Yvonne Sinniah (@YvonneSinniah) is a Relations Advisor and inspirational speaker focusing on helping individuals achieve success in personal and professional environments. focusing on helping individuals achieve success in personal and professional environments. She is on a mission to meet a nee...
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Bestie Roommate Is A Nightmare
-
Pride 2023: Why Is India's Supreme Court Taking So Long To Legalize Same Sex Marriage?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Love Constantly Wants To Be With Me And I'm Exhausted
-
The Coronation Of King Charles III Was A Global Desi Affair
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My In-Laws Introduces Our Kids As Their "Adopted" Grandkids
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Office Romance Wants To Keep Us A Secret
-
The Dishes That Asha Bhosle Wants You To Try At Her Resto Asha's In Dubai
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Rude Friend Is Mortifying!
-
Tour The World At Dubai's Amazing Global Village
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I Had A Miscarriage And Our Family's "Be Grateful" Sentiments Really Hurt
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Underage Nephew Expects Me To Buy Booze For Him
-
Warm Up To The Fusion Delights Of Ushna in Dubai
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Boyfriend Is Pressuring Me To Attend His Sister's Wedding But I Can't Afford It
-
IWD 2023: 11 Inspirational Quotes From Powerful South Asian Women
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My In-Laws Are Giving Me The Cold Shoulder
-
7 South Asian Female Fitness Pros Who Will Level Up Your Workouts
