by Stephanie Pritchard, LPC, NCC
Mindfulness has become a hot topic in recent years even though it’s been practiced for centuries. It’s a tool that can be used to address a variety of challenges that people face, such as anxiety, depression, overeating, problems in relationships, chronic pain and grief.
Fundamentally, mindfulness is more than having a general awareness of what’s happening around you.
Jon Kabat-Zinn is a well-known writer on the topic and defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and nonjudgmentally.” This article explores reasons why mindfulness practice is beneficial for bereaved individuals and also offers practical tips on how you can begin to incorporate a mindfulness practice into your life.
It is natural for humans to try to avoid pain and suffering. We don’t want to hurt, but realistically, grief is part of the human experience. Avoiding the reality and pain of the loss is not beneficial for grieving individuals long-term, and it’s important to allow yourself to feel all of the emotions that accompany grief. This includes experiencing moments of joy and peace, without self-judgement and guilt.
Mindfulness practice is not meant to minimize that pain or to convince people that everything is OK, but rather to help you recognize the reality of your circumstances, and to do so in a nonjudgmental and self-compassionate way. Mindfulness can become a way of being, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Let’s explore how you can incorporate mindfulness into your life.
To get started, select one or two mindfulness exercises that you feel comfortable exploring. Some of my personal favorites are mindful breathing, mindful walking and loving kindness. Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD, talks in-depth about these exercises in his book, ‘The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems.’
1. Mindful Breathing
This can be done anywhere at any time and without anyone realizing you are doing it. Mindful breathing involves focusing your attention on your body as breath enters and exits. This exercise is helpful for calming your mind and body, as well as alleviating anxiety.
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2. Mindful Walking
This is one of my favorite activities because it also includes physical activity, which can be beneficial for mood and mental health. This exercise is especially helpful for those whose grief has them feeling depressed or who tend to isolate themselves. A nature walk can also provide an opportunity to reflect on the natural cycle of life and death and to experience the beauty in everything around us.
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3. Loving Kindness
This is a type of mindfulness meditation that involves self-talk. Loving kindness is especially helpful for people who struggle to find acceptance or are being self-critical of their progress through grief. This exercise can also be done to show loving kindness toward the person who died.
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Using mindfulness with grief is not intended to diminish the pain associated with a loss, but rather to acknowledge the pain and to face it head on instead of running from it. It usually takes more energy to avoid grief than to let ourselves experience it. You can begin your mindfulness practice today by simply pausing to fully embrace this moment in time.
Stephanie Pritchard, LPC, NCC, is a grief specialist with Hospice of the Red River Valley.
About Hospice of the Red River Valley
In 1981, Hospice of the Red River Valley was founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality end-of-life care. We fulfill our nonprofit mission by providing medical, emotional, personal and spiritual care, as well as grief support to our patients, their families and caregivers during a tender time in life. Our staff helps those we serve experience more meaningful moments through exceptional hospice care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, wherever a patient calls home. The organization serves more than 40,000 square miles in North Dakota and Minnesota, including in and around Bismarck, Detroit Lakes, Devils Lake, Fargo, Fergus Falls, Grand Forks, Lisbon, Thief River Falls, Valley City and many more communities. Hospice of the Red River Valley offers round-the-clock availability via phone, prompt response times and same-day admissions, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Contact us anytime at 800-237-4629 or hrrv.org.