Meditation and Mindfulness techniques can help cope with grief after Bereavement
Yes! The practice of meditation and mindfulness practices can help in healing from the tragic grief ‘loss of loved one’ and Bereavement, as these practices help us live in the present moment. Also, regular practice of meditation and mindfulness help integrate change by working with the truth of impermanence of life. On physical level, these practices can help induce parasympathetic nervous response and help optimise the serotonin and endorphin levels, thereby alleviating mood and general well being.
Death is an inevitable part of our existence.
Yes! Death is a reality one can not run away from especially of the one we hold dear to our hearts. Yes! It is also remarked that our death starts the moment we are born but the loss of a loved one can toss us into a state of shock. AND if the death had been a violent or an unnatural one, it adds to our sense of agony and even makes us lose faith.
Grief can trigger Complicated Grief Disorder (CGD)
Grief, to an extent, is considered as a normal response of body and mind to the passing away of a loved one. But in the case of Complicated Grief Disorder (CGD), an individual finds it difficult to integrate bereavement into their lives even after six months. The effects of bereavement range from insomnia and weird dreams to physical signs of anxiety like headache, digestive disorders and related manifestations. In the case of persons with CGD, even substance abuse and suicidal thoughts are also noticed.
When brain imaging studies were conducted on grieving people, the results showed a pervasive impact of death on the body. Right from mood and memory to even digestive system and heart regulation-nothing was spared in the body of a mourner in the aftermath of a death.
Meditation and Mindfulness techniques makes it easier for a person to cope with a loss of a loved one.
The deep state of ‘parasympathetic nervous response’ rest triggered by meditation and mindfulness makes the brain release neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphin. Serotonin eases our tension and has a calming effect on our bodies. Endorphins decrease feelings of pain and contribute to our wellbeing. Meditation and Mindfulness techniques also makes us aware of our feelings and makes us more poised to handle the grief.
Seek the help of a Meditation and Mindfulness teacher
The process of recovering from tragic grief ‘loss of loved one’ and Bereavement is individualised and it is also seen that meditation and mindfulness practices can trigger relaxation induced stress, in certain cases. Please consult a related expert to include these practices, into your day routine if you are going through this experience.
I must also add, I have kept the article to be simply indicative, as I understand the pain of the loss of a near and dear one. Written words alone can not help one to cope with the loss of a dear one. Please seek help of a guide, if needed…