Grief and the Practice of Mindfulness

Everyone grieves differently so have different physical and emotional feelings during the grieving process. Grief can become a tool for an awakening to a greater understanding and insight into the truth of life. When someone we loves dies, it is almost like an initiation to that insight. As we experiences the intensity of physical and emotional anguish, it becomes so intense that there is no way to avoid the raw experience of human pain.
The more we can remain "open" and mindfully experience the pain of grief, the greater the possibility of overcoming its effects. Meditations can be extremely helpful during this time of bereavement. If we are mindful there is less tendency to delay the inevitable task of accepting the reality of the death and experiencing its pain. The more we avoids these tasks, the greater the tendency to experience disturbing emotions, thoughts, and develop avoidance behaviors that can linger indefinitely.
The best way to let go is to grieve. It takes courage to grieve, to honor the pain we carry. We can grieve in tears or in meditative silence, in prayer, or in song.
To mediate on grief, let yourself sit alone or with a friend. Take the time to create an atmosphere of support. Begin by sensing your breath. Feel your breathing in the area of your chest. Take one hand and hold it gently on your heart as if you were holding a vulnerable human being. You are.
As you continue to breathe, bring to mind the loss and pain you are grieving. Let the story, the images, the feelings come naturally. Hold them gently. Take your time. Let the feelings come layer by layer, a little at a time.
Keep breathing softly. Let whatever feelings are there; pain, tears, anger, love, fear and sorrow, come as they will. Touch them gently. Let them unravel out of your body and mind. Make space for any images that arise. Allow the whole story. Breathe and hold it all with compassion. Kindness for it all, for you and for others.
Hold it gently. Let it be honored. You do not have to keep it in anymore.
Processing the grief we carry is a long, tear-filled process. Yet it follows the natural intelligence of the body and heart. Trust it, and let it unfold. Along with meditation, some of your grief will want to be written, cried out, sung, and heard. As all this is done in time, it becomes evident that the experience of grief cannot be resolved by anyone other than the experiencer-  You.