In a situation where we are experiencing loss or the threat of loss, there is a strong need to change our state of consciousness, to spend some time in an altered state of consciousness. Don’t worry if you do not have a formal meditation practice. I’d like to share with you a simple process that I have used. Take it and make your own variations. There really is no right or wrong way to do it.
Start by creating a space that indigenous people would call a “sacred space.” Candles or stones can help to delineate this space, perhaps a circle, and it can be anywhere, in your living room or bedroom, in a hotel room, or in a park. You may bring a picture of someone you are concerned about, and give it a place of honor in the space.
Sit inside this circle that you have defined. Focus on your breath and allow whatever thoughts and feelings that might arise.
Listen. Notice any sensations that become prominent in your body. Send your breath to those places that seem to call to you.
Always come back to the breath, to the present moment.
You may experiment with walking with awareness of each step on the outside of the circle, accompanying your steps to the rhythm of your breath.
Then step into the center of the circle and stand in stillness. If it feels right, you may hold the picture of the person you are concerned about and carry it with you as you exit the circle and walk around the circle in the opposite direction from where you began.
And after a few minutes, thank yourself for taking this time to tune in to your deepest self.
