It is not only the fresh air and the walking but also the changed breathing pattern that helps me to relax and open my mind to new insights.
Grieving can be a very physical sensation. There might be tension in our shoulders, back pain, or our nervous system becomes out of balance. The shock of the reality we are facing can lead us to a state of fight-flight response. Our body reacts with stress symptoms like shallow breathing, a compromised immune system, our logical thinking might be impaired too, while we try to comprehend what has happened to our life as we knew it.
What can we do to find a new balance and taking care of ourselves?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine the lungs are a key area where we might hold the energy of grief.
It is a good idea to open up our lungs by breathing deeply.
This can be accomplished by
- standing or sitting
- open up your arms wide as if you would want to embrace someone (breathe in)
- give yourself a hug (breathing out)
Repeat as many times as you wish. I find 3-5 times a good number.
After you release your arms to your side take a deep breath and let it out with a sigh.
If at any point you feel tears well up please give yourself the space to cry.
Tears are a sign that our well of love is overflowing.
Let the tears flow. By doing so you acknowledge your feelings. You release energy that might otherwise block you from moving forward.
Let me know what your go to moves are so that I can share them with others.