Mind

Trauma Informed Meditation And Grief

Ashley Waite

Numerous studies have shown that a consistent, eight week meditation program is all it takes for individuals to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, stress and irritability, while simultaneously building resilience.


Over time, a meditation practice can change the brain by decreasing the size of the amygdala, and increasing function of the frontal lobes which controls our emotions, personality and executive functioning abilities.


While there is strong evidence to suggest that meditation can facilitate emotional and psychological healing, it is also important to recognize that meditation can cause distress to individuals who have unresolved trauma.


If you have experienced a traumatic loss, Jeff Tarrant, Ph.D., BCN suggests the following ways to incorporate a trauma-informed approach to your meditation practice:


1.) Begin with a shorter meditation practice with permission to interrupt at any point.


2.) If you feel overwhelmed by your subconscious during your practice, consider trying grounding techniques such as using calming self-talk to orient yourself to the present moment, move in place with gentle stretching, and re-focusing on your breath.


With trauma-informed tools, survivors of loss can reap the benefits of meditation and build resilience as you navigate your personal grief journey.


If you'd like to learn more about this topic, we invite you to watch this video.

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