Navigating Grief and the Breathwork Connection
Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, touching us deeply and shaping our lives in profound ways. It can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to find a way out.
The ex-husband of a close friend of mine recently passed away after a seven month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 54 years old and left behind a 22-year-old daughter whom he loved more than anything in the world. I knew him for many years as a handsome, athletic man with a mild manner and infectious smile. As his fight with cancer neared its end, his tall stature emphasized his hollowed out body…and yet his smile and charm remained. Those who cared for and loved him are grateful he is now free from pain, but for them the grieving process now begins.
People’s reactions to grief are varied and it often seems easiest to simply return to our busy lives rather than take the needed time to grieve. However, it is essential to express the related emotions rather than to have grief manifest itself over time in forms such as anger or depression.
How Breathwork Can Help
Our breath is intricately linked to our emotional state. When we are anxious or stressed, our breathing becomes shallow and rapid. Conversely, when we are calm and at peace, our breath is slow and deep. Grief can create a constriction in our chest, making it difficult to breathe fully. This is not just a physical response but also an emotional one, as our breath mirrors the heaviness of any sorrow we feel.
Breathwork is a proven therapeutic practice that involves consciously controlling the breath to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Here are some ways breathwork can support us in the process of grieving:
Releases Emotional Blockages: Grief often leads to suppressed emotions. Biodynamic breathwork can help release pent-up feelings, allowing us to process and move through these feelings more effectively. Trauma release breathwork is proven to be especially powerful.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: By focusing on our breath and increasing the length of the exhale, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This can be incredibly soothing when we feel overwhelmed with grief or other emotions.
Enhances Mind-Body Connection: Breathwork can foster a deep connection between mind and body, helping us stay grounded. When we feel deeply affected by loss, dissociation or numbness can occur. Using our breath to stay embodied can help us find the place where grief has settled in the body, thereby allowing us to bring our attention and breath to this area to ignite the release process.
Provides a Sense of Control: Practicing breathwork can give us a sense of control over our body and emotions, empowering us to navigate the grief journey with greater resilience.
We will all experience grief at some point, and breathwork is a powerful ally which helps connect us with our emotions and bodies. Through breathwork we will find moments of calm and centeredness. In my practice, I regularly help people work through grief and other emotions by guiding them through conscious, connected breathing patterns and exercises. I’d be honored to support you as well.
