There is no doubt that grief changes you. You are forced to find ways to accommodate the pain and all the other changes that follow your loss. It is likely that you view yourself, other people, and the world through a new lens, and it can be helpful to take stock of the ways you have changed and what really matters to you now.

Of course change doesn't always lead to positive transformation. But if you are practicing mindfulness, there is a good chance you will see evidence of posttraumatic growth. This is called the mindfulness-to-meaning theory, “a process which motivates values-driven behavior and engenders a deeper sense of purpose and self-actualization” (Garland, 2015).

There is a right timing when it comes to approaching this topic. Distance is required to view what is behind us and how far we have come, so if you are early in your grief, use your inner wisdom to decide if this is a practice you want to do now.

If not now, try it when you have a solid grasp on the grounding techniques that help you take care of yourself when you feel overwhelmed.

Warnings aside, this is a powerful practice to help you move forward, which is quite different from moving on. We always carry our love and our loss. But that doesn't mean we stop living.

May this help you find direction and meaning in your life.

This practice is inspired by page 99 in the guided journal, From Grief To Peace.