Finding Peace and Hope After Loss: The Right Tools for Your Healing Journey

Embracing Inner Peace and Healing

When I first started writing this newsletter, I promised myself I’d never write about my toaster. I’d just received an email from someone who’d bought a toaster. That’s all she wrote about. I love finding meaningful connections in the ordinary, but I didn’t want my stories to be a simple diary, a list of what I did that day or what I bought. I wanted there to be a purpose to my story.

And yet today, I’m going to write about my toaster. We used to have a fancy all-in-one toaster that combined an oven with an air fryer, with dozens of complicated choices that I could never figure out. I couldn’t even tell if the machine was off!

It failed miserably when it came to making toast. It dried it out, almost dehydrating the slice until it tasted like stale bread instead of toast. When it finally broke, my husband bought a simple toaster, the kind where you slip the bread into a slot and press down. That’s it.

It makes incredible toast.

It made me realize that you need to have the right tool. I talk about this a lot with my meditation clients. Sometimes, they’ll tell me they’ve tried meditating but couldn’t sit still. They couldn’t calm their racing thoughts or focus on their breathing.

And that’s when I tell them they haven’t discovered the right meditation for what they need. There are so many different kinds of meditations and different mindfulness exercises. And we can layer in music and other anchors. So it’s not that they can’t meditate; they just haven’t found the right tool.

Just like the simple toaster made incredible toast, the right meditation practice can make all the difference in your mindfulness journey. Some people find peace in guided meditations, where a calm voice leads them through a visualization. Others prefer silent meditation, focusing solely on their breath. For some, movement-based practices like yoga or tai chi provide the anchor they need to stay present.

Building Your Box of Tools

It’s the same thing with grief. The tool we reach for one day might not work the next day. We need to have a box of tools that can help us. Grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and neither are the tools we use to navigate it. Some days, you might find solace in a quiet meditation session. Other days, listening to calming music or writing in your journal might be more helpful.

Healing Music

At Strings of Zen, we believe in the power of music to heal. Harp healing, in particular, has been shown to calm the mind and soothe the soul. When combined with meditation, the gentle sounds of the harp can help create a serene environment, making it easier to find inner peace.

Whether you're writing about your daily experiences, processing your grief, or simply jotting down what you're grateful for, journaling can be incredibly therapeutic.

Mindfulness Meditation

Practicing mindfulness meditation can help you stay present and connected to your emotions. It involves focusing on your breath or a particular object to anchor your mind, allowing you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice reduces stress, increases emotional awareness, and promotes a sense of calm.

Guided Meditation

Guided meditations are led by a narrator who provides directions and visualizations to help you relax and focus. These meditations can be tailored specifically for grief and healing. They offer structured support, enhance relaxation, and help with emotional processing.

Nature Walks

Spending time in nature and engaging in mindful walking can be incredibly therapeutic. Focus on the sights, sounds, and smells around you to stay present and grounded. This practice reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances overall well-being.

Journaling

Journaling is another powerful tool in your healing journey. It allows you to express your thoughts and emotions freely, providing a safe space for reflection and self-discovery. Whether you're writing about your daily experiences, processing your grief, or simply jotting down what you're grateful for, journaling can be incredibly therapeutic.

Creative Expression

Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, or crafting can be a powerful outlet for expressing your emotions. Creativity allows you to process grief in a non-verbal way. This practice provides emotional release, encourages self-expression, and promotes healing.

Support Groups

Joining a grief support group can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing your experiences with others who are also grieving can be comforting and validating. This practice reduces feelings of isolation, provides emotional support, and offers a safe space to share your story.

Your Path to Inner Peace

At Strings of Zen, I am here to support you on your journey. Whether you’re just beginning to explore mindfulness or looking for new ways to deepen your practice, we offer a range of resources to help you find light after loss. Explore our programs and discover the transformative power of mindfulness, music, and journaling.

Find the tools that work for you and embrace your journey to inner peace and healing.

And buy the right toaster!