Question : We worry about getting through the holiday season without our loved

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment . The ultimate goal is to help shift your thoughts away from your usual preoccupations toward an appreciation of the moment and a larger perspective on life .

1 . Start by taking a single , deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth . Notice the sensations of each inhalation and exhalation . 2 . Tune in to your environment and engage your senses fully . Notice each sight , touch , and sound so that you savor every sensation . 3 . When you notice that your mind has wandered from what you are doing , gently bring your attention back to the sensations of the moment . 4 . Notice your throughts and emotions . Check in on how you ’ re feeling physically , mentally , and emotionally . one . Any suggestions on grieving through the New Year ?

Answer : As this challenging year comes to a close , and a new year is upon us , many grievers are deeply feeling their loss . When we are grieving , it is difficult enough to live each day as it comes , and it can be especially daunting to face a whole new year without our loved one . In longing to recover the past , we can sometimes feel resistance to accepting the New Year . Grief weighs heavy on us today , and we may fear the New Year won ’ t hold anything different for us or even worse , more loss . We may pine for the person we miss and the precious past we shared . Those around us may be full of energy and New Year ’ s resolutions ; however , if you are among those who have experienced the loss of a loved one , the typical sentiments may ring hollow for you as the calendar turns . It may be helpful to consider a different sort of New Year ’ s resolution — a set of suggestions suited especially for those who are entering a season of their lives grieving someone whom they loved . Below are some examples of possible resolutions .

* I resolve to not place time limits on my grief ; it will take as long as it takes . * I resolve to not be pressured by “ shoulds .” * I resolve to continue to speak my loved one ’ s name , tell our stories and embrace my memories . * I resolve to be mindful of needs for flexibility when it comes to the expectations of others / myself . * I resolve to find some little way each day to begin to reinvest in life , in an effort to move toward hope and a sense of purpose .