When a loved one is struggling
How to offer spiritual support
When a loved one receives a difficult diagnosis and is facing uncertain treatment and outcomes, we can feel anxious and helpless. By first allowing ourselves to experience our own emotions and feel compassion for ourselves, we’re then better able to offer support to those we love.
I’m a licensed mental health counselor who enjoys sharing mindful meditations and information about mindfulness. Below is a transcript of a meditation I led on this topic, and at the end of the article, you’ll find a link to the meditation video. In this meditation, the group I led prayed and extended their hearts to their own loved ones and to those who would eventually watch the recording and those they love.
Meditation Transcript
Let’s begin this time of meditation and wishes and prayers of support and comfort by first coming into ourselves and transitioning into this time of cloistering, of opening our hearts, and uttering those fears that we might have for those we love.
You can close your eyes if that’s comfortable for you. It’s also fine to have them open.
If you’re sitting, notice that you are supported by whatever you are sitting on, and by the ground beneath your feet. You are rooted, you are anchored, you are grounded in this moment.