Suffering Loneliness or Loss? Try a Heart Meditation

The ache of loss is difficult to bear, and often the worst part is the fear that nothing exists behind the ache except a void. Know that emptiness is an illusion. No matter how much you have suffered, your soul sees you as whole.

Affirm today that you share this vision and have the intention to allow the light of spirit to come in and fill any voids it may find. To aid in this repair, close your eyes and see white light surrounding you like a bubble or cocoon. Visualize the light filling the entire space within you, seeking out rifts, tears, holes, and gaps. Ask for these to be completely filled with light.

One of the worst parts of suffering a great loss is the feeling of utter isolation. The problem of loneliness, which exists for countless people, requires deeper healing than simply seeking out company. Loneliness can happen in a crowd and may feel most intense when you find yourself alone on a packed city street.

As a child it was easier to cure loneliness, because the presence of a parent was enough to offer reassurance. As an adult, loneliness becomes more existential – it feels as if you have been abandoned, yet you cannot say by whom.

Invite spirit in with a meditation on the heart. Sit quietly for a moment, placing your attention on your heart, at the center of your chest under the breastbone. When you are settled, repeat the word “peace” silently, and see its influence radiating out from your body in all directions. Do this three times, and then say the word “happiness” the same way. Repeat three times, then go on to “harmony,” “laughter,” and “love.”

Sit quietly for a few minutes after each session with eyes closed and simply appreciate the simplicity of quiet awareness. End it by sitting quietly and asking to be allowed into the refuge of your heart. Feel your heart as a soft, warm enclosure; settle there with your attention, and rest as long as you wish. If you repeat this technique enough times, you will find that the presence of spirit is very real and accessible.

Adapted from The Deeper Wound: Recovering the Soul from Fear and Suffering, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2001).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Eternal G.

7:10PM PDT on Jul 20, 2011

Might do...

send a green star

Judith V.

5:55PM PDT on Jul 16, 2011

...When you are a 'light to the world'...there are dynamics that arise. Then we see what is in ourselves.

Ji H.

11:28AM PDT on Jul 11, 2011

I have experienced a lot of loss, sorrow, loneliness, but there is HOPE. For many years I have been a hospice volunteer. Having once been a recipient of the care, my synonym for hospice is compassion! It is a compassionate effort to provide care and support for the suffering and the grieving. It is an opportunity and a privilege to offer oneself to such a profound, caring effort.

Maree Ann P.

2:26AM PDT on Jul 9, 2011

I am going to do this meditation, and i believe i will be whole again, thankyou deepak your articles are always helpful

Basim N.

2:21AM PDT on Jul 9, 2011

Thank you so much. I'm gonna try it out. ^^

Sharon F.

1:55AM PDT on Jul 9, 2011

An article I definitely needed to read! I constantly find myself in small conversations with my Higher Power and then I remember the words, "FEAR NOT FOR I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU." This brings me comfort especially, the times we are living in. Love, Hugs and Kindness to all!!! O:-)

Tom M.

7:19PM PDT on Jul 7, 2011

Well, I'm going through some grief and loneliness right now... I just gave it a try. Helped a bit, though I've been finding it more powerful to talk to myself in really loving ways - "Tom, I accept your __________ (whatever I'm feeling in the moment) and I love you."

Loo S.

thanks for sharing.

Marilyn NOfwds D.

12:11PM PDT on Jul 7, 2011

This is an excellent article and it works. I lost my whole family too young, but I've been meditating since they were all alive, and it helped me cope with enormous tragedy and loss, even though I had no spouse or partner at the time and was alone.
Trust yourself.

Alexandra R.

2:53AM PDT on Jul 7, 2011

Good article.