Brahmacharya: The Right Use of Energy While Grieving
Welcome to the fourth post in our new monthly series, which delves into the ancient wisdom of yoga and its profound philosophies. Laura Walton, the founder of lovelew, attests to yoga's incredible healing powers, especially in navigating the turbulent waters of grief. With its deep roots and comprehensive practices, yoga offers a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with their bodies and find grounding when other connections seem lost.
Each month, we will explore a different facet of yoga, deepening our understanding of how these practices can support and transform your journey through grief.
This series is not about mastering physical flexibility (although that’s a welcome benefit); it’s about fostering a connection between mind, body, and heart. Through time and practice, yoga can help you find a way to move through your grief.
Yoga isn't just the latest Instagram trend. It's a way of life. An ancient practice, philosophy, and purpose. It’s helpful to consider all 8 limbs of yoga and remember the original intention of yoga. To truly grasp its essence, we must dive into The Eight Limbs of Yoga, starring the yamas and niyamas. Each limb is a step and guidepost leading us onto the path of self-actualization. The yamas and niyamas are the first two practices of yoga. When we focus on these, they light the way for the rest.
Grieving the death of a partner is an intensely personal journey, one that can significantly disrupt your emotional and energetic balance. During this time, understanding and practicing Brahmacharya, a principle often discussed in yoga, can offer profound insights into managing your energy more wisely. Brahmacharya, traditionally associated with celibacy and restraint, in a broader sense, emphasizes the right use of energy—urging us to seek balance in all aspects of life, especially in times of profound change.
Understanding Brahmacharya in the Context of Grief
Brahmacharya is not about strict abstinence; instead, it's about finding equilibrium. It teaches us to avoid excess and focus on moderation, allowing us to conserve energy and use it in healing and productive ways. This is particularly crucial when grieving, as our emotional reserves are often severely depleted.
Applying Brahmacharya to Daily Life
Moderation of Activities: After your partner’s death, you might be swinging between extremes—perhaps throwing yourself into work or withdrawing entirely into solitude. Brahmacharya invites you to find a middle path. It’s not about avoiding the occasional Netflix binge or social gathering; rather, it’s about listening to your inner voice when it tells you what’s enough, whether it’s screen time, socializing, or solitude.
Mindful Consumption: This applies to the media we consume, the food we eat, and our interactions. Mindful consumption can help maintain a clearer headspace and prevent additional emotional strain. If you’re feeling vulnerable, choose uplifting and gentle content, nourish your body with wholesome foods, and surround yourself with people who replenish rather than drain your energy.
Energy Investment: Reflect on where and with whom you invest your energy. Are these investments draining your reserves or enriching you? Spending time in activities or with people that align with your values can lead to more significant energy conservation and satisfaction.
Integrating Brahmacharya with Grief Support
In The Light After, a digital course designed for young women grieving the sudden death of their partners, Brahmacharya’s principles are woven into various aspects of the program. Here’s how:
Structured Reflection and Activities: The course includes guided journaling prompts and mindful activities tailored to help you balance your energy expenditure and encourage you to invest in actions that foster healing and personal growth.
Processing and Solitude: You’ll find time for solitary reflection, which is crucial for the deeply personal aspect of moving through grief on your own timeline.
Mindful Movement: Incorporating gentle yoga poses that encourage stability and calm, helping to restore physical and emotional balance.
Embracing Brahmacharya During the Fall Equinox
As we approach the fall equinox, a time of natural balance where day and night are of equal length, it’s a poignant moment to reflect on how we can bring balance into our lives amidst grief. Here are a few suggestions:
Equinox Rituals: Consider simple rituals like writing down what you wish to release (grief-related fears or behaviors that aren’t serving you) and what you want to embrace (actions that help you heal and grow) in the coming months.
Nature Walks: Engage in mindful walks through nature to observe the balance in the natural world, reminding you that life is a cycle of giving and taking, holding on and letting go.
Conclusion
When integrated into the grief process, Brahmacharya offers more than just a strategy for energy management—it provides a compassionate framework for healing. As you navigate your journey through grief, consider how this principle might help you survive and thrive, finding a new rhythm in life that honors where you’ve been and where you are going.
For those looking for guided support, consider joining The Light After, where the teachings of Brahmacharya and other healing principles can help you find balance and peace on your journey through grief.
Navigating grief is never easy, but with the right tools and support, you can find a path that feels balanced and true to your needs, helping you move forward with grace and strength.
