Sacred Stomp Day 3

Honoring Grief

Today we distinguish grief from anger - both sacred, both different.

Alternative Insights:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs hold grief. 

In astrology, Gemini rules the lungs, and the story of the Gemini twins is one of love, loyalty, and grief healed. Castor and Pollux were the sons of Leda, but while Pollux was immortal, being the son of Zeus, Castor was mortal.

The twins were inseparable and known for their bravery and skill in battle, but tragedy struck when Castor was fatally wounded in a fight. Heartbroken, Pollux begged Zeus to let him share his immortality with his brother. Moved by Pollux's love, Zeus honored their bond by placing them together in the stars as the constellation Gemini, allowing them to be united forever in the night sky.

The story of Castor and Pollux tells us that our deepest grief is for our mortal relationship with our immortal self, and when we can connect with that, we can be healed. 

Your Brain on Big Feelings: Grief vs. Anger Made Simple

Ever wonder why grief feels so different from anger? Turns out, these emotions take very different routes in your brain's emotional highway system! Let's break it down:

When You're Grieving 💔

Think of grief like flipping through an old photo album in your mind. Your brain's memory centers light up, helping you hold onto precious moments. Meanwhile, the same area that makes you crave chocolate cake starts working overtime – except now it's making you yearn for the person you miss. It's like your brain's way of keeping their memory alive and well.

When You're Angry 😠

Anger is more like your brain's home security system. Alarms go off, your body gets ready for action, and your mind zooms in on whatever's bugging you. Your blood pressure might spike, and suddenly, you're all about solving the problem – or at least giving it a piece of your mind!

The Bottom Line

While both feelings can show up during tough times, they're like distant cousins at a family reunion – related but totally different! Grief has you looking back and holding on, while anger pushes you to act right now. Both are normal ways your brain helps you deal with life's ups and downs.

Remember: Whether you're grieving or angry (or both!), your brain is just trying its best to help you cope. ❤️

Today's Sacred Stomp

Adding to our practice:

• Stomp for two minutes, but this time with slower, more intentional stomps

• Focus on the lifting of feet (release) as much as the stomping (expression)

• Notice the space between movements

• Allow any tears that want to come

Science Says:

• Grief needs rhythm for processing

• Movement helps prevent grief from becoming stuck

• Your vagus nerve responds to gentle, regular movement

Remember:

• This is your grief to honor

• No timeline required

• Modification is always available

Day 4: Explore how stomping strengthens your spirit and your bones.

Holding space for all you carry,

Melanie