Speaker says those coping with grief need to 'breathe in God's love'

Published: 2006-04-27

ATLANTA (CNS) -- Sometimes it's hard to remember to breathe, especially when one is grieving. It is during those times that Lorene Hanley Duquin finds the "breathing prayer" especially helpful. Duquin, the author of several books about grieving, taught the breathing prayer to those who attended her workshop, "What to Do When Bad Things Happen," at the National Catholic Educational Association convention April 19. The workshop was part of a convocation of the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors that was held during the NCEA's annual convention. Duquin encouraged workshop participants to stand and perform the breathing prayer. "Take a deep breath in, and breathe in God's love," she instructed. "Now breathe out all your tension. Take another breath in, breathing in God's love and now breathing out all your fear ... sadness ... anger and frustration." The workshop was full of parish religious educators and Catholic school staff members. Both groups were anxious to know more about how to help those who are dealing with loss, be it from death, divorce or job loss.

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