‘I still message him every three or four days, even though I am blocked’: Shikhar Dhawan on coping with separation from his son, embracing spirituality

The cricketer revealed that he embraces spirituality to stay connected with his 11-year-old son. “It has been two years since I have seen my son, one year since I last spoke to him. It has been difficult, but you learn to live with it. I miss him and speak to him spiritually… I feel through affirmations that I am conversing with him every day, hugging him. I put my energy into it spiritually. It is the only way I can bring back my son,” Dhawan added.

“I already feel that I’m with him, speaking to him, playing with him. When I sit for my meditation, I visualise those things,” he added. “My son is 11 years old now, but I have seen him for only two and-a-half years of his life.”

Dhawan’s situation raises important questions about the impact of divorce on both parents and children, especially when contact with one parent is restricted. His turn towards spirituality as a means of maintaining emotional connection offers an alternative perspective on dealing with such painful separations.

Impact of prolonged parental separation on a child’s emotional development

Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney tells indianexpress.com, “Parental absence, especially during a child’s formative years, can lead to attachment disruptions. Young children separated from a parent may develop anxious or avoidant attachment styles later in life. Emotional regulation can also become a challenge, as children rely on parental guidance to navigate feelings like sadness, anger, or frustration. Without this support, they may struggle to manage their emotions effectively.”

 

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Additionally, she states that prolonged separation — particularly if unexplained — can impact a child’s self-esteem and identity, leading to feelings of rejection or confusion about their self-worth. “Research indicates that children who experience parental absence without proper explanations may also be at a higher risk of anxiety and depression, as the uncertainty and emotional void can contribute to heightened stress levels,” Gursahaney adds.

However, resilience factors play a crucial role in mitigating these effects. A supportive environment, open communication with the present parent, and consistent reassurance about the absent parent’s love can help children cope better, fostering emotional stability and security.

Role of meditation, spirituality, and other evidence-based healing practices

Gursahaney explains, “Practicing mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools for reducing emotional distress, fostering inner peace, and maintaining a sense of connection despite physical absence. Similarly, engaging in spiritual practices such as prayer, energy work, or visualising a connection with a child can offer comfort and a feeling of emotional closeness.”

The expert adds that Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is another effective approach. It helps individuals restructure negative thought patterns and manage emotional distress more effectively. Alongside this, self-compassion practices—such as engaging in self-kindness rather than self-blame—can play a crucial role in building emotional resilience.

“Somatic healing techniques, including yoga, breathwork, and trauma-informed body movement, can also be beneficial in processing grief and stress stored in the body. Additionally, engaging in altruistic acts, such as supporting other children, mentoring, or participating in community work, can provide a sense of purpose and emotional relief, making the experience of separation more manageable,” concludes Gursahaney.