7 Powerful Ways that Yoga Can Help Heal Your Grief

mama, only you can choose healthy ways to release your emotions.

When we mourn the death of a child, our entire being is affected. Such a strong and complex emotion, grief can have a significant impact on our life force energy. I’m sure you’re familiar with that deep, pervasive fatigue that can be all-consuming and relentless. The kind of tired that sleep won’t fix. (Hello, grief exhaustion.)

I remember the early days when I did not, could not, get out of bed. The thought of doing anything at all was overwhelming. Yet, on the days when I managed to drag myself to my yoga mat, I felt significantly better. There was a sort of magical release that happened on the mat. And when I left it, I felt a little bit lighter and even a little bit stronger.

Here’s why:

1. Physical Release

Grief can often manifest in the body as tension and stress. Yoga postures (asanas) help release physical tension, especially in areas like the chest, shoulders, and hips, which can hold a lot of emotional energy during times of grief.

2. Breath Awareness

Yoga places significant emphasis on breath awareness and control. Deep, mindful breathing helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress, allowing for a more balanced flow of energy within the body. Focused breathing can also help ease the emotional turbulence that comes with grief.

3. Reconnection to the Body

Birth trauma can lead to feelings of dissociation and disconnection from the body. Yoga encourages us to focus on bodily sensations and present-moment awareness, fostering a gradual and gentle reconnection with our physical selves. This process allows the development of a greater sense of embodiment and self-awareness, supporting the healing journey.

4. Meditation and Mindfulness

Yoga often incorporates meditation and mindfulness practices. These techniques can help us acknowledge and process our emotions, including grief, in a more constructive way. By being present with our emotions, we can gradually work through the grieving process and restore a sense of balance.

5. Energy Flow and Chakra Alignment

Yoga practices may involve specific poses and visualizations to activate and balance the chakras, which can be beneficial for overall energy flow and emotional well-being. Also, by releasing physical tension, the flow of energy (including chi, life force energy) within the body can be improved.

6. Self-Care and Compassion

Grief can be emotionally and physically draining, making self-care essential. Engaging in regular yoga practice can foster a sense of self-compassion, allowing individuals to be kinder to themselves during challenging times.

7. Community and Support

Participating in yoga classes or joining a yoga community can provide a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others and share their experiences. The sense of belonging and support can be valuable during the grieving process. (I met some of my besties there!)

Intrigued? Consider finding a yoga class near you. (MindBodyOnline is a great directory where you can search based on your location.) It might be helpful to start with slow flow and restorative practices, especially if you have not done yoga before.

There are also online yoga classes specific to grief. I cannot recommend Paul Denniston (the founder of Grief Yoga®) enough. He has several free offerings on his website, no strings attached.

I found it helpful to pair my yoga practice with a healing affirmation supportive of my current emotional state. For example, you may try repeating this phrase from the Light in Loss deck:

I find healthy ways to release my emotions.

In love, light, and healing,

Vera

xoxo

PS – I just remembered this reel I made about yoga last year! I was so grateful to have found it. ????

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Resonating Soul (@resonatingsoulwellness)