I do not have experience with yoga or meditation. Is the Mindful Grieving Program for me?

YES! The Mindful Grieving Yoga Therapy group is accessible to all bodies and all levels of experience. I will offer variations and options throughout the program. The meditation and yoga poses can be done on a yoga mat or in a chair. I will do my best to meet you EXACTLY where you are.

What types of loss and grief are explored in these groups?

Any and all. Every type of grief and loss is valid and deserves to be witnessed and attended to. This can include losses such as the death of a loved one, pet, miscarriage or pregnancy loss, infertility, divorce, loss of health through an illness, job loss or transition, collective grief and many others.

There are types of grief and loss that are so commonly experienced but rarely named. The Mindful Grieving group is a space to consider exploring these losses. Disenfranchised grief is a form of loss that isn’t openly acknowledged or supported communally in ways that other losses are. Examples of disenfranchised grief include divorce, pregnancy loss, losing a loved one to suicide or drug overdose, the loss associated with sexual assault, a breakup, the loss of normalcy associated with the pandemic and many others.

Another type of loss that can be addressed in Mindful Grieving is ambiguous loss. This is a type of loss that doesn’t have a sense of closure around it. For example, this could include a death of a loved one where the cause of death was unknown, or the person was missing. This also includes losses where estrangement or loss of contact occurs such as in adoption, divorce, or incarceration. Ambiguous losses also include loss of someone’s personality or health such as with dementia, depression, substance use disorders or traumatic brain injury.

What can I expect in a typical 2-hour group?

Each week the format is similar.

• Welcome and Introduction of the Theme (5-10 minutes)

• Four Body Centering Meditation (10 minutes)

• Journaling (5-10 minutes)

• Group Sharing (30-45 minutes)

• Movement Practice/Relaxation (30-45 minutes)

• Integration Meditation (5 minutes)

Is there any special equipment that I need?

No. A yoga mat would be helpful but isn’t required. If you have access to props such as a block, strap or bolster you can use those for additional support, but they are never required. A journal or something to write in is helpful.

How is the program different than grief support groups?

The Mindful Grieving Program is unique in that it focuses on a somatic or body-based approach to tending to our grief. This means that we listen and focus on our bodily sensations, emotion in our body, and our breath as signals and sources of wisdom as we consider our grief and loss. Grief and trauma are stored in our bodies and in order for shifts and transformations to occur must be approached in a body-based way. Yoga is a really wonderful container for listening to and connecting to our body in a slow and gentle way.

The other unique part of the program is the structure of the sharing circle. Each class you are invited to share from your heart. You can always pass and are never required to share. We uphold sharing agreements that include confidentiality, no cross talk, advice giving, or sharing of graphic details. We create safe boundaries individually and as a group, so it feels like a safe space to express ourselves. After you share, I will provide a brief reflection back to you, honoring the wisdom of your experience and your unique expression of grief and loss.

What if I have to miss a session due to a conflict?

It is common for something to come up during a 6 week or 6 month program. If you have to miss a session, you will still receive an audio recording of the dharma talk and meditation. I will also send the journal questions out in an email each week along with any other resources we may have mentioned in the group that week. I recommend prioritizing trying to attend as many of the sessions as possible, but totally understand that life happens so you may have to miss some sessions.