Finding Light in Grief: A Reflection on Hearned It: Yoga
On March 6, 2024, we came together for the second installment of Hearned It, where 39 souls joined in a shared intention of remembrance and healing. With hearts full of hope and gratitude for every breath, the participants were led by my zone of expertise. As we settled into the beautifully transformed room, the heaviness of grief began to ease, making way for collective feelings of peace and healing.
I encouraged us to honor our emotions, to embrace them as sacred messengers of our grief. Like the ebb and flow of a tide, we surrendered to our breath and heartbeat, allowing the surrender to carry us into the depths of acceptance. Using gentle asanas and mindful meditation, we discovered that within the depths of grief lies the seeds of transformation, waiting to bloom into healing and new beginnings.
This gentle yoga for grief was more than just a yoga session; it was a celebration of life, a testament to the enduring legacy of love. As we moved through the commemoration week, we were reminded of the power of the collective community, of the strength that lies in our shared stories and shared sorrows. Through our practice, we honored not only the memory of Hearn and our loved ones, but also the countless souls who have touched our lives with their light.
We discover that grief is not an end but a beginning, a journey of transformation and renewal. With each intentional movement and breath, we honored our own individual gift of life and the love that emerges from grief.
Understanding Grief in the Body
Grief, an intrinsic part of the human experience, often manifests not only in the mind but also in the body. It is stored in the tension of our muscles, the shallowness of our breath, and the knots within our being. For many, the journey through grief can feel like navigating a labyrinth of emotions, with no clear path to healing. However, practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork offer a guiding light towards deep release.
Yoga: Reconnecting with the Body
Yoga and its profound movements, provides a means of reconnecting with the body and releasing stored tension. Through asanas (poses) that stretch and strengthen the muscles, yoga helps you find awareness of physical sensations, allowing them to unearth and release buried emotions. During the Gentle Yoga for Grief session, participants found peace as they flowed through each posture, surrendering to the present moment and embracing the release that comes with it.
Meditation: Reconnecting with the Present
Meditation, another pillar of healing, offers a sacred space for the mind amidst the turbulence of grief. By quieting the chatter of your thoughts, you can intentionally tap into a deeper sense of inner peace and clarity. Through guided meditations to start the Gentle Yoga for Grief session, participants were encouraged to explore the landscape of their emotions with grace and curiosity, acknowledging the pain while also nurturing the presence of healing within.
Breathwork: Bridging Body and Mind
Breathwork, perhaps the most elemental of practices, serves as a bridge between the body and the mind, offering a pathway to release and renewal. Deep, intentional breathing not only oxygenates the body but also calms the nervous system, allowing for the dissolution of emotional blockages. Using elements of box breathing, participants invited their breath to help them to surrender to the ebb and flow of their mind.
Box breathing, a powerful technique rooted in mindfulness and rhythmic breath control, offers a pathway of moving grief throughout the body. Through its structured pattern of inhalation, holding, exhalation, and holding again—each phase aligned with a specific count—box breathing guides one into a state of deep relaxation and introspection. This intentional focus on breath helps individuals to release pent-up emotions and stagnant energy associated with grief. As the breath moves in and out in a balanced cadence, it serves as a conduit for the movement of grief, dispersing its heaviness and facilitating clarity within the body and mind.
Affirmations For Grief
I embrace my grief, recognizing it as the pathway to healing.
With grace and courage, I navigate sorrow, emerging stronger than ever before.
My journey is one of healing and growth.
I honor the legacy of loved ones, carrying their light with gratitude.
I honor my emotions as sacred messengers of grief.
I am ready to bloom anew through grief's journey.
Always Remember:
You deserve healing and restoration
If you're experiencing grief, intentionally make way for a sense of peace and healing. Within you lies a beautiful capacity for healing. Utilize your body, mind, and breath as conduits for healing and restoration. You deserve it.
Let's honor Hearn's memory and be part of his legacy by supporting the Healthy Kids Running Series. Every dollar raised goes directly to these deserving kids. Join us in making a difference today!