ANN/THE DAILY STAR – Yoga holds a special place in my heart, not just for keeping me physically fit and robust for the last two decades, but also for being a source of solace during times of loss and heartbreak. In navigating the complex terrain of grief, yoga has been instrumental in addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions of this arduous journey. Engaging in deep meditation, particularly on forgiveness, compassion, and gratitude, has wielded profound healing effects on my being.
Recognising that grief can manifest as tension, tightness, and emotional distress within the body, I’ve found that yoga poses offer a holistic approach, providing relief and aiding in the release of pent-up sorrow.
Let’s delve into how these poses can play a pivotal role in the process of letting go and healing from grief.
PHYSICAL TENSION RELEASE
Grief often leads to physical tension and tightness, especially in the chest, shoulders, and neck.
Gentle stretching and yoga poses can target these areas, helping to release muscular tension and create a sense of physical relief.
For me, I store all my emotions in my hips, leading to lower back pain. Yoga also helps reduce this.
DEEP BREATHING
Yoga incorporates deep and mindful breathing. Breathing exercises can help us become more aware of our breath, which can be shallow and constricted during times of grief.
Deep, intentional breaths can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety associated with grief.
EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION
Some yoga poses, such as heart-opening and hip-opening poses, can allow for the release of stored emotions.
Grief can often be accompanied by suppressed emotions, and yoga can provide a safe space to express and process these feelings.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION
Yoga encourages mindfulness and self-awareness.
Practices like meditation and body scanning can help us explore and acknowledge grief without judgement.
This can lead to a deeper understanding of the grief process and facilitate its release.
GROUNDING AND CENTERING
Grief can make us feel emotionally ungrounded and scattered.
Yoga poses that emphasise balance and stability, such as standing poses and grounding postures, can help us regain a sense of centredness and stability.
Furthermore, the rhythm of a regular practice becomes an anchor in turbulent times.
SELF-COMPASSION AND FORGIVENESS
Yoga philosophy calls for self-compassion and self-acceptance.
Engaging in yoga can help us cultivate a sense of kindness and gentleness toward ourselves during a difficult time like grief.
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
Participating in a yoga class or group can provide a sense of community and support.
Sharing the practice with others who may be experiencing similar emotions can help us feel less isolated.
It’s essential to approach yoga as a complementary practice to support the grief process, not as a replacement for professional grief counselling or therapy when needed.
If you are experiencing profound grief, you should talk to friends and seek the guidance of a mental health professional to help you navigate through your emotions and grief journey effectively.
Yoga can be a valuable tool in conjunction with other forms of therapy and support. – Shazia Omar
