Grief is present in our lives in many ways and for many reasons. Certainly the loss of a loved one but also losing a job, a relationship, a dream. Finding opportunities to dive deeper into listening to our grief can be difficult. The practices incorporated in this series will allow our nervous system to slow and calm, to restore and balance. Using movement, rest, aromatherapy, breathing techniques and more, we will take the time to be present with whatever phase of grief we find ourselves in right now.

During this 4-week series you’ll open up to grief in several ways:

• Guided meditation and breath awareness

• Hatha and Restorative Yoga 

• Poetry reading/sharing

• Journaling with prompts (notebooks and pens provided)

• Aroma Acutouch with essential oils — from Monica, a LMT. 

Sitting meditation with breath awareness will set the tone, allowing our sensations and emotions to be calmed and centered. Moving our bodies while listening to poetry can help release what we are holding. We will pause at moments, using gentle movement to listen, process and integrate our full experience. Journaling with prompts will allow us to express our grief in yet another way – through the written word. 

Monica will offer Aroma Acutouch: a gentle touch to head, hands or feet during the restorative portion of class. This practice synergizes the healing power of essential oils with acupressure's potent points. You can easily opt out of this treatment and, if you are sensitive to certain plants or smells, this series may not be for you.

During our third week we will offer time for sharing briefly with the group. You are not obligated to. Sharing can be something as simple as saying a name, sharing a picture or momento, or even something you have written during journaling time.

We will be creating a circle of trust and request that each of us honor each other's privacy and any shared confidences.
 

Please note:

This class is for those wanting to process whatever grief they might be experiencing with these practices/tools of meditation, yoga, breathwork and gentle touch. This is not a therapy series or session and we encourage anyone needing individualized grief support to contact a professional therapist.​​

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