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Bereavement support options now include yoga

by Pam Eimers

When a loved one dies, we lose more than their presence in our lives; we lose a part of ourselves. Suddenly our focus and purpose in life may come into question. We may feel cut off from the world and aimless, even in the face of job and family commitments. This is a natural and expected response to death, and it is intensely stressful.
 
“The death of a loved one affects us cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually,” says Robyn Burris, Bereavement Services Manager for Yolo Hospice. “Our body, mind and soul, in a sense, become depleted by our grief.”

Cognitively we may become forgetful or indecisive, have trouble focusing our attention, or become obsessive with our thoughts.

Sadness, guilt, yearning, fear, panic and loneliness are all normal emotional reactions to a death.

Physical reactions may include sleeplessness, muscle tension, shallow breathing, lethargy or hyperactivity or changes in appetite,

Spiritually we may feel numb, a lack of joy, or may feel anger with God.

“All these reactions are absolutely normal,” says Burris, “and it takes time and effort to work through grief.”

Yolo Hospice offers several options for support to adults, teenagers and children grieving a death. Anyone of any age may receive individual bereavement counseling, whether or not the deceased was on hospice services. “This is a service we provide, without fees, because we know how important it is to deal effectively with grief in order to move forward,” says Burris.

Group support is also offered throughout the year. Art therapy groups are offered for both children and teens. “Children and teenagers process grief differently,” says Joanne Moylan-Aube, Yolo Hospice bereavement counselor. “Young people may not be able to put words to their feelings, but they can express them through a creative process,” she explains.

Adults may choose from two groups: Developing a Support System Through Shared Experience, which follows a standard support group structure and process; or Body/Mind Care Through Yoga & Breathing Techniques, a program that combines gentle yoga postures, movements and breathing techniques with grief education and discussions.

“We’re excited about our newest yoga group,” says Burris. “Our standard group is great for people who are comfortable participating in a discussion, or at least don’t feel uncomfortable in that format,” she explains, “but for those who are shyer, or those who are kinesthetic, the yoga group is ideal.”

Colleen McDonald, a certified yoga instructor with extensive experience, leads the yoga bereavement group. “Yoga unites the mind, body and spirit,” says McDonald who, in addition to being passionate about yoga, is also a licensed marriage and family therapist.

“Often we try to avoid our grief by blocking negative feelings as they come up,” says McDonald, “but this also means we block good feelings.” While grieving, we tighten our muscles – it’s an unconscious way of holding our emotions in check. Breathing becomes shallower. Our mind wanders. “Yoga offers tools: postures, movement and breathing techniques,” explains McDonald, “that release muscle tension. Relaxing muscles calms us, releasing emotions and helping to clarify our thoughts.”

McDonald uses gentle movements, adjusted to make the process easy and comfortable for anyone, even yoga novices and those with physical limitations. Breathing techniques are central to yoga. “When we breathe deeply, there is a release of pain,” says Moylan-Aube, “maybe just for a moment, but it’s soothing.”

“When you are moving and breathing with awareness, your nervous system calms, the mind slows and the body relaxes,” concludes McDonald. “The result is a sense of calm, peace and a feeling of being centered.”

Upcoming support groups include: Body/Mind Care Through Yoga & Breathing Techniques. Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning February 2.

Developing a Support System Through Shared Experience.  Wednesdays 9:30 to 11:30, beginning January 25 or Thursdays 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning February 9.

Children’s Art Therapy Group. Tuesdays4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. beginning January 31.

All groups run for eight weeks. There is no charge, but enrollment is limited. For more information, or to enroll, call Yolo Hospice at 758-5566.

 

 

 

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Ted Skiera
"I've worked for 20+ years in cardiovascular and oncology nursing, most recently working as a nurse coordinator in cardiovascular research. My work with Yolo Hospice has enabled me to focus all of my acute clinical experiences into caring for patients, and their loved ones, during a most challenging period of their lives."
~Ted Skiera, RN