Page 29 - 2016 Spring-Summer Issue
P. 29
© andreaobzerova/fotolia.com
Healthy Grieving Feature
Healing Grief through Relaxation and Meditation -
How Yoga Can Help
by Coralease Ruff PhD, RN
Hi Coralease, dogma practiced in yoga. However, yoga may be practiced
in some religions. Yoga means union. We grieving parents
My 21 year old daughter was killed in a car accident 14 need union and connection because we feel broken into
months ago. I am so distraught; it feels as if my life is a million pieces. Generally speaking, yoga is a physical
spiraling out of control. I don’t know where to turn or what practice that connects our body, mind and spirit into an
to do without my daughter. My friend at work suggested that integrated whole person. Yoga consists of physical exercises
yoga might help me. The only thing I ever heard was that (asanas) to release muscle tension, breathing techniques
yoga is a religion. I am not looking for a religion, but I do (pranayama) to calm the stress response, and meditation for
need help. Please tell me if and how yoga can help me with deep relaxation. This entire practice of yoga helps promote
my grief. I am desperate. mind, body and spirit healing.
Joan from Franklin, Tennessee In the early 1980’s, I explored yoga for stress relief following
my father’s death, when my son was 6 weeks old and I was
Dear Joan, enrolled in graduate school. It was a great stress reliever that
took me through some very stressful times in my life. I have
I am sorry for the death of your precious daughter. I continued to be involved with yoga through the years.
understand some of what you are feeling after her death.
We also lost our daughter quite a few years ago. I agree with Since that time, research has documented that yoga
your friend. Yoga can be beneficial during grief.
increases strength, flexibility, and balance; enhances
Yoga is not a religion. There is no religious doctrine or
immune function; lowers
(continued on page 30)
We Need Not Walk Alone|2 9
