I work with individuals in a one-on-one setting or in groups with the intention of bringing
some control to the physical symptoms of grief in order to access the feelings and information that the grieving process inherently
holds. Being that grief is 'one of the most untapped resources of self knowledge' (L. Prashant) the idea is to unveil that
knowledge towards self transformation. Because we only grieve the loss of that which we are attached to, and because we identify
ourselves through our attachments, loss offers a deep possibility of 're-identifying' ourselves in a way that is more connected
with who we really are. This helps us recognize and change all patterns of identification that express more 'what
they told us we should be like' or what our environment needs us to be.
The intrinsic painful nature of grief, makes it that we are prone to not come close to that pain, to somehow defend
ourselves from it. By addressing some of those feelings, working through the pain of grief, we can unlock the precious information
that is associated to it.
The yoga for grief relief sadhana I developed
as a result of my experience contains five components:
- Pranayama
- Asana
- Shatkarma
- Relaxation and
- Sankalpa
· Pranayama are exercises involving the breath. It restores our sense of control by accessing or controlling
our prana (vital life force). Given that breathing is automatic and unconscious, bringing awareness to the breath helps unite
the gap between our conscious and the unconscious selves.
·
Asana are physical poses, which manage the symptoms of grief by addressing pain, lack
of prana and structural adaptations our bodies contort into, such as hunching or contracting the body around the heart.
· Shatkarma
are yogic cleansing techniques used to release emotions, thoughts or physical experiences trapped in the body-mind. One
of the Shatkarma is Tratak –a group of practices that involve specific eye movements such as gazing at a candle, flower
or other beautiful object. It releases tension in the eye and also helps reset and balance the pituitary gland. This glad
is involved in the flight or fight response, one of the mechanisms largely involved in grief. One Shatkarma
is tratak: gazing at a candle, flower or other beautiful object. This relaxes the effort in the eyes, and can even induce
cleansing tears. Another tratak practice involves specific eye movements. Tratak helps reset and nourish the pituitary gland
reducing the flight or fight response.
· Relaxation practices such as shavasana (lying down, complete relaxation)
are vital for diminishing the stress levels that increase when grieving. Observing the rhythm of the breath, listening to
calming music or incorporating guided meditation recordings can be helpful.
·
Sankalpa is the powerful yogic principle of resolve, or making a resolution. Setting our intention or saying
a prayer, often out loud, can reset the brain and focus the mind
The image of a windmill, the main asana of the practice, can serve as a symbolic analogy for this process.
The forces of the unknown, the wind, power the mechanisms of the windmill, just as the unknown force of loss creates a churning
in the depths of our selves. As a windmill utilizes the sometimes wild and destructive force of the wind into constructive
mechanical energy, which can transform hard grains to edible flour, the mechanisms of sadhana: practice, prayer,
relaxation, resolution and posture can transform our attachments toward a new identity. By addressing the delicate psychoneurological
aspects of grief, we can transform the forces of the unknown (death and loss) into understanding of our eternal self.
The
Sadhana addresses different moments of the grieving process and could be practiced in its entirety or technique by technique
according to the individuals needs and abilities. Most of the techniques are intended to provide a grieving individual with
tools to manage grief symptoms and feelings and students are encouraged to practice these techniques at home. Subsequent meetings
allow us to take a look at the emerging feelings and to monitor the process modifying and/or adapting the techniques to better
serve the students' needs.
