Online Yoga for Grief Support
"This high quality, deeply engaging program is thoughtful and sensitively researched and presented with compassion and competence. I would recommend it in a heart beat to individuals suffering loss, and also to yoga instructors. I loved it personally and professionally! Namaste blessings!" -Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok
If you have opened your heart to love, connection and attachment, you will eventually come to grief. Grief is an absolutely normal and natural response to loss that affects all parts of you. Even though it is an instinctual part of being human, when it happens it can leave you feeling uprooted, unstable and lost in all areas of your life.
How do you live this new and unfamiliar life?
Unfortunately, our modern culture has lost the significant rituals, rites, and symbols of death and grief that were common in times past. We have become largely 'grief illiterate.' Instead of seeing grief as an important, even sacred, testament to something we lost that we loved and valued, we see it as something to be overcome as quickly as possible. We value rugged independence, are increasingly isolated and live in a society where things are easily, quickly and efficiently fixed.
This does not work with grief.
Grief demands a holistic, safe, compassionate, and long-term approach.
Yoga for Grief Support combines the benefits of a grief support group (education, connection with others, self-awareness) with practical coping tools as taught through the practice of yoga (movement, mindfulness, meditation). It's a very personal and holistic approach to navigating your loss. Yoga teaches you how to take loving action for yourself and is self-perpetuating - the first time you try it you can feel the benefit.
This does not work with grief.
Grief demands a holistic, safe, compassionate, and long-term approach.
Yoga for Grief Support combines the benefits of a grief support group (education, connection with others, self-awareness) with practical coping tools as taught through the practice of yoga (movement, mindfulness, meditation). It's a very personal and holistic approach to navigating your loss. Yoga teaches you how to take loving action for yourself and is self-perpetuating - the first time you try it you can feel the benefit.
"Yoga for Grief Support is an invaluable tool for those that want to make space in their lives to gently & supportively engage their mind-body-spirit in an honoring of the grieving process— and with that, feel an exhale, a knowledge that this practice is a healthy step. Sandy’s compassionate energy and grief literacy make this offering a haven of understanding and a place for your body to come home to itself. If you are curious or it calls to you at all, I highly recommend this program. " - Online Participant
Why Choose Online Support?
While there are definitely benefits of in-person support groups, there aren't many grief-dedicated yoga groups out there. I created this online program to provide greater access. There are no barriers to travel, or geographical distance. Regardless of distance, some people don't want to participate in an in-person group. This option is for you. Other benefits include:
- A centralized place to house all the teachings, resources and discussion forums. They are there when you need it, day or night.
- The online platform promotes a fluid exchange of information - the discussion forums are set up to promote interaction and the sharing of experiences, insights and resources.
- With the online format, you can take all the time you need to reflect on the discussion prompts, and share when you feel ready.
- Ongoing support - you have life long access to this program. The videos are downloadable for future use.
- It's flexible. You complete it in your own time and space.
You Will Learn:
- About yoga as a practice that affects the mind and body, including basic yoga philosophy
- How to practice mindfulness in the context of grief and suffering
- Techniques to facilitate regular, full breathing
- Mudras to support you as you grieve
- Poses, meditations & reflections to cope with grief
- Powerful self-care techniques, including self-compassion practices
- Reflections on healing
What is the format of the course?
Option 1
Understanding Your Grief: A Yoga Group This interactive online group is scheduled for 12 weeks. Next group starts January 13th 2025. Each Monday you will receive an email, delivering that week's lesson. You can complete each lesson in your own time. Each lesson includes readings, reflections and a pre-recorded yoga video. This weekly delivery helps participants stay engaged in the material as we move through it, and provide flexibility as to when you complete each lesson.
Incorporated into the course design are four 'integration weeks.' These weeks give us a chance to connect as a group through live Q&A sessions on the Zoom platform. You will have forever access to:
View The Course Schedule Here Investment
Clicking "register now" will take you to a waiver page, prior to payment
Single Payment
$300.00 CAD Payment Plan
$100.00 x 3 months |
Option 2
Yoga For Grief Support Self-Paced ProgramThis online Yoga for Grief Support Group will take a minimum of 8 weeks to complete.
Upon enrolling, you will receive all the content right away, and you then work through the lessons at your own pace. This provides maximal flexibioty as you work through the course material. You have forever access to the program. When you enroll, you will have forever access to:
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Please read over the Yoga for Grief Support Online Policies and FAQ before making your purchase, as there are NO refunds for online class purchases.
Meet Your Guide
"Sandy is one of the most compassionate, warm, and kind souls I've met. She's a fantastic yoga for grief instructor online and in class. Her yoga classes are gentle, a great mix of poses for any level."
- Online and In-Person Participant
- Online and In-Person Participant
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Sandy Ayre graduated from Occupational Therapy in 2000 from the University of Alberta - which began her dedication to using activity therapeutically to support change in people's lives. She was certified as a yoga teacher through the Yoga Association of Alberta in 2009.
Combining her roles as an Occupational Therapist and a Yoga Instructor she naturally uses therapeutic approaches and adapted activity in her classes and with her students. Sandy's philosophy is one of empowerment. She believes the real practice of yoga begins at the end of the class. |
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In 2006 she suffered the death of her partner, spurring her along the path of using yoga as a healing modality for grief. Following the "Companioning Model" of grief support Sandy believes that grief is a natural and organic part of life and love, and as such healing grief requires compassionate and heart-centered attention. She uses yoga to find the wisdom, guidance and healing in the midst of the pain of loss.
Sandy is certified in Death and Grief Studies through The Center For Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. She works as an Occupational Therapist on the Tertiary Palliative Care Unit in Edmonton Alberta. She has been guiding weekly Yoga for Grief Support Groups in Edmonton since 2009.
Sandy is certified in Death and Grief Studies through The Center For Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. She works as an Occupational Therapist on the Tertiary Palliative Care Unit in Edmonton Alberta. She has been guiding weekly Yoga for Grief Support Groups in Edmonton since 2009.
"Thank you for your genuineness and the authentic matter in which you present this material. I have done much training in my 35+ year career and have found your content and presentation format to be exceptional. Keep up the great work." - Online Participant
"Yoga for Grief Support Online is great. I like being able to participate in my own time and from my home...and yet be a part of an amazing grieving community, with a strong, caring and knowledgeable facilitator. My week starts with information to absorb, digest, use in my grieving process and feel deeply. The yoga sessions are very clear, meaningful and appropriate for my journey. The online community shares information, ideas and heart felt wisdom about their grief. It was really helpful connecting with the other group participants in the zoom meetings." - Online Participant
"What you offer is greatly needed in our world. Please continue your excellent work." - Online Participant