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As the holiday season approaches, it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. For those of us navigating grief or going through challenging times, the holidays can amplify our feelings—both of joy and sorrow. To help ease some of this burden, I’ve created a new series called Healing Through the Holidays, where we’ll explore different self-care tools for this season. And we’re starting with a theme that is at the heart of moving through tough times: hope.

Food is a connector in so many ways. It links us to memories, to family traditions, and even to people we’ve lost. In the years after my son Ian died, I struggled to make certain foods that he loved.

As the seasons change, especially during the transition into fall, we are reminded of nature’s cycle of letting go. The fall season serves as a perfect metaphor for releasing what no longer serves us—whether that’s stress, past expectations, or deep grief. This is especially true for those navigating grief, not just for the loss of a person but also for unmet dreams, health struggles, or personal changes.

In life, we all experience moments of emotional overwhelm. These are the times when everything feels heavy, and it seems impossible to escape the whirlwind of negative thoughts. For me, this happened recently when I found myself stuck in a cycle of rumination, sadness, and irritation for almost a week.

Grief is an unwelcome visitor, and when it arrives at your doorstep, life as you know it changes in unimaginable ways. My name is Susan Andersen, and I am a suicide loss survivor.

Anxiety can be a tough emotion to navigate, especially when you're already dealing with the overwhelming feelings that come with grief. Anxiety is characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. When you're grieving, anxiety often amplifies.

While we each navigate our grief journey differently, finding tools and practices that provide comfort and healing can be essential. For me, yoga has been one of those tools, and I want to share with you 10 proven ways that yoga can help you in your grief journey.

Grief is a complex and often overwhelming emotion. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, many find solace in expressing their feelings through writing. Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing emotions, gaining perspective, and honoring the memory of a loved one.

Grief is a complex emotion often intertwined with feelings of guilt. Whether you survived when others didn’t, witnessed someone’s suffering, or believe you could have done more, these feelings can be overwhelming. It’s essential to understand that guilt is a normal, yet often unhelpful, response to loss.

Feeling overwhelmed by grief? Discover seven powerful techniques to release grief pain, including practical, actionable steps to help you navigate the complexities of loss.

My experience as a yoga teacher (and one who has grieved a lot of loss) has shown me how grief impacts us physically, cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually. Over the past few years I’ve been interested to learn more about the clinical study of grief and how it validates (or doesn’t) what I’ve experienced.

In the spirit of independence and the rights that our forefathers enshrined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, I want to introduce a "Bill of Rights for Grievers." This is a guide to remind you that it's okay to grieve in your own way and at your own pace.

Grief is a universal experience, yet it's often shrouded in misconceptions and unrealistic expectations. Maybe you have pondered: "Is there a proper or correct way to grieve?" This question often arises from cultural, societal, and personal pressures that shape our perceptions of grief.

Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, and its hardest aspects can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and the nature of the loss. Explore some of the different challenges people face in their grief journeys and consider ways to navigate these difficult emotions.

Grieving is a profound and deeply personal journey. Throughout my own experience with loss, I've encountered numerous lessons, but five particular insights stand out. These lessons have shaped my understanding of grief and provided guidance during the most challenging times.

Grief is a complex experience that affects us emotionally and physically. Recognizing the physical symptoms of grief and using techniques to alleviate them can significantly aid in the healing process. Whether through breath work, gentle movements, walking in nature, or expressing your feelings, there are many ways to address the physical manifestations of grief.

First, I’d like to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your child.  I too lost my child.  I know the screaming pain, the unbearable days, the overwhelming struggle, wanting to die too.  But I also know the little joys, smiles, and desire to live.

Spring isn't just a season of external transformation; it's also a time when our internal energies awaken. It's associated with new life and fresh beginnings, coaxing forth the dormant plans and aspirations we've nurtured during the quieter winter months.

You never know when a burst of grief will happen. I’ve had my moments at work, in the park, in church, while having lunch with friends.  Feeling the emotion bubble up and then letting the tears flow was cathartic but also a little embarrassing.  Release of emotion can be self-soothing and help with relaxation.

In our journey through life, both physical possessions and mental narratives can serve as anchors, preventing us from fully embracing the present and moving forward. By adopting rituals for letting go and challenging self-limiting stories, we can shed the weight that holds us back, paving the way for a lighter, more liberated tomorrow.

Have you ever found yourself at the crossroads of love and heartbreak? The pain and grief that accompany a broken heart are inevitable when we choose to love. Recognize the strength in vulnerability and the courage it takes to open your heart despite the risk of heartbreak.

During the month of November, the themes of gratitude and grace come to the forefront as many of us gather at the Thanksgiving table with family and friends.  What does grace mean to you?

The "5 Weeks to Grief Relief Program" evolved over the course of three years of facilitating grief yoga classes. It was conceived based on the valuable feedback received from participants, many of whom were looking for a sense of community where yoga could offer solace.

In the initial stages of grief, did you ever struggle with the simple act of reading? It's a common experience. The weight of your sorrow can be so overwhelming, making it nearly impossible to concentrate on anything.

Sometimes, in the heaviness of grief, we long for peacefulness.  A calming of the “monkey mind”, a relaxation of the physical body, a letting go of expectations.  Guided meditations can help because they are designed to take the focus off the self and onto the voice of the person speaking.

You’ve just experienced the death of a loved one.  Or maybe the break-up of a relationship, loss of a job, a home, normalcy.  You may feel sad, angry, anxious.  You may feel nothing at all – just a void.  You may be wondering if these feelings are normal (yes, they are). 

You don’t need any one’s permission to grieve the way you need to.  However, at some point during this journey you will find the desire to, maybe even a need to, build physical, emotional, spiritual and mental strength during the grieving process. 

Anger is a powerful emotion and one that may overshadow other grief emotions. Practicing yoga poses and movements that allow you to release this emotion and transform your anger into potent action. The following 5 poses can help open these areas, letting the energy flow freely, helping you become less reactive to what caused your anger so you can respond more compassionately.

Are you traveling to Cape Cod this summer?  Whether it’s your first time or your 50th, you can find some great things to do – beaches, restaurants, theater, music, and Yoga!