Diane’s Experience with Restorative Yoga for Grief Support

Diane graciously shares her experience regularly participating in ECHF’s monthly Restorative Yoga sessions. She offers insight into what to expect and invites others to engage in the program, as well. 

I learned about the Restorative Yoga program at Elara Caring Hospice through a mailing that was sent to me — first, as my mother entered Elara Caring Hospice, and via a follow up mailing after she had passed.  Given all that is entailed in grieving, in processing the caregiving in which I had been involved for years, in settling a family estate, and in working to re-claim some semblance of my work and personal life, I was not immediately ready to attend a restorative yoga session, although I was certainly intrigued by this opportunity, and prospect.

Once I did attend, I was very pleased with the experience. Ms. Noell Hyman, our Restorative Yoga instructor, is a kind, compassionate, and gentle soul. She thoughtfully and compassionately guides attendees who have experienced profound loss through breathing interludes, meditative moments, recalling memories of and honoring our loved one(s), and gentle body movements — all of which are intended to help each of us navigate our respective grief as well as nurture our mindfulness, personal reflections, wellness, and healing journeys. Integral to her approach, she cultivates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that enables us to form and appreciate the “community” that we have formed, which continues to grow through new attendees and seems to strengthen, over time.

Should you be so inclined, we encourage you to join our group and experience, for yourself, all that Noell Hyman and the Restorative Yoga of Elara Caring Hospice Foundation program have to offer. Certainly, the program experience holds promise to help you navigate grief, work towards restoring aspects of life that may have been altered or lost in your caregiving role and/or in grief, and look ahead to, perhaps, new possibilities for yourself.

                                                                     Kindly Authored By: Diane M. Kondratowicz, PhD

We invite you to join us monthly for a virtual meditative and gentle yoga experience, offered free of charge courtesy of our generous Elara Caring Hospice Foundation donors.

Restorative Yoga classes are held the third Friday of every month at 7pm ET. To receive a link and a waiver to participate in the class, please click here: Restorative Yoga – Elara Caring Hospice Foundation

The benefits of yoga are many, including:

• Emotional release
• Promoting mindfulness
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Improving sleep
• Enhancing breathing and emotional regulation
• Promoting physical healing and release of tension
• Offering community and support
• Facilitating self-reflection

Attendees are welcome to join by computer, tablet, or phone and may choose to participate with or without their camera. Exercises are gentle and performed in a seated format, with modifications offered as needed. Please consider joining us this month!