Presenter: Debra Graham

Faculty Sponsor: Kara Roche

School: Mount Wachusett Community College

Research Area: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

Session: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Auditorium, A57

ABSTRACT

Grief is a painful response to loss, affecting emotions and body through stress, depression, sleep disruption, and cardiovascular strain. Yoga, an ancient discipline from India, promotes balance between body, mind and spirit through movement, breathwork and mindfulness.  Although grief and yoga differ in purpose, one involuntary the other intentionally, they both influence the whole person and involve emotional awareness, physical sensations, and gradual transformation.

Many cultures have different practices that are designed to restore balance. In Native American communities, grief is shared collectively.  Families receive support through food, fellowship, and help with daily tasks. Ceremonies such as the Lakota Wiping of the Tears or Navajo healing songs help release sorrow and restore harmony.  Smudging with sage, cedar or sweetgrass purifies the space and reconnects the grieving person to community and spirit.

India practices yoga and spiritual rituals to support those in mourning. In Hindu traditions, the body is bathed, priest chant mantras, and devotional songs are sung to soothe the mind and guide the spirit’s transition.  These practices, like yoga, aim to restore unity within the body, mind and spirit.  Across cultures, movement, breath, prayer and community reduce isolation and promote healing. 

Yoga alone cannot erase grief, in many cases, counselling may be required, but it offers a safe, healthy way to manage the grieving process.   Yoga has calmed my mind, supported me with the loss of a loved one, and helped me reconnect my body and spirit.  Together, grief and yoga are powerful partners that bring balance to life.