Grief has a way of reshaping our inner landscape, leaving us feeling unmoored, exhausted, and uncertain about how to move forward. In times of loss, when words feel inadequate and emotions feel overwhelming, Yoga Nidra offers a gentle refuge—a space where we can rest, process, and begin to heal.
The Weight of Grief and the Need for Rest
Grief isn’t just emotional; it lives in the body. The weight of sorrow can manifest as fatigue, tension, and a nervous system stuck in survival mode. Sleep may become restless or elusive, thoughts may race, and the body may feel heavy with unspoken pain. Yoga Nidra, often called “yogic sleep,” provides a way to ease these burdens. Through deep relaxation and guided awareness, it allows us to soften, to breathe again, and to find moments of peace amidst the waves of loss.
Creating Space for Healing
Yoga Nidra is not about bypassing grief or pushing away pain. Instead, it offers a space to simply be with what is—to witness emotions without being consumed by them. In the stillness of the practice, we learn to observe rather than suppress, to allow rather than resist. The body rests while the heart and mind find room to process, gently unraveling the layers of sorrow in their own time.
A Practice of Connection
One of the most profound aspects of Yoga Nidra is its ability to reconnect us—with ourselves, with our breath, and with a sense of something greater. Grief can feel isolating, as if we are moving through the world untethered. But in the spaciousness of deep rest, we may begin to sense a quiet presence—a connection to our loved ones, to the wisdom within us, and to the rhythm of life itself.
Rest as a Form of Renewal
When navigating grief, there is no rush to “get over it” or “move on.” Instead, Yoga Nidra teaches us to move through—one breath, one moment, one rest at a time. It reminds us that deep within, beyond the pain, there is still a wellspring of peace and renewal waiting to hold us.
If you are experiencing loss, I invite you to explore Yoga Nidra as a way to tend to yourself with gentleness and care. Whether in a guided session or a quiet practice at home, may you find moments of rest, comfort, and the knowing that healing unfolds in its own perfect time.
I’m currently leading a Friday 12-1pm Yoga Nidra session every week at Harmony Yoga in Redondo beach, CA. I hope to see you there.