Yoga for Grief and Loss: Poses, Meditation, Devotion, Self-Reflection, Selfless Acts, Ritual

by Karla Helbert, Chinnamasta Stiles (Foreword)

Just as grief is an experience that affects us physically, mentally, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually, yoga sustains and strengthens us in all of those same areas. This book demonstrates how the principles and practices of yoga can help relieve symptoms of grief allowing those who have experienced loss to move toward wholeness, peace, and feelings of connection with loved ones who have died. Exploring the six branches of yoga, the book shows how each branch can support us through grief in different ways whether it be the self-reflection of Jnana Yoga, the spiritual devotion of Bhakti Yoga, the meditation of Raja Yoga, or the physical postures of Hatha Yoga. We are shown how to begin and sustain a personal practice, both on and off the yoga mat, which helps us to cope with and move through grief on multiple levels. Expressive and experiential exercises are included to help explore each of the branches of yoga and find ways to put the tenets of each branch into real life practice.

Genres: Grief

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2015

Reviews

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent deep-dive on yoga theory in general, and an invaluable reference for coping with grief and loss of any kind. The teachings of yoga are most powerful when applied to the devastating effects of loss of a loved one.

I went to a workshop led by Karla in Yogaville to try to cope better with my complicated feelings around my family and loss. I've been practicing a lot of what I learned there, and just Thursday my beloved animal companion passed away. I know some people don't know how it's possible to equate animal family to human family, but this is for those who do. I don't know how I would be able to deal at all with my dog's death without what I learned from Karla. This book has been an anchor for me in turbulent times.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deepest bows to Karla Helbert! This is not only an invaluable resource for those dealing with grief/loss, but for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of yoga and yoga philosophy. Her discourses on the yamas, niyamas and all 8 limbs of yoga were lucid, accessible and clearly informed by deep practice. Yoga for Grief and Loss will not be relegated to a bookshelf, but be kept within easy reach. Highest recommendation!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having read Helbert’s other book on grief, “The Chakras in Grief and Trauma: A Tantric Guide to Energetic Wholeness”, I knew I had to read this one.

I wasn’t disappointed.

This book covers the six branches of yoga:
1. Jnana Yoga
2. Bhakti Yoga
3. Tantra Yoga
4. Karma Yoga
5. Raja Yoga
6. Hatha Yoga

Within each branch, Helbert discusses the wisdom, tools and practices we may wish to experience to help us in our grief journey.

A few highlights for me:
* Helbert’s gentle, compassionate and sometimes firm wisdom that gives a comforting quality to all her teachings
* How much deeper the knowledge of each branch (except for Hatha and Tantra) is compared to what I learnt in my yoga teacher training
* All the different modalities and tools yoga has to offer to help us in our grief and loss
* Roused up my interest in kirtan
* Helbert has included in-depth instruction on every yoga asana included as well.
* How comprehensive each chapter is - I cannot imagine the amount of research and revision that must have taken place (also being an occasional writer and editor)

I’m sure this book can give some support to you in your grief journey, if you practise what has been shared. Choose what resonates with you and give it a go.

[Sian A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in my yoga studio just after the sudden death of a friend and his baby. It has been very moving, comforting & emotional reading. I found the sections with journaling and meditation prompts helpful, but probably the most valuable aspect to me was the authors words on her own grief and experiences dealing with traumatic loss and helping others. It has been very meaningful to me in terms of being able to believe there is a way through and meaning or learning to be found in this grief beyond just pain.

[Heidi Mair · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique approach by type of Yoga; includes very poignant meditations.