• Begin in a comfortable seated or standing position

• To Start - Clasp your hands in front of you

• Inhale through your nose 

• Exhale through your mouth while shaking your palms 

• Imagine tension flowing from your chest out through your hands

• I invite you to use vocal sounds as you exhale without words and explore different tones and volumes to release further tension you may be holding in your jaw

• Have fun and get a bit silly 

• When you feel complete, be still and savour the relaxation from this unique practice

Grief can be a lonely journey, but recognizing loneliness as a call for connection can empower us to take action. We can ask ourselves what we need and then actively seek out ways to create supportive and uplifting connections with others. Reframing loneliness from a problem to a signal for connection can bring about a profound shift in how we perceive and respond to our own feelings of isolation.

Think about it: when we feel hungry, we eat. When we're thirsty, we drink. Similarly, when we feel lonely, it's a sign that we're in need of social interaction and support. Rather than viewing loneliness as a negative, we can see it as a prompt to pause and reflect on what we truly need.

Personally, this concept resonated deeply with me. Instead of viewing my loneliness as something to be fixed or coped with, I now see it as my body's way of nudging me toward meaningful connections with others. It's like a gentle reminder that human connection is essential for our well-being, just like food and water are for our physical health.

I have a fun and easy solution to help you relax.  

Begin by shaking your body. I like to stand, but you can do this sitting as well.

You may wish to close your eyes or gaze down at the floor. Shake out any area of your body where you feel pain or tightness. You can gradually increase the intensity of the shaking.   

If you ever start to feel dizzy, slow down and come to a complete stop. 

When you're ready, reduce the shaking and take a moment to notice how wonderful you feel. Take a few deep breaths before continuing with your day. 

It's a quick and effective way to feel better instantly. 

​

Self-care is vital. 

“Self-care is a deliberate choice to gift yourself with people, places, things, events, and opportunities that recharge our personal battery and promote whole health — body, mind, and spirit.”  Laurie Buchanan, Ph.D

Self-Care—Self-care is essential for our overall well-being, as it involves intentionally nurturing our mind, body, heart, and spirit. However, societal pressures often make us feel guilty for prioritizing ourselves over others. Especially during tough times, such as grieving, self-care can be the last thing on our minds as we focus on simply making it through each day. 

Experiencing multiple losses has shifted my perspective, and I now recognize the importance of prioritizing self-care as a necessity rather than a luxury. Whether it's indulging in a soothing bubble bath, taking a leisurely walk in nature, or enjoying a quiet moment with a good book, these simple acts of self-nourishment uplift my spirit and offer much-needed peace.

We hold a lot of grief in our spine. 

Let's focus on moving your spine in this practice to reduce pain and discomfort. 

Start by finding a comfortable seated position with your hands resting on your knees. 

Begin by moving forward from your waist to your side, back and then the other side in a clockwise direction. 

After 1 to 2 minutes, switch to the opposite direction for 1 to 2 minutes. 

Slow down and come back to the center. 

Take a few deep breaths to return to the present moment.

We often underestimate the power of simply doing nothing, especially when we're feeling rundown or low.

Today, I'm embracing a coping strategy that's overlooked and often judged: giving ourselves permission to rest. It's not just okay to take a break; it's essential. So, instead of pushing through, I'm prioritizing my well-being by declining any plans and work today, and heading back to bed. 

By honouring how I feel—both physically and mentally—I'm taking a proactive step towards self-care.