Yin Yoga for Grief: A Trauma-Informed & Inclusive Practice

This Yin yoga class is a compassionate and accessible space designed to support you on your journey with grief, in all its forms. Guided by trauma-informed principles, this practice invites you to listen to your body and honour your emotional needs without judgment or expectation.

In this class, we will hold gentle, long-held poses using props to create a sense of comfort and support. The extended holds provide a quiet opportunity to connect with your body and mind, helping to release tension and emotions that may be held in your physical form.

This is not a class to "fix" or "get over" grief. Instead, it is a practice of creating space to simply be with what is, in a way that feels safe and gentle. We will use breath and mindful awareness as anchors, providing a sense of grounding and stability.

This practice is suitable for all bodies and levels of experience. Our intention is to create a fully inclusive and accessible environment where you are empowered to move and rest in a way that feels right for you. You are invited to participate as much or as little as you need, and a variety of modifications will be offered for every pose.

We welcome you exactly as you are.

When: Mondays, September 22 - November 10, 2025 (no class Monday, October 13)
Where: The Melrose Studio, 20 Park Hill Road East, Cambridge, ON
Investment: 250.00 for 8 weeks. Early bird discount if registered before September 15th - total 222.00

The Science of Stillness: How Yin Yoga Supports Grief

Grief is a complex experience that manifests not only emotionally and mentally but also physically. Research shows a strong link between unresolved grief and a range of physical and somatic symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue (Ennis & Majid, 2021). The stress of bereavement can activate the body's "fight or flight" response, leading to a state of chronic nervous system arousal.

Yin yoga offers a powerful, evidence-based approach to address these deep-seated physical and emotional effects. Unlike more dynamic styles of yoga, Yin involves holding passive, gentle poses for several minutes. This extended duration targets the body's connective tissues—the fascia, ligaments, and joints—where we often store emotional and physical tension.

By gently stressing these tissues, Yin yoga can facilitate the release of deeply held emotions. Studies show that this practice can help regulate the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic "rest and digest" mode, which counteracts the stress response (van der Kolk, 2014). This shift allows the body to down-regulate, leading to a profound sense of calm.

Furthermore, Yin yoga is a form of embodied mindfulness. By focusing on the breath and bodily sensations in each pose, participants can cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of their inner landscape. This practice helps to increase emotional regulation, self-compassion, and resilience, which are crucial for navigating the grieving process (Cymbiotika, 2025). As one study suggests, yoga can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process grief-related symptoms and feel a sense of community while doing so (Australian Psychological Society, 2023).

This course honours the wisdom of the body. It provides a compassionate, trauma-informed space to not "fix" your grief, but to create the conditions for a deeper, more embodied healing.

References:

• Australian Psychological Society. (2023). Yoga for Grief. Retrieved from https://psychology.org.au/about-us/news-and-media/aps-in-the-media/2023/yoga-for-grief

• Cymbiotika. (2025). Does Yin Yoga Release Trauma? Understanding the Healing Connection. Retrieved from https://cymbiotika.com/blogs/health-hub/does-yin-yoga-release-trauma-understanding-the-healing-connection

• Ennis, E., & Majid, U. (2021). Bereavement and Adverse Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Journal of Public Health, 43(1), 147–156.

• van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.

Some reflections on how this practice can support those moving through loss:

"I came to this class feeling completely overwhelmed, like my grief was too big to handle. Lying on the mat and just breathing in stillness gave me a moment to pause. For the first time, I felt like it was okay to not be okay." — Anonymous Participant

"The class wasn't about trying to 'get over' my grief. It was about allowing it to be there. I felt emotions I didn't even know I was holding, and the long poses helped me release them from my body. I walked out feeling lighter than I have in months." — Sarah, Student

"Every class felt like a safe space. The instructor's gentle guidance and the focus on my breath helped me feel grounded, even when my world felt like it was spinning. This practice became a crucial part of my healing journey." — Michael, Student

What to Expect in a Yin Yoga Class for Grief

Stepping into a Yin yoga class, especially one focused on grief, can feel a bit different from other yoga practices you might have experienced. Here’s a brief guide on what to expect to help you feel comfortable and prepared:

• Unlike some Yin classes, we do believe in warming up the body to prepare for the slower, longer holds of the Yin approach. Expect some somatic based warming up movements and transitions to support the release of chronic contraction in the muscles and fluidity in the fibres that make up our bones, ligamnet, tendons, muscles and joint structures.

• A Gentle and Still Practice: Unlike more active styles of yoga, you won't be flowing between poses. Instead, you'll be guided into a series of seated or lying-down postures, which you will hold for several minutes at a time. This stillness is intentional, allowing you to connect with your body's sensations and quiet your mind.

• Focus on the Breath: Your breath will be a central part of the practice. The instructor will encourage you to use your breath as an anchor—a gentle tool to ground you in the present moment, especially if you find your mind wandering or emotions arising.

• Use of Props: You will be encouraged to use props like blankets, bolsters, and blocks to support your body. These aren’t just for comfort; they are essential tools that help you find a position of ease in each pose, allowing you to fully relax and release tension.

• A Safe and Welcoming Environment: The class is designed to be a trauma-informed space. This means there is no pressure to perform or push yourself. You are in complete control and are encouraged to listen to your body and adjust or rest whenever you need to. The instructor will not give hands-on assists and will provide verbal cues to guide you in finding your own sense of comfort and stability.

• No Right or Wrong Way to Feel: It's common for emotions to surface during a Yin practice, as the stillness can create space for feelings to arise.4 You will be welcomed to experience whatever comes up—whether it's tears, peacefulness, or a sense of release—without judgment. The practice is about honouring your process, exactly as it is.

• Time to integrate the practice and connect with a conscious community.

Not feeling ready for a group class yet?

For those navigating grief who are not yet ready for a group setting, private yoga therapy offers a gentle and personalized path. This one-on-one approach provides a confidential and compassionate space where your unique needs are honoured.

Yoga therapy is not a typical yoga class. It is a collaborative process where we work together to create a practice tailored specifically for you. We start with a detailed intake session and through consultation with you use a variety of tools, including gentle movement, conscious breathing, and meditation, to help you feel more grounded, present and create the space for the potential of healing.

From a place of quiet acceptance, we will meet you exactly where you are. The goal is to gradually build a sense of safety within your body and mind, helping you to find moments of stillness and peace. This practice can help you move from feeling overwhelmed and disconnected to a place where you feel more centred, resilient, and ready to navigate your healing journey, on your own terms.

You can book free inquiry call or zoom session to see if we are a good fit for you and your journey at this time.

Private Yoga Therapy
Intake Session: 225.00 - 60-90mins
Follow up sessions: 180.00/session; 750.00 for 5 sessions and 1200.00 for 10 sessions.

Private Yin Yoga for Grief Packages

• Package #1: 900.00 intake session, 5 private sessions

• Package #2: 1325.00 intake session, 10 private sessions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the studio located and what is the parking situation? A: Our studio is located at The Melrose Studio, 20 Park Hill Road East, 2nd floor in Cambridge, ON. There is free on-site parking available in the lot directly behind the the building and at Food Basics. If the Bakery is closed you can also park at the front. The entrance is at the front of the building.

Q: How do I get into the building? A: The main entrance to The Melrose Studio is on the south side of the building. The doors will be unlocked 15 minutes before the start of class. Please arrive a few minutes early to get settled.

Q: What should I bring with me? A: We encourage you to bring your own yoga mat if you have one. You may also wish to bring a water bottle. Some folk prefer to have their own pillow, blanket, strap and bolster but we do have all onsite as well for you to use.

Q: What should I wear? A: Please wear comfortable, warm layers that allow for easy movement. Yin yoga is a slow practice, and your body temperature may drop as you hold poses for longer periods. Socks and a long-sleeved shirt or sweater are recommended.

Q: I am completely new to yoga. Is this class suitable for me? A: Absolutely. This class is designed to be accessible for all bodies and levels of experience, including complete beginners. Yin yoga is a gentle practice focused on stillness and self-awareness, not advanced physical postures. Your instructor will provide clear guidance and modifications for every pose, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the entire class.

Q: I have existing injuries that I am worried about, what should I do? Make sure to inform your instructor about existing injuries so that they can support you with modifications and recommendation to make the practice accessible.

Q. I have questions not listed here. Email or call for more information. [email protected] and/or 519.240.9642 - it can be hard to reach us by telephone as we are frequently in class or with clients. Feel free to send a text message with your name and question and request a call back or email the same.