Grief is a heavy burden, often leaving us feeling stuck, disconnected, and unsure of how to move forward. For many, traditional forms of healing—such as therapy or support groups—offer comfort, but what if there was another way to process grief? Jillene Gallatin, a grief and loss coach and yoga instructor, believes that movement, breath, and mindfulness can play a powerful role in healing. In a recent conversation, she shared her journey through loss and how grief yoga became a transformative tool in her life.
Jillene’s Story: From Silence to Healing
When Jillene was just 14 years old, her mother died by suicide. Growing up in a rural Minnesota community in the late 1980s, grief support was nearly nonexistent—especially for teenagers. She recalls feeling incredibly isolated, longing for connection but finding that people simply didn’t talk about loss.
“For years, I carried my grief alone,” Jillene shared. “We didn’t talk about it, and I didn’t know how to process it. I just kept moving forward without truly acknowledging the pain.”
It wasn’t until much later in life that Jillene began to fully process her grief. Through her work as a pastor, she started recognizing a deep need for mental health resources, especially in the areas of grief and loss. As she navigated her own healing journey, she discovered yoga—and later, grief yoga—which became an essential part of her transformation.
What is Grief Yoga?
Grief yoga is different from traditional yoga in that it focuses specifically on processing and releasing emotions stored in the body. It integrates movement, breath, and sound to help individuals connect with and express their grief in a safe and supportive way.
“Grief yoga is about using movement to give space to emotions we may not even realize we’re holding onto,” Jillene explained. “It allows us to be present with our grief rather than trying to push it away.”
Unlike traditional yoga, which often emphasizes balance and flexibility, grief yoga incorporates larger movements and vocal expressions to help release stored emotions. Participants might use their breath and sound—like sighing or exhaling deeply—to help move through difficult feelings.
Why Does Grief Stay in the Body?
Many people don’t realize that grief is not just an emotional experience—it’s also physical. It can manifest as headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, and fatigue. Jillene shared that one of the most powerful aspects of grief yoga is that it invites individuals to notice where they are holding their grief.
“Our bodies store pain and trauma in ways we don’t always recognize,” she said. “By becoming aware of these physical sensations, we can start to release them.”
The Benefits of Grief Yoga
For those navigating the loss of a loved one—especially mothers who have lost a baby—grief yoga can be a gentle way to reconnect with their bodies. After loss, it’s common to feel disconnected from oneself, especially when the body feels like it has betrayed them. Yoga offers a path back to self-compassion.
Some benefits of grief yoga include:
- Emotional Release: Helps process grief in a healthy way.
- Physical Relief: Eases tension and stress stored in the body.
- Mind-Body Connection: Encourages self-awareness and presence.
- Safe Expression: Provides a supportive environment to express emotions freely.
How to Get Started with Grief Yoga
If you’re interested in trying grief yoga, Jillene suggests starting with small steps. This could be as simple as focusing on your breath for a few moments each day or attending a guided session in person or online.
“I always tell people—grief will wait for you,” she said. “You don’t have to rush the process, but when you’re ready, finding ways to reconnect with yourself can be incredibly healing.”
Jillene offers both in-person and virtual grief yoga sessions through her platform, Grounded Love for Grief and Loss. If you’re looking for more support, you can learn more and connect with her here:
- Website: Grounded Love for Grief and Loss
- Instagram: @GroundedLoveForGrief
- Facebook: Grounded Love for Grief
Grief is a lifelong journey, and there is no “right” way to process it. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, grief yoga may be a gentle and effective way to begin moving through your emotions. No matter where you are in your grief, know that you are not alone—and healing is possible, one breath at a time.
Jennifer Senn is a certified life coach who is also a bereaved mom of twin girls born at 32 weeks. She helps stillbirth moms let go of guilt, process their grief, and figure out what’s next for their future. You can learn more about her and schedule a free support session at jennifersenn.com.
