Blog Summer 2024

By Jennifer McCrae

The summer months often bring a sense of renewal and warmth, with longer days and abundant sunshine. However, for those of us navigating grief, the vibrancy of the season can sometimes feel at odds with our inner emotional landscape. As a grief specialist, I understand how challenging it can be to find balance and peace during this time. Here are some reflections and tips to help you embrace the summer months while honoring your grief journey.

First and foremost, it's important to acknowledge your emotions without judgment. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. The summer season may bring up memories of happier times spent with loved ones who are no longer here, and it's okay to feel a mix of joy, sorrow, and everything in between.

Nature has a remarkable way of offering comfort and solace. Spending time outdoors can be a healing balm for the soul. Whether it's taking a gentle walk in the park, sitting by a serene lake, or tending to a garden, connecting with nature can provide a sense of peace and grounding. Allow yourself to be present in the moment, noticing the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

Creating new rituals or continuing cherished traditions can be a powerful way to honor your loved one's memory. Consider lighting a candle at sunset, planting a tree in their honor, or organizing a small gathering with family and friends to share stories and memories. These rituals can provide a sense of connection and continuity, helping you to feel closer to your loved one.

Self-care is essential during the grieving process. The summer months offer opportunities for self-nurturing activities that can support your well-being. Here are a few ideas:

• Engage in Physical Activity: Gentle exercise such as yoga, swimming, or hiking can help release tension and boost your mood.
• Nourish Your Body: Focus on eating fresh, wholesome foods that nourish your body and mind. Consider trying new recipes that incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Explore Creative Outlets: Creative expression can be a powerful tool for processing emotions. Try journaling, painting, or crafting as a way to channel your feelings.

Grief can often feel isolating, but remember that you are not alone. Reach out to supportive communities, whether in-person or online, where you can share your experiences and receive understanding and compassion. Support groups, therapy sessions, and grief workshops can provide valuable resources and a sense of connection.

While grief is a journey filled with ups and downs, it's also important to allow yourself moments of joy and pleasure. These moments do not diminish your love for your lost one; rather, they are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Embrace activities that bring you joy, whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or simply enjoying a beautiful sunset.

This summer, I am offering a variety of grief support events and sessions designed to provide comfort and healing. Join us for our Soul Sanctuary sessions, one-on-one online grief support appointments, and customized workshops tailored to your needs. These gatherings offer a compassionate space to share your journey and find solace in the company of others.

As we move through the summer months, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself and take each day as it comes. Remember, there is no timeline for grief, and it's okay to seek support and find ways to honor your unique journey.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a summer of healing, hope, and gentle renewal.

By Jennifer McCrae

 June is here, and it's a special time in Ontario as we celebrate Seniors Month. This year's theme, "Working for Seniors," emphasizes the importance of supporting and engaging with the senior members of our community. Seniors Month is an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions that seniors have made and continue to make in our society, and to focus on how we can better serve their needs.

Seniors play a vital role in our families, communities, and workplaces. They bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom that enriches our lives. Celebrating Seniors Month allows us to:

Acknowledge Contributions: Highlight the achievements and ongoing contributions of seniors in various fields.

Raise Awareness: Increase awareness about the issues affecting seniors, from health care to social inclusion.

Promote Respect: Foster a culture of respect and appreciation for seniors.

Encourage Participation: Encourage seniors to stay active and engaged in their communities.

Engaging with seniors can be incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips to help you connect and make a positive impact:

Listen Actively: Seniors have incredible stories and life experiences to share. Take the time to listen actively and show genuine interest in their narratives.

Offer Assistance: Many seniors may need help with everyday tasks. Whether it’s grocery shopping, gardening, or running errands, offering your assistance can make a big difference.

Involve Them in Activities: Invite seniors to participate in community events, clubs, or family gatherings. Activities like board games, book clubs, or local tours can be great ways to keep them engaged.

Teach and Learn: Share your skills and knowledge with seniors, and be open to learning from them. This exchange can be mutually beneficial and deeply enriching.

Use Technology: Help seniors get comfortable with technology. Teaching them how to use smartphones, social media, or video calling apps can help them stay connected with family and friends.

Promote Health and Wellness: Encourage seniors to stay active and healthy. Simple activities like walking, light exercise, or yoga can improve their physical and mental well-being.

I invite everyone to join in celebrating Seniors Month. Whether it’s by participating in community events, volunteering your time, or simply spending quality time with the seniors in your life, every effort counts. 

Let’s make this June a memorable and impactful month for all our senior citizens.

Together, we can make a difference by "Working for Seniors."

By Jennifer McCrae

It has been a few months since I have had the time to sit and write but with good reason! I am thrilled to unveil my latest offering: Soul Flow, a profound grief support session designed to guide you on a journey of healing and transformation.

Soul Flow embraces the power of conversation, breathwork, and yoga to facilitate deep healing and renewal. Each session is crafted with care and intention, providing a safe and nurturing space for individuals and groups to explore their grief and find solace in community and connection.

Navigating grief can feel like an overwhelming journey, but with Soul Flow, you'll discover a sanctuary for healing, growth, and renewal. 

Here's why taking a Soul Flow session can be a transformative step on your path to healing:

1. Compassionate Support: Sessions provide a safe and nurturing space where your grief is honored with compassion and understanding. You'll find solace in heartfelt conversations and supportive community connections.

2. Holistic Healing: Soul Flow takes a holistic approach to grief support, addressing your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Through breathwork, yoga, and mindful practices, you'll nourish your mind, body, and soul.

3. Personalized Guidance: Whether you're navigating personal loss, supporting loved ones, or seeking workplace well-being, Soul Flow offers tailored support to meet your unique needs. Our experienced facilitators provide personalized guidance every step of the way.

4. Emotional Release: Explore the transformative power of breathwork and yoga to release emotional tension held within the body. You'll learn to navigate your emotions with grace and cultivate inner peace amidst life's challenges.

5. Community Connection: Find strength and support in the company of others who understand your journey. Soul Flow sessions foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, reminding you that you're not alone in your grief.

6. Renewed Resilience: As you journey through Soul Flow, you'll discover newfound resilience, hope, and inner strength. These sessions empower you to embrace life's challenges with courage and grace, fostering growth and renewal.

7. Self-Care and Well-Being: Prioritize your self-care and well-being with Soul Flow. Investing in your healing journey is an act of self-love, offering you the opportunity to honour your needs and nurture your spirit.

8. Transformative Growth: Experience the transformative potential of Soul Flow as you move through grief with grace and authenticity. Our sessions inspire personal growth, empowering you to embrace life's changes with open arms.

I look forward to walking with you on your healing journey. 

By Jennifer McCrae

The holiday season, often associated with warmth and joy, can be a challenging time for those grappling with ambiguous grief, especially in the context of toxic family relationships. In this months blog post, we explore the intricacies of ambiguous grief, discuss the importance of setting boundaries to avoid toxic family dynamics, and offer strategies for finding peace during the holiday season.

Understanding Ambiguous Grief:

Ambiguous grief arises from losses that lack a clear definition or closure, such as strained relationships, unspoken conflicts, or emotional distance within families. Unlike traditional grief, there may be no overt event to mourn, making it a uniquely complex and often isolating experience.

Avoiding Toxic Family Dynamics:

Toxic family dynamics can intensify the challenges associated with ambiguous grief. Recognizing and avoiding toxic patterns during the holidays is crucial for one's emotional well-being. Whether the relationship has been infused with an abusive upbringing,  narcissism or emotional manipulation, substance abuse, or unhealthy expectations, setting boundaries becomes paramount in creating a safe space for oneself.

Navigating the Holiday Season:

1. Define Your Boundaries:

Clearly articulate what boundaries are necessary for your well-being. This may involve limiting time spent with toxic family members, establishing rules for communication, or opting for alternative celebrations.

2. Create Your Own Traditions:

Take control of the holiday narrative by creating your own traditions. Whether it's spending time with your chosen family, volunteering, or indulging in personal rituals, this can help redefine the season on your terms.

3. Communicate Effectively:

If possible, communicate your needs and boundaries with family members. While this may not always be met with understanding, expressing your intentions can set the tone for respectful interactions.

4. Lean on Support Systems:

Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends or chosen family who understand the complexities of ambiguous grief. Sharing your feelings and experiences with empathetic individuals can provide comfort.

5. Focus on Self-Care:

Prioritize self-care during the holidays. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, engaging in activities that bring joy, or taking time for solitude, nurturing your well-being is essential.

Navigating ambiguous grief, avoiding toxic family dynamics, and finding peace during the holiday season is a journey of self-discovery and resilience. By setting boundaries, creating meaningful traditions, communicating effectively, leaning on support systems, and prioritizing self-care, individuals can reclaim the joy of the season on their own terms. Remember, your well-being matters, and the holidays can be an opportunity for personal growth and healing.

By Jennifer McCrae

Grief is an intricate, often overwhelming, and deeply personal experience. It takes many forms, from the loss of a loved one to the end of a significant chapter in life. Amidst the turmoil of grief, finding solace and healing can seem like an insurmountable challenge. This is where the ancient practice of yoga can play a transformative role. Yoga offers a gentle and nurturing path to navigate the turbulent waters of grief, providing both emotional and physical healing. In this blog, we explore how yoga can be a powerful tool to cope with grief, offering a sense of peace and restoration.

1. The Mind-Body Connection:

One of the fundamental principles of yoga is the connection between the mind and body. Grief often manifests physically, with symptoms like tension, aching muscles, and fatigue. Yoga encourages us to tune into our bodies, allowing us to release stored emotions and physical tension. The practice helps us become more aware of the impact of grief on our physical well-being.

2. Breathing Through Grief:

Deep, conscious breathing is a cornerstone of yoga. By focusing on our breath, we can soothe our nervous system, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of calm. Breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing, can be invaluable tools for managing the intensity of grief.

3. Emotional Release:

Yoga provides a safe and nurturing environment to express and release emotions. Poses like Child's Pose and Savasana (Corpse Pose) offer an opportunity to surrender and let go. Tears may flow, anger may surface, and that's okay. Yoga teaches us that it's vital to acknowledge and honor our feelings.

4. Finding Space for Healing:

The physical practice of yoga, through its asanas (poses), creates space in the body. This space can be a metaphor for the emotional space needed to process grief. Heart-opening poses, like Camel or Bridge Pose, can help us access and release the emotions that are held in our hearts.

5. Meditation and Mindfulness:

Yoga and mindfulness go hand in hand. Meditation allows us to be present with our grief, to sit with it, and to explore our feelings without judgment. Guided meditations can provide a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of our emotions.

6. Restorative Yoga:

Restorative yoga offers deep relaxation through supported poses. Using props like bolsters and blankets, these poses invite surrender and rejuvenation. They are a balm for the weary heart and mind, allowing us to rest and restore.

7. The Power of Intention:

Setting an intention at the beginning of your yoga practice related to your grief journey can be transformative. It can serve as a guiding light through your practice, reminding you of your healing journey.

In conclusion. Yoga is not a cure for grief, but it is a gentle and compassionate companion on the path to healing. It provides a sanctuary to explore our emotions, release physical tension, and find moments of peace. In the midst of our grief, yoga reminds us that we have the strength to heal, one breath, one pose, one moment at a time. Through this ancient practice, we can find solace and renewal, allowing the light of healing to shine through the darkness of grief.

Note: It's important to remember that grief is a complex and individual experience. While yoga can be a valuable tool, it's essential to seek additional support when needed, such as from a grief counselor or therapist, to navigate the challenges that come with grief. Always listen to your body and practice self-compassion during your journey of healing.