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	<title>Mindful Grief</title>
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	<description>Support for your body, mind &#38; spirit.</description>
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		<title>Grief Group Begins Sept. 29, 2010</title>
		<link>http://mindfulgrief.com/grief-group-begins-sept-29-2010/</link>
		<comments>http://mindfulgrief.com/grief-group-begins-sept-29-2010/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:21:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>HeatherYoga</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[This 8 week course is designed to help your body recover from stress caused by grief &#38; loss while providing you with peer support in a safe, non-judgmental environment. The program uses gentle movement, guided relaxation and expressive arts, such as collage and journaling, to help you manage the changes you are experiencing in your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This 8 week course is designed to help your body recover from stress caused by grief &amp; loss while providing you with peer support in a safe, non-judgmental environment. The program uses gentle movement, guided relaxation and expressive arts, such as collage and journaling, to help you manage the changes you are experiencing in your life and in your body.</p>
<p>Cost: $250* suggested: Yoga for Grief is a 19 hour program that includes eight 1.5  hour meetings, which may include yoga, meditation, relaxation,  expressive arts &amp; group discussion, one day-long retreat, and  Heather&#8217;s audio CD.</p>
<p><a href="http://marylandyogatherapy.com/2010/yoga-for-grief/">Learn more or register today</a> to reserve your space in the group.</p>
<p><em>*This is the suggested cost to cover the cost of the instructor&#8217;s time, materials and rent of the space. If you are unable to pay the full amount please call 240-446-3030 to make a reasonable offer. </em></p>
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		<title>Grief support through the toughest of times…</title>
		<link>http://mindfulgrief.com/grief-support/</link>
		<comments>http://mindfulgrief.com/grief-support/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:48:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>HeatherYoga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[“When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left.&#8221; - Rumi There is little anyone can say to ease your pain when you have lost a loved one to death.  While grief is a natural (albeit horribly unpleasant) response, the experience of it is entirely unnatural and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>“When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left.&#8221; </strong><em>- Rumi</em></p>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><strong><strong><a href="http://mindfulgrief.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/26017_382351715831_703590831_4910023_4252404_n.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-11" title="Heather K. Whittington" src="http://mindfulgrief.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/26017_382351715831_703590831_4910023_4252404_n-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></strong></strong></dt>
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<p>There is little anyone can say to ease your pain when you have lost a loved one to death.  While grief is a natural (albeit horribly unpleasant) response, the experience of it is entirely unnatural and intrusive. It is important that during this time you receive support from your family, friends, and community, and provide yourself with a healthy dose of self care and compassion.</p>
<p>At times you may feel that you need additional support, which is perhaps why you landed here today. Mindful Grief was created to offer you a safe place to sob and laugh, a compassionate listener to hear you speak your truth, and an opportunity to release tension and rest your body.</p>
<p>I offer individual and couples sessions, as well as 8-week groups and special events throughout the year. If you sense you are ready for this type of support, then please call me at 240-446-3030 for a confidential phone consultation, or <a href="mailto:heatheryoga@gmail.com">e-mail me</a> with any questions or a request for a session. I look forward to your call.</p>
<p>Jai,<br />
Heather K. Whittington, M.A.</p>
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		<title>Grief and your body</title>
		<link>http://mindfulgrief.com/grief-and-your-body/</link>
		<comments>http://mindfulgrief.com/grief-and-your-body/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:35:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>HeatherYoga</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mindfulgrief.com/?p=24</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have experienced a significant loss you are probably aware of the damaging effect grief has on the health of your body, mind and spirit. Professionals agree that the natural grief reaction sends the body into the state of stress, invoking the well known “fight or flight” response. When left unchecked, this response may [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have experienced a significant loss you are probably aware of the damaging effect grief has on the health of your body, mind and spirit. Professionals agree that the natural grief reaction sends the body into the state of stress, invoking the well known “fight or flight” response. When left unchecked, this response may result in the increased likelihood of illness. It is important to participate in moderate exercise, eat a balanced diet, get a good rest, nurture your spirit and receive compassionate, non-judgmental support.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.mindfulgrief.com/images/namaste.jpg" border="4" alt="Yoga for Grief" hspace="12" width="200" height="247" align="left" />This may be easier said than done; the shock and pain of grief may deplete energy and leave few resources available for recovery. Yoga and meditation may provide relief to your mind, body and spirit, and is accessible to all body types, regardless of yoga or fitness experience.</p>
<h2>How mindfulness practices can help</h2>
<p>Mindfulness, simply put, means paying attention to the present moment as it unfolds. Yoga and meditation are two formal mindfulness practices, however you can be mindful while gardening, cooking, jogging, or looking at a flower. The article <a href="http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2176139" target="_blank"><em>Yoga Reduces Symptoms of Distress in Tsunami Survivors in the Andaman Islands</em></a> supports the hypothesis that mindfulness-based practices are helpful for people suffering from trauma and grief.</p>
<p>Heather works with people who are bereaved in individual and group settings. Through breath, gentle yoga movements, quiet introspection and dialogue in a <a href="http://mindfulgrief.com/phoenix-rising-yoga-therapy/">private Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy session </a> or <a href="http://mindfulgrief.com/frederick-maryland-090110/">yoga for grief class</a> setting, you will be guided to become aware of your body and learn the tools you need for self care during this challenging time. Private yoga therapy sessions and groups are confidential, and will offer you the opportunity to speak and be heard in a safe, non-judgmental, compassionate environment.</p>
<p>Call Heather at 240-446-3030 for more information, class registration or to arrange a one-on-one session. You do not need to be flexible, in shape, or have any prior yoga or meditation experience. All grieving styles are respected.</p>
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