.png)
FAQ
Then & Now: Yoga for Grief Workshop
Welcome to the FAQ for our upcoming grief workshop at Sellwood Yoga. We hope this answers your questions. If not, please contact us at yogawithreb -at- gmail.com.
Thank you,
Rebecca & Monica
What is this workshop about.
Grief is present in our lives in many ways and for many reasons. Certainly the loss of a loved one but also losing a job, a relationship, a dream. Finding opportunities to dive deeper into listening to our grief can be difficult.
​
The practices incorporated in this series will allow our nervous system to slow and calm, to restore and balance. Using movement, rest, aromatherapy, breathing techniques and more, we will take the time to be present with whatever phase of grief we find ourselves in right now.
Who is this workshop for.
All are welcome. No grief is too big or too small for this workshop. Reach out if you want to chat more before signing up.
When and where is this workshop.
The workshop meets 4 consecutive weeks on Tuesday evenings: Feb 18+25 + March 4+11 from 7:30 to 9pm.
The workshop is being held at Sellwood Yoga at 7970 SE 13th Avenue, across from Grand Central Bakery.
What can I expect over the 4 weeks.
During this 4-week workshop you’ll open up to grief in several ways:
-
Guided meditation and breath awareness
-
Hatha and Restorative Yoga
-
Poetry reading/sharing
-
Journaling with prompts (notebooks and pens provided)
-
Aroma Acutouch with essential oils — from Monica, a LMT.
​
Note that within these options you’ll have time to be present and still, pausing at any time for quiet reflection.
​
Read the full description here.
How should I prepare and what do I need to bring.
No advance preparation is needed. Wear comfortable clothes, hoodies and warm socks are good layers and no specific yoga garb is necessary. Please bring:
-
yoga mat (we have a few loaners)
-
water bottle and/or tea mug. We have a kettle and tea bags
-
eye pillow/cover for restorative poses
​
For the journaling portion we will provide small blank books and pens or bring what you like.
​
The studio has standard yoga props (bolsters, blocks, blankets) but if you have a special blanket or cozy that is comforting please bring it.
What if I am not flexible or don't practice yoga.
The yoga portions of the class will be a slower Hatha-style practice, explained clearly and the instructor will help you adjust poses. You can also find a resting position and be in stillness at any time.
What if I don't journal.
There will be writing prompts offered or please bring one you like. Alternatively you can draw, doodle, copy or read a poem or just sit in meditation.
What if I can't come to one of the sessions. Will there be recordings.
This is solely an in-studio class and due to privacy we will not be recording any sessions. You will still find this series beneficial if you are only able to attend 3 of the 4. We will provide handouts with some of the information shared in class.
Although we would prefer you are present for the entire 90-minutes of each class, a need for late arrival or early departure can be discussed with the co-leaders. Please reach out.
What if I am sensitive to aromas.
Monica will offer Aroma Acutouch: a gentle touch to head, hands or feet during the restorative portion of class. This practice synergizes the healing power of essential oils with acupressure's potent points.
You can easily opt out of this treatment and, if you are sensitive to certain plants or smells, this series may not be for you.
Am I expected to talk or share during this workshop.
During the third week we will offer an opportunity for attendees to briefly share from the heart. It is entirely optional and not mandatory.
How do I sign up.
Preregistration is required and you must have a Sellwood Yoga account.
Registration is via this link and payment is due at the time of registration..
​
If you have not attended classes at Sellwood Yoga please visit their website for more information.
Who is leading this workshop.
Monica Welty has been practicing massage since 2006 and offers gentle and restorative touch during this series, utilizing essential oils and acupressure points. She is a writer with a primary focus on grief, a wellness coach and a newly minted death doula. ​
Rebecca Mendez has been teaching at Sellwood Yoga since 2022. She currently teaches Yoga for Healthy Aging on Mondays and Wednesdays and the Beginners Yoga workshops. She also teaches Chair Yoga online. Studying and practicing yoga has supported her in the processing and understanding of her own grief – yoga is a powerful tool that has kept her rooted down. Thanks to her mother's influence she reads poems to finish every class.
IMPORTANT:
Please note:
This class is for those wanting to process whatever grief they might be experiencing with the practices/tools of meditation, yoga, breathwork and gentle touch.
This is not a therapy workshop or session and we encourage anyone needing individualized grief support to contact a professional therapist.