As I moved through loss, I relied heavily on the basic elements of "Wellness". On this page I will share thoughts, practices and links that I have found helpful in yoga, meditation and fitness.
Of all sections on the website, this section will be a work in progress. So keep checking back for new information.
~ Carol
My Story
Yoga
I started practicing yoga shortly after my cancer surgery in 1997. My yoga teacher, Sue Thompson, of the Yoga and Healing Arts Centre in Waterloo, went on to become one of the chosen few in my close inner circle of supporters after Lauren's death. In addition to yoga I received treatments in reflexology and cranial sacral therapy - both holistic approaches to wellness that I found invaluable.
Later, I earned a level 1 yoga certificate under the guidance of Maureen Rae, a Toronto based yoga instructor. I integrated her teachings into my business as a personal trainer. Maureen teaches a flowing style of yoga that I have found best suits my needs. No uncomfortable sustained poses - just a gentle flow that can easily be accomplished by a person at any level of fitness.
Meditation
I started a daily meditation practice within days of Lauren's death. I honestly don't know how I would have endured my loss without the daily peace inducing meditations that I carried out. To this day, I sit quietly each morning, breathe deeply and settle my thoughts.
There are many wonderful teachers of meditation and great books that I will link to the site. But the approach that I have chosen for my own use was developed by Mark Whitwell whose course I attended in Toronto in 2007. Mark teaches a technique called "Yoga of Heart" which integrates gentle yoga moves with calming breath work. This is the technique I use when I teach in group settings or run small seminars as fund raisers.
Fitness
I have placed fitness at the bottom of this page because I believe that it is the foundation of wellness. As a dietitian for 25 years, I have always maintained a fitness focus. Indeed, eating well and exercising go hand in hand.
A key strategy for enduring loss, for me has been to exercise regularly including cardiovascular exercise, weight training and flexibility work. I have found "cardio" to be calming, weight training empowering and stretching linked to meditation in many ways.
In 2004 I attained a certification as a personal trainer through the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals (CanFitPro). I ran a small quiet business for 5 years; the focus of which has been to assist the bereaved in finding a safe and nurturing place to exercise. While I have closed my personal business for the time being, I would encourage the bereaved to find the time and energy to stay fit, in mind, body and spirit.
