HEALING IN MOTION is a new series of exercise classes and activities for people grieving the death of a loved one. There is no cost to attend; everyone in the community is welcome. Healing in Motion classes are led by certified trainers and certified facilitators who volunteer with The Elizabeth Hospice.

Light, moderate, or vigorous, physical activity can be a helpful coping mechanism as people move forward on their grief journey. It provides a distraction by focusing attention on the body, giving a break from the feelings of sadness and pain that grief brings. Exercise releases endorphins, tends to improve sleep, and provides a sense of accomplishment. It can also help connect those who are grieving with others who are going through similar experiences.


Mindful Movement with Breath with Hank Newman
Second Saturday of the Month, 11:30 am to 1 pm
Poway Library, 13137 Poway Rd.

 "When a person grieves for a long time, the emotions they feel from the loss of their loved one can become embedded into their body. Yoga is a wonderful tool that helps move grief through the body," said Hank Newman, certified yoga teacher and volunteer with The Elizabeth Hospice. "This is not the traditional yoga class you may have tried, seen on video or read about. You'll learn breathing techniques to help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and eliminate tension.”

Grief Walks with Jenna Waters
Last Saturday of the Month
1.5-Mile, Easy-Paced Walk in Various Locations

"Even though everyone experiences grief differently, there are some things that grievers have in common. They need to feel a sense of community, move their body, and be outdoors. Grief Walks delivers all these benefits and more," said Jenna Waters, certified grief educator and volunteer with The Elizabeth Hospice. “Grief Walks allow people to continue telling their person's story, which helps keep their loved one close. During walks, there are fresh shoulders to lean on, fresh ears to listen to.”

Grief Yoga with Joanna Munday
First Thursday of the Month, 10 am to 11:30 am
Las Flores Church in Carlsbad

"When you are in trauma, your mind wants to move all the time. Grief Yoga helps quiet the mind, giving it a break from the suffering, the chatter and the noise. With gentle movements and deep, intentional breaths, we can release the painful energy stored in the hips and lower back, moving the body into a state of relaxation," said Joanna Munday, a registered yoga instructor who began studying trauma-informed yoga after her 16-year-old son lost his life in a car accident. “I’m offering these free yoga classes to honor my son's memory and to give back to people who are also suffering from grief and loss.”

The Elizabeth Hospice is the largest, independent nonprofit hospice provider in California. The organization provides medical and emotional support to patients and families facing the challenges associated with an advanced, life-limiting illness, and restores hope to grieving children and adults who are feeling lost and alone. For more information about HEALING IN MOTION, email hummingbird@ehospice.org or call 760-705-6736.