Growing with our Grief: Understanding the Science and Tools for Somatic Healing

The workshop, created by The LIGHT Movement, is a 2-hour experience designed to help participants understand the physiological impact of grief and learn somatic tools for growth and integration. Rooted in the goals of The LIGHT Movement, the workshop aims to remind participants they are not alone, teach science-based somatic practices to support mind-body integration, and foster meaning-making and purpose in grief. Through an inclusive and supportive environment, attendees explore concepts like contraction and expansion, polyvagal theory, the window of tolerance, and vagus nerve regulation. Practical tools, including gentle yoga, breathwork, bilateral movements, and vagus nerve stimulation, are practiced to empower participants to navigate their grief. The session concludes with reflection and grounding, offering a pathway to self-compassion and community solidarity while honoring diverse grief experiences. This workshop equips participants with actionable knowledge and practices to continue growing with their grief journys.