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Health & Healing Yoga & Movement

Gary Kraftsow on Viniyoga: Why One-Size-Fits-All Yoga ...

Amy Burtaine
Michelle Cassandra Johnson — May 14, 2026

Yoga is often taught in a uniform way, with everyone following the same sequence and pace. While this can be helpful for structure, it does not always reflect what each person truly needs. Bodies, energy levels, and life experiences vary, and a single approach cannot account for all of that. Viniyoga offers a different path by focusing on adaptation. Through personalized yoga and breath centric awareness, the practice becomes more responsive and supportive.

We have spent decades sharing the voices of respected teachers and preserving their wisdom in its original, lived form. Our growing library of teachings reflects a commitment to meaningful transformation. Gary Kraftsow’s work in viniyoga and yoga therapy is part of this tradition, offering a practical and thoughtful approach to practice.

Here, we look at Gary Kraftsow’s perspective on viniyoga and why one-size-fits-all yoga does not work.

Key Takeaways:

  • Adaptation Matters: Viniyoga emphasizes tailoring yoga practices to individual needs rather than following a fixed sequence.
  • Breath as a Guide: Breath centric yoga supports awareness, pacing, and overall well-being within each practice.
  • Therapeutic Value: Yoga therapy rooted in viniyoga offers a practical way to support healing and long-term balance.

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Gary Kraftsow on Viniyoga and the Power of Personalized Yoga

Gary Kraftsow’s teaching on viniyoga centers on a simple idea. Yoga should serve the individual, not the other way around. Personalized yoga is not a trend but a core principle, adapting to each person’s needs, condition, and intention.

Viniyoga honors individual differences by meeting practitioners where they are, creating a more accessible and supportive practice. It shifts the focus away from achieving ideal forms and toward building a meaningful, sustainable relationship with oneself.

What Is Viniyoga and How It Supports Breath Centric Yoga Practices

Viniyoga offers a framework that feels both structured and flexible. It provides clear principles while allowing space for adaptation. Breath centric yoga is central to this framework, shaping how each movement is approached and experienced.

The Meaning and Origins of Viniyoga

The word viniyoga points to appropriate application. This idea reflects a deeper understanding that yoga is not static. It is responsive. In this tradition, the teacher observes and listens before offering guidance. Practices are not prescribed in a generic way. They are developed with attention to the individual’s condition and intention.

This approach draws from a lineage that values direct transmission and lived wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of experience over performance. Practitioners are encouraged to develop awareness and to refine their practice gradually. Over time, this creates a sense of trust in one’s own process.

Breath as the Center of Practice

Breath centric yoga shapes the rhythm of viniyoga practice. Movement is guided by the breath, creating a steady and intentional flow. This connection supports both physical ease and mental clarity.

When breath leads, the practitioner gains immediate feedback. A smooth and steady breath suggests that the practice is appropriate. Strain or irregularity signals the need to adjust. This simple awareness helps prevent overexertion and supports sustainability.

Beyond physical movement, breath also influences the nervous system. Gentle, mindful breathing can calm the body, while more active patterns can bring energy and focus. In viniyoga, this relationship is used thoughtfully to support overall well-being.

Why One-Size-Fits-All Yoga Does Not Align with Viniyoga Principles

In many contemporary settings, yoga is offered in a standardized format. While this can make classes widely accessible, it often overlooks the complexity of individual experience. Viniyoga offers a different perspective, one that places adaptation at the center of practice.

The Limits of Standardized Yoga Classes

Group classes often follow a fixed sequence. This structure can be helpful for teaching large numbers of people, yet it leaves little room for individual variation. Students may feel encouraged to keep pace with the group, even when their bodies suggest otherwise.

Over time, this can create a disconnect. The practice may feel less supportive and more demanding. For some, it leads to discomfort or injury. For others, it creates a subtle sense of frustration when the practice does not align with their needs.

Individual Needs and Conditions Matter

Every practitioner brings a unique set of circumstances. These may include physical limitations, health concerns, or emotional stress. Viniyoga recognizes these factors as essential to the practice, not separate from it.

By acknowledging individual needs, yoga becomes more inclusive and responsive. The practice shifts from a generalized routine to a meaningful experience that supports the whole person. This approach allows practitioners to engage more fully and to experience the benefits of yoga in a way that feels relevant to their lives.

The Foundation of Breath Centric Yoga in Viniyoga Teaching

Breath centric yoga serves as a bridge between physical movement and inner awareness. In viniyoga, this connection is cultivated with care and intention. It supports a practice that feels grounded and adaptable.

Linking Breath and Movement

The coordination of breath and movement creates a natural pacing. Each action is supported by inhalation or exhalation, allowing the body to move with greater ease. This reduces strain and encourages fluidity.

This connection also helps maintain focus. Rather than moving mechanically, the practitioner remains engaged in each moment. The practice becomes a continuous flow of attention and awareness.

Breath as a Tool for Regulation

Breath offers a direct pathway to influence the nervous system. In Viniyoga, specific breathing patterns are used to support different outcomes. A longer exhale can encourage relaxation, while a fuller inhale can bring alertness.

This adaptability makes breath centric yoga especially valuable in addressing stress and imbalance. It provides a simple yet effective way to shift internal states. Over time, practitioners learn how to use breath as a resource both on and off the mat.

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How Gary Kraftsow Uses Yoga Therapy to Support Individual Needs

Yoga therapy extends the principles of viniyoga into a more focused and supportive context. Gary Kraftsow’s approach reflects a deep respect for the individuality of each person and the complexity of their experience.

  • Each process begins with careful listening and observation. Understanding the individual’s condition, lifestyle, and goals provides a clear foundation for practice.
  • Practices are designed to be simple and accessible. They often include gentle movement, breathwork, and moments of reflection. This makes them easier to sustain over time.
  • Adaptation remains central. As the individual’s condition evolves, the practice is refined to remain supportive and effective.
  • Education is woven into the process. Individuals learn how to interpret their own experience and make adjustments as needed. This builds confidence and self-awareness.
  • Integration into daily life is emphasized. The goal is not to create a separate activity but to support well-being in a way that fits naturally into everyday routines.

Through yoga therapy, viniyoga becomes a practical tool for healing. It addresses not only physical concerns but also emotional and mental well-being.

This approach also shifts the role of the teacher. Rather than directing from a fixed plan, the teacher becomes a partner in the process. Together, they explore what supports balance and growth, creating a more collaborative and empowering experience.

Personalized Yoga and the Role of Viniyoga in Healing Practices

Personalized yoga invites a more compassionate relationship with practice. Instead of striving toward an external ideal, attention turns inward. What does the body need today? What kind of support feels appropriate? These questions guide the process.

Viniyoga provides a structure for this kind of inquiry. It encourages practitioners to move with awareness and to adjust based on real-time feedback. This creates a sense of safety, which is essential for healing.

For individuals working with injury or ongoing health concerns, this approach can be especially meaningful. It allows them to participate in yoga without pressure or comparison. The practice becomes a space for restoration and gradual progress.

Over time, personalized yoga supports not only physical healing but also a deeper sense of connection. Practitioners begin to trust their own experience and to engage with greater clarity and ease.

Adapting Viniyoga and Yoga Therapy for Different Individuals

One of the defining qualities of viniyoga is its adaptability. This flexibility allows it to serve a wide range of individuals, each with their own needs and circumstances.

A younger practitioner seeking strength and focus may work with more dynamic movement and energizing breath. An older adult may benefit from slower pacing and supportive postures. Someone recovering from illness may begin with very simple practices that emphasize breath and gentle movement.

Even within the same individual, needs can shift from day to day. Viniyoga acknowledges this fluidity and encourages ongoing adjustment. The practice remains responsive rather than fixed.

This adaptability reflects a broader understanding of yoga as a living tradition. It evolves with the practitioner, offering support at each stage of life. In this way, yoga therapy and viniyoga remain accessible, relevant, and deeply supportive.

The Growing Relevance of Breath Centric and Personalized Yoga Today

As more people seek practices that support both body and mind, viniyoga continues to feel relevant. Breath centric and personalized yoga offer a steady alternative to fast-paced, performance-driven approaches.

By honoring individual experience, viniyoga provides a structured yet adaptable path. Gary Kraftsow’s teaching reflects this through listening, breath, and thoughtful adaptation, supporting lasting transformation.

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Final Thoughts

Gary Kraftsow’s teaching on viniyoga points back to an essential truth. Yoga is most effective when it adapts to the individual. Through personalized yoga, breath centric practice, and the supportive framework of yoga therapy, the practice becomes more accessible and meaningful.

Viniyoga offers a way to move with awareness, respond to change, and engage in a practice that supports the whole person over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Viniyoga and Personalized Yoga

What makes Viniyoga different from other yoga styles

Viniyoga focuses on adapting the practice to the individual rather than following a fixed sequence. It prioritizes function, intention, and personal context over form.

Is Viniyoga suitable for beginners?

Yes, Viniyoga is often well-suited for beginners because it starts with the individual’s current ability and builds gradually with simple, accessible practices.

How does Viniyoga relate to yoga therapy?

Viniyoga provides the foundation for many yoga therapy approaches. Its emphasis on adaptation and breath makes it effective for addressing specific health concerns.

Can Viniyoga be practiced at home without a teacher

While guidance is helpful, many viniyoga practices are designed to be simple and repeatable, making them accessible for home practice once learned.

What role does intention play in Viniyoga

Intention helps shape the direction of the practice. Whether the goal is relaxation, strength, or healing, the practice is designed to support that purpose.

Is breath centric yoga difficult to learn

Breath centric yoga is approachable, though it may feel unfamiliar at first. With practice, coordinating breath and movement becomes more natural.

How often should someone practice Viniyoga

Consistency matters more than duration. Even short, regular sessions can be effective when the practice is tailored to the individual.

Can Viniyoga support mental and emotional well-being

Yes, Viniyoga incorporates breath and mindful awareness, which can help regulate stress and support emotional balance.

Do you need flexibility to practice Viniyoga

No, flexibility is not a requirement. Practices are adapted to each individual, making yoga accessible regardless of physical ability.

How does personalized yoga change over time

As the individual’s needs and conditions shift, the practice evolves. This ensures that it remains supportive and relevant over time.

Michelle Cassandra Johnson is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including Skill in Action and Finding Refuge. Amy Burtaine is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of The Facilitator's Guide for White Affinity Groups. For more, visit https://www.michellecjohnson.com/wisdom-of-the-hive.

blog Our Apprenticeship with Sorrow: What Grief Has to Teach Us Proposed URL: /francis-weller-grief Title Tag: Francis Weller Grief: Apprenticeship with Sorrow Meta: Francis Weller's grief reveals sorrow as initiation, highlighting communal grief, healing, and emotional depth through apprenticeship with sorrow. Content Intent: This blog post is meant for your middle-of-funnel audience. It targets your ideal customer within the middle stage of their buyer's journey. Visitors may have commercial intent as they further research product or service options. This blog post will address unique issues, problems, interests, and considerations that may be related to or adjacent to your product or service. Target Keyword: francis weller grief Alt Image Text: People sharing grief in a supportive circle outdoors Key Takeaways Grief as Teacher: Grief is not an obstacle but a guide that reveals what matters most and deepens our emotional awareness. Communal Healing: Shared sorrow through communal grief creates connection, support, and a sense of belonging. Initiation Through Loss: Grief as initiation marks a transition into a more meaningful and connected experience of life. Our Apprenticeship with Sorrow: What Grief Has to Teach Us Grief is something most of us try to move past as quickly as possible. It can feel heavy, confusing, and difficult to name. Yet grief does not follow a clear path, and it rarely resolves on command. It returns in quiet moments, asking for our attention in ways we may not expect. When we begin to approach grief differently, not as something to avoid but as something to listen to, we start to recognize that it carries meaning. It reflects the depth of our love, our connections, and what we hold most dear. For more than three decades, Sounds True has been devoted to sharing living wisdom from leading spiritual teachers, offering teachings that support inner growth, emotional honesty, and deeper presence. Through thousands of audio programs, books, and conversations with voices like Francis Weller, we continue to hold space for the full range of human experience, including grief, sorrow, and healing. Our work is rooted in the understanding that transformation happens when we are willing to meet ourselves fully, with compassion and awareness. Here, we look at Francis Weller's grief, including apprenticeship with sorrow, the wild edge of sorrow, communal grief, and grief as initiation.
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Health & Healing Self-Compassion

Our Apprenticeship with Sorrow: What Grief Has to Teac...

Amy Burtaine
Michelle Cassandra Johnson — May 14, 2026

Grief is something most of us try to move past as quickly as possible. It can feel heavy, confusing, and difficult to name. Yet grief does not follow a clear path, and it rarely resolves on command. It returns in quiet moments, asking for our attention in ways we may not expect. When we begin to approach grief differently, not as something to avoid but as something to listen to, we start to recognize that it carries meaning. It reflects the depth of our love, our connections, and what we hold most dear.

For more than three decades, Sounds True has been devoted to sharing living wisdom from leading spiritual teachers, offering teachings that support inner growth, emotional honesty, and deeper presence. Through thousands of audio programs, books, and conversations with voices like Francis Weller, we continue to hold space for the full range of human experience, including grief, sorrow, and healing. Our work is rooted in the understanding that transformation happens when we are willing to meet ourselves fully, with compassion and awareness.

Here, we look at Francis Weller’s grief, including apprenticeship with sorrow, the wild edge of sorrow, communal grief, and grief as initiation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grief as Teacher: Grief is not an obstacle but a guide that reveals what matters most and deepens our emotional awareness.
  • Communal Healing: Shared sorrow through communal grief creates connection, support, and a sense of belonging.
  • Initiation Through Loss: Grief as initiation marks a transition into a more meaningful and connected experience of life.

Discover the Hidden Power of Daily Meditation

Francis Weller Grief: Apprenticeship with Sorrow, the Wild Edge of Sorrow, Communal Grief, and Grief as Initiation

Grief often arrives uninvited, asking for our full attention. In the work of Francis Weller, it is seen as an apprenticeship with sorrow, a relationship that unfolds over time. Instead of something to resolve, grief becomes something we enter, leading us to the wild edge of sorrow where familiar ways of understanding begin to soften.

At this edge, grief as initiation comes into view. Loss is not only something we endure but something that deepens our relationship with life. It reveals what matters most and shows how closely sorrow is tied to love.

Grief also has a shared dimension. Communal grief reminds us that we are not meant to carry sorrow alone. When grief is witnessed and held by others, it creates space for healing and connection, grounding us even in the midst of heartbreak.

Apprenticeship with Sorrow at the Wild Edge of Sorrow Through Communal Grief and Grief as Initiation

Apprenticeship with sorrow asks us to turn toward grief rather than avoid it. At the wild edge of sorrow, we begin to see loss not as something to fix but as part of a deeper unfolding. Through communal grief and grief as initiation, this experience becomes shared and meaningful.

Learning to Stay with Sorrow

Staying with sorrow means allowing grief to move at its own pace. Instead of rushing toward closure, we listen to what grief reveals about what we love and value. This presence builds trust in the process.

The Role of Communal Grief in Initiation

Communal grief creates space to be witnessed. Sharing sorrow with others brings connection and support, helping grief as an initiation unfold with greater depth and a sense of belonging.

The Wild Edge of Sorrow Within Apprenticeship with Sorrow, Communal Grief, and Grief as Initiation

The wild edge of sorrow is an ongoing threshold we return to through loss. Within an apprenticeship with sorrow, it becomes a place of change, shaped by communal grief and deepened through grief as initiation.

Meeting the Unknown Within Grief

Grief brings us into uncertainty, where answers are not always clear. Staying present in this space allows us to grow and see beyond familiar ways of understanding ourselves.

How Communal Grief Grounds the Experience

Communal grief offers support at the wild edge of sorrow. Being with others creates a sense of stability, helping us stay connected as grief as initiation continues to unfold.

Communal Grief in the Apprenticeship with Sorrow at the Wild Edge of Sorrow and Grief as Initiation

Communal grief plays a vital role in how we navigate sorrow. Within an apprenticeship with sorrow, it offers a way to reconnect with the collective nature of human experience. At the wild edge of sorrow, this reconnection becomes especially important. Grief as initiation is not meant to happen in isolation. It unfolds within relationships, within communities, and within shared spaces of care.

Rebuilding the Practice of Gathering

In many parts of modern life, opportunities for communal grief have become limited. There are fewer spaces where sorrow can be openly expressed and witnessed. Rebuilding the practice of gathering is one way to address this absence.

Gathering does not require elaborate rituals. It can begin with simple acts of presence. Sitting together, listening without interruption, allowing tears to come. These moments create a foundation for communal grief. They remind us that we do not need to carry everything alone.

The Healing Power of Being Seen

To be seen in our grief is a powerful experience. It affirms that our sorrow matters. It acknowledges the depth of what we have lost. Within communal grief, this recognition becomes a form of healing.

At the wild edge of sorrow, being witnessed can soften the intensity of isolation. It creates a sense of connection that supports grief as initiation. Apprenticeship with sorrow becomes less about enduring pain alone and more about allowing ourselves to be held within a network of care.

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Grief as Initiation Through Apprenticeship with Sorrow, the Wild Edge of Sorrow, and Communal Grief

Grief as initiation offers a different way of understanding loss. It suggests that sorrow is part of a larger process of transformation. Through apprenticeship with sorrow at the wild edge of sorrow, supported by communal grief, we begin to see how this transformation unfolds.

  • Grief reveals the depth of our love and the bonds that shape our lives
  • Apprenticeship with sorrow teaches us to remain present with what cannot be fixed
  • The wild edge of sorrow introduces us to uncertainty and invites us to grow within it
  • Communal grief connects us to others and reminds us that we are not alone
  • Grief as initiation marks a passage into a deeper relationship with life

These elements work together to create a path that is both challenging and meaningful. Grief becomes a guide, leading us toward greater awareness and connection.

In this understanding, initiation is not something that happens once. It continues over time. Each encounter with sorrow brings new insight, new depth, and new opportunities to engage with life more fully.

Living Apprenticeship with Sorrow at the Wild Edge of Sorrow Through Communal Grief as Initiation

Living in apprenticeship with sorrow means allowing grief to remain part of our ongoing experience. It does not disappear or resolve completely. Instead, it changes. It becomes woven into the fabric of our lives.

At the wild edge of sorrow, we continue to encounter moments that call us back into feeling. These moments may be unexpected, yet they carry familiar textures. Through communal grief, we find ways to meet these moments with support. We learn to recognize the presence of sorrow without becoming overwhelmed by it.

Grief as initiation continues to shape how we move through the world. It deepens our capacity for empathy. It expands our ability to listen. It invites us to approach others with greater care. In living this way, we begin to see that sorrow and joy are not separate experiences. They exist together, each one informing the other.

The Healing Power of Communal Grief in Apprenticeship with Sorrow and the Wild Edge of Sorrow as Initiation

Communal grief offers steady support within an apprenticeship with sorrow, extending beyond individual experience. At the wild edge of sorrow, it connects us to shared patterns of loss and resilience across people and cultures.

This awareness deepens connection and shifts grief as initiation from a personal struggle to a collective experience. In communal grief, we find space to listen, care, and be present without needing to fix what cannot be fixed.

Returning to the Wild Edge of Sorrow Through Apprenticeship with Sorrow, Communal Grief, and Grief as Initiation

We return to the wild edge of sorrow many times throughout our lives. Each return brings a different perspective. Within apprenticeship with sorrow, these returns are not setbacks but continuations of a deeper process. Communal grief offers companionship along the way, while grief as initiation continues to unfold.

Over time, we may begin to notice subtle shifts. Our relationship with sorrow becomes less reactive and more responsive. We learn to meet grief with a greater sense of openness. We recognize its presence without immediately turning away.

In honoring this process, we come to see that grief is not separate from life. It is woven into our experience of love, connection, and change. Through apprenticeship with sorrow, supported by communal grief and guided by grief as initiation, we are invited into a way of being that is more attentive, more connected, and more fully alive.

Learn How your Mind Really Works with Sounds True

Final Thoughts

Grief asks us to slow down and listen in a way few other experiences do. Through apprenticeship with sorrow, we begin to understand that loss is not something to move past, but something that reshapes how we live and love. At the wild edge of sorrow, supported by communal grief, grief as initiation opens a path toward deeper presence, connection, and belonging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Francis Weller Grief

What is Francis Weller’s approach to grief?

Francis Weller approaches grief as a meaningful human experience that connects us to our emotional depth, rather than something to fix or overcome.

Why is grief described as an apprenticeship with sorrow?

It is called an apprenticeship because grief unfolds over time and teaches through experience, requiring patience, attention, and a willingness to learn from loss.

What does the “wild edge of sorrow” mean?

The wild edge of sorrow refers to the raw, unfiltered place within us where grief feels most intense and where transformation can begin.

How is communal grief different from private grieving?

Communal grief involves sharing sorrow with others in a supportive environment, while private grieving happens internally without external witnessing or shared space.

Can grief exist without a major loss?

Yes, grief can arise from many experiences, including life transitions, unmet expectations, or a sense of disconnection, not only from death or major loss.

What is meant by grief as initiation?

Grief as initiation refers to the idea that loss can mark a transition into a deeper understanding of life, self, and relationships.

How can someone begin working with their grief?

Beginning with grief often involves allowing space for feelings, acknowledging loss honestly, and seeking supportive environments where emotions can be expressed safely.

Is there a “right” way to experience grief?

There is no single correct way to grieve. Each person’s experience is shaped by their history, relationships, and emotional capacity.

Why do some people avoid grief?

People may avoid grief because it can feel overwhelming, unfamiliar, or unsupported, especially in cultures that prioritize productivity over emotional processing.

How does grief influence personal growth?

Grief can deepen emotional awareness, strengthen empathy, and reshape priorities, leading to a more grounded and connected way of living.

Michelle Cassandra Johnson is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including Skill in Action and Finding Refuge. Amy Burtaine is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of The Facilitator's Guide for White Affinity Groups. For more, visit https://www.michellecjohnson.com/wisdom-of-the-hive.

blog Veterans practicing yoga and meditation indoors
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Health & Healing Yoga & Movement

Beryl Bender Birch on Yoga for Veterans: Healing Traum...

Amy Burtaine
Michelle Cassandra Johnson — May 13, 2026

What does it mean to feel at home in your body again after trauma? For many veterans, the return to everyday life can include tension, restlessness, and a sense of disconnection that lingers beneath the surface. Yoga offers a steady, accessible way to reconnect through movement and breath, creating space to notice what is present and allowing the body to gradually soften its patterns of stress.

At Sounds True, we have spent decades sharing transformational teachings from trusted voices in healing and spirituality. Through conversations with teachers like Beryl Bender Birch, we bring forward practices that support real change, grounded in lived experience and authentic wisdom.

Here, we look at Beryl Bender Birch’s perspective on yoga for veterans, and how movement, breath, and awareness support trauma healing and emotional balance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Body Awareness: Yoga for veterans helps reconnect with the body, supporting regulation and reducing the impact of trauma responses over time.
  • Breath as Support: Ujjayi breathing anxiety techniques offer a steady way to calm the nervous system and manage stress in daily life.
  • Consistent Practice: Veterans healing yoga builds resilience through simple, repeatable practices that encourage long-term healing and presence.

Learn How your Mind Really Works with Sounds True

Yoga for Veterans: A Path to Yoga Trauma Healing Through Movement

What happens when the body holds experiences words cannot express? For many veterans, life after service includes lingering tension and vigilance that do not easily fade. At Sounds True, we share teachings that support real transformation, and Beryl Bender Birch’s approach to yoga for veterans reflects this. Her work invites a return to the body through movement and breath, not as a task, but as a relationship.

Yoga trauma healing begins by shifting from doing to listening. Movements are steady, with space to notice sensation without judgment. This helps the nervous system begin to soften. In this practice, healing is not a destination but a gradual return to steadiness. With consistency and care, veterans healing yoga supports small, meaningful shifts where the body can begin to feel safe again.

Beryl Bender Birch on Yoga, PTSD, and Veterans Healing Yoga

Beryl Bender Birch approaches yoga PTSD with a focus on meeting the body where it is. Her teaching centers on awareness, breath, and steady movement as ways to support healing without pressure or force.

Yoga PTSD as a Whole-Body Experience

PTSD often shows up in the body through tension, shallow breathing, and constant alertness. Yoga for veterans works directly with these patterns by bringing attention to movement and sensation, supporting gradual regulation.

Veterans Healing Yoga as a Supportive Practice

Veterans healing yoga emphasizes choice, simplicity, and consistency. By allowing space to move at an individual pace, the practice helps rebuild trust in the body and creates a foundation for ongoing healing.

Understanding Yoga Trauma Healing and PTSD in Veterans

To appreciate the role of yoga trauma healing, it is important to understand how trauma influences the body and mind. Veterans often carry adaptive responses that were necessary in high-stress environments but can feel overwhelming in daily life.

How Trauma Lives in the Body

Trauma can alter the body’s baseline state. The nervous system may remain in a heightened state of alertness, ready to respond to perceived threats. This can affect sleep, digestion, and overall well-being. These responses are not signs of dysfunction. They reflect the body’s intelligence in protecting itself.

Yoga PTSD practices meet these responses with patience. Slow, deliberate movement helps the body transition from constant activation toward a more regulated state. The emphasis is not on forcing relaxation but on creating conditions where it can arise naturally.

The Role of Awareness in Yoga Trauma Healing

Awareness is at the heart of yoga trauma healing. By bringing attention to breath and sensation, veterans can begin to notice patterns that previously felt automatic. This awareness creates space for choice.

For example, recognizing a moment of tension in the shoulders can become an invitation to soften. Not through force, but through gentle attention. Over time, these small shifts support a broader sense of self-regulation. The practice becomes a way to stay connected, even in challenging moments.

Ujjayi Breathing Anxiety Relief in Yoga for Veterans

Breath is one of the most accessible tools in yoga for veterans. Beryl Bender Birch places particular emphasis on ujjayi breathing anxiety techniques as a way to support nervous system balance.

What Is Ujjayi Breathing

Ujjayi breathing involves a subtle constriction at the back of the throat, creating a soft, steady sound with each inhale and exhale. This sound provides a focal point for attention, making it easier to stay present.

For veterans, this technique offers structure. The breath becomes something that can be followed, moment by moment. It is not about controlling the breath perfectly, but about developing a consistent rhythm that feels supportive.

Ujjayi Breathing Anxiety and Emotional Regulation

Ujjayi breathing anxiety practices can help shift the body out of a heightened stress response. As the breath slows and deepens, signals are sent to the nervous system that it is safe to relax.

This process takes time. Birch encourages practitioners to approach the breath with patience and curiosity. Even a few cycles of steady breathing can create a noticeable shift. Over time, the breath becomes a reliable anchor, something that can be returned to in moments of uncertainty or overwhelm.

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Veterans Healing Yoga: Supporting Recovery from Yoga PTSD

Veterans healing yoga offers practical ways to engage with yoga for PTSD in a supportive and sustainable manner. The emphasis is on creating a practice that feels accessible and meaningful.

  • Consistent practice helps the body recognize patterns of safety. Repetition allows the nervous system to gradually shift toward regulation.
  • Simple movements reduce the likelihood of overwhelm. Focusing on foundational postures creates a sense of familiarity and ease.
  • Personal choice is always respected. Veterans are encouraged to modify or pause, reinforcing a sense of control and agency.
  • Practicing in the community can provide a connection. Sharing space with others who understand similar experiences can feel grounding.
  • Breath practices, such as ujjayi breathing, and anxiety techniques offer a steady point of focus throughout the session.

These elements work together to create a practice that supports healing without pressure. Yoga trauma healing is not about dramatic breakthroughs. It is about steady, compassionate engagement with the body and breath.

In this way, the practice becomes something that can be returned to again and again. Each session builds on the last, creating a foundation of stability that extends beyond the mat.

Yoga for Veterans and PTSD: The Power of Yoga Trauma Healing

Yoga for veterans living with PTSD offers an opportunity to experience the body differently. Instead of being a source of tension or discomfort, the body can become a place of awareness and presence.

Birch speaks to the importance of allowing this shift to happen gradually. There is no need to rush the process. Each moment of connection, no matter how small, contributes to a larger sense of change. Yoga trauma healing supports this by creating space for both effort and rest.

Over time, veterans may begin to notice that they can stay present for longer periods. The breath feels steadier. The body feels more responsive. These changes reflect a deeper level of integration, where past experiences are no longer as overwhelming in the present moment.

Ujjayi Breathing Anxiety Techniques in Veterans Healing Yoga

Within veterans healing yoga, ujjayi breathing anxiety techniques serve as a bridge between movement and stillness. The breath connects each posture, creating continuity throughout the practice.

Birch encourages practitioners to listen to the sound of their breath as a way of staying grounded. This listening is not passive. It is an active engagement with the present moment. The breath becomes a companion, something that is always available.

In moments of stress, returning to this familiar rhythm can provide a sense of stability. It does not remove the experience, but it changes how it is held. There is more space, more awareness, and a greater capacity to remain present.

Integrating Yoga for Veterans, Yoga PTSD, and Trauma Healing into Daily Life

The teachings of yoga for veterans extend beyond structured practice. Birch emphasizes the importance of integrating these tools into everyday life in ways that feel natural and sustainable.

This might look like pausing for a few breaths before responding to a challenging situation. It might be noticing the sensation of the feet on the ground while walking. These small moments of awareness reinforce the connection between body and mind.

Yoga, PTSD, and yoga trauma healing become part of how veterans relate to themselves and their surroundings. The practice supports a shift from constant vigilance toward a more balanced state of being. In this ongoing process, veterans healing yoga offers not only tools for recovery but also a pathway toward greater presence, resilience, and connection.

Discover the Hidden Power of Daily Meditation

Final Thoughts

Healing unfolds through small, steady shifts. Yoga for veterans offers a way to reconnect with the body through movement, breath, and awareness, without pressure to perform or change quickly.

Practices like ujjayi breathing, anxiety techniques, and gentle movement support yoga trauma healing over time. For those living with yoga PTSD, each moment of presence becomes part of rebuilding trust, creating a path toward greater balance, resilience, and connection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga for Veterans

What type of yoga is best for veterans with PTSD?

Gentle and trauma-informed yoga styles are often most supportive. Practices that focus on slow movement, breath awareness, and choice help reduce overwhelm and support a sense of safety.

Can yoga for veterans be practiced without prior experience?

Yes, yoga for veterans is accessible to beginners. Many programs are designed with simplicity in mind, allowing participants to start with basic movements and build confidence gradually.

How often should veterans practice yoga for noticeable benefits?

Consistency matters more than duration. Even short, regular sessions a few times a week can support gradual shifts in physical and emotional well-being.

Is yoga a replacement for therapy in treating PTSD?

Yoga is not a replacement for therapy, but it can be a supportive complement. It works alongside other approaches by addressing the body’s role in stress and recovery.

Are there specific programs designed for veterans healing yoga?

Yes, many organizations offer classes specifically tailored to veterans. These programs are often trauma-informed and led by instructors trained to work with PTSD.

Can yoga help improve sleep for veterans?

Regular practice may support better sleep by calming the nervous system and reducing physical tension, which are common challenges for veterans experiencing stress.

Is Ujjayi breathing safe for everyone?

Ujjayi breathing is generally safe when practiced gently. It should feel comfortable and natural. If dizziness or discomfort arises, it is best to return to normal breathing.

What should veterans expect in their first yoga session?

A typical session may include simple movements, guided breathing, and moments of rest. There is usually an emphasis on moving at a personal pace without pressure.

Can yoga trauma healing be done at home?

Yes, many aspects of yoga trauma healing can be practiced at home. Starting with short sessions and simple techniques can help create a consistent routine.

How long does it take to feel the effects of yoga for veterans?

Some may notice subtle changes after a few sessions, while deeper shifts often develop over time. The process varies for each individual and unfolds gradually.

Michelle Cassandra Johnson is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including Skill in Action and Finding Refuge. Amy Burtaine is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of The Facilitator's Guide for White Affinity Groups. For more, visit https://www.michellecjohnson.com/wisdom-of-the-hive.

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Health & Healing Psychology

Getting Grief Right: Why the Five Stages Model Is Hold...

Amy Burtaine
Michelle Cassandra Johnson — May 13, 2026

Grief is often explained through the five stages model: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Many people learn that these stages describe how loss unfolds. Yet real experiences of grief rarely follow a clear sequence. Emotions can return unexpectedly, shift over time, or appear in ways that do not fit neatly into defined stages. Because of this, many counselors and grief experts have begun questioning whether the model truly reflects how people move through loss.

At Sounds True, we share teachings that support emotional healing, mindfulness, and personal transformation. Since 1985, we have collaborated with respected teachers, psychologists, and spiritual leaders to bring meaningful conversations about growth and inner life to a global community. Our work is dedicated to helping people approach life’s most challenging experiences with wisdom, compassion, and presence.

Here, we discuss why many experts believe the five stages of grief are often misunderstood, the myths that surround grieving, and what it means to approach loss in a more compassionate and realistic way.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rethinking Grief Models: The article explains why the five stages of grief are often misunderstood and why many experts now question the model.
  • Understanding Grief Myths: It highlights common misconceptions about grieving and how these myths influence expectations around loss.
  • Getting Grief Right: The article presents a more compassionate perspective that encourages individuals to honor their own grieving process.

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The Five Stages of Grief Wrong: Understanding the Problem

Many people learn that grief follows five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Over time, this model has become one of the most common ways people try to understand loss.

Yet real grief rarely follows a clear sequence. Emotions shift, repeat, and appear in unexpected ways. Some people feel sadness immediately, while others move through numbness, reflection, or even moments of calm before deeper feelings arise.

The issue is not the emotions themselves. The problem is the belief that grief must unfold in a fixed order. The model was originally created to describe the experiences of people facing terminal illness, but it later became widely applied to bereavement.

Because of this, many people feel pressure to grieve in the “right” way. In truth, grief is deeply personal and rarely follows a predictable path.

How the Five Stages of Grief Became One of the Most Common Grief Myths

The five stages model has shaped how many people think about grief. Over the years, it moved beyond its original context and became a widely accepted explanation for loss. Because it appears in books, media, and everyday conversations, many assume it reflects how grief actually unfolds. This widespread acceptance is one reason the model has become one of the most persistent grief myths.

The Original Context of the Five Stages Model

The five stages were introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her work with people who were facing terminal illness. Her observations described emotional responses to the reality of dying. Over time, the model was adapted and applied to people grieving the death of a loved one.

Although the stages captured important emotional experiences, they were never meant to describe a strict order or a universal process.

How the Model Turned Into a Grief Myth

As the idea spread, the stages began to be treated as a predictable roadmap for grief. Many people came to believe that healthy grieving meant moving through each stage until reaching acceptance.

This interpretation simplified a complex human experience. In reality, grief does not follow a neat progression. Treating the stages as a fixed path can create unrealistic expectations and reinforce one of the most common grief myths about how healing should look.

Grief Stages Debunked: Why Grief Does Not Follow a Fixed Path

Grief is often described through the lens of stages, suggesting that people move through loss step by step. Yet many who have lived through grief recognize that their experience does not follow a clear sequence. Instead of progressing in a straight line, grief often moves in ways that feel unpredictable and deeply personal.

Grief Moves in Waves, Not Stages

Emotions connected to loss tend to come and go. A memory, a place, or a simple moment of reflection can bring feelings to the surface long after the loss occurred. At other times, a person may feel calm or even joyful before grief rises again.

These shifting experiences show why grief stages debunked conversations are becoming more common. Rather than moving through fixed stages, many people experience grief as waves that rise, soften, and return over time.

Each Person’s Grief Has Its Own Rhythm

No two people grieve in exactly the same way. Some people express their emotions openly, while others process loss more quietly. Cultural background, personality, and the nature of the relationship all shape how grief unfolds.

Recognizing this helps release the pressure to follow a specific pattern. When grief is understood as a personal process rather than a set of stages, people are more able to meet their experience with patience and compassion.

Getting Grief Right Instead of Following the Five Stages Model

Letting go of the five stages model can create space for a more compassionate understanding of grief. Instead of trying to follow emotional steps, people can allow their experience to unfold naturally.

Allowing Grief to Be Personal

Each experience of loss is different. Personal history, relationships, and circumstances shape how grief appears, which is why no single path works for everyone.

Replacing Structure With Compassion

Rather than focusing on stages or timelines, a more supportive approach centers on patience and self-compassion. Healing becomes less about progress and more about allowing emotions to be felt honestly.

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Patrick O’Malley on Getting Grief Right and Letting Grief Be Personal

In conversations about loss, therapist Patrick O’Malley often challenges the idea that grief should follow a predictable path. His work focuses on helping people release expectations and approach grief with greater honesty and self-compassion.

Key Insights From Patrick O’Malley

  • Grief does not follow a checklist of emotional stages. Each person’s experience unfolds differently.
  • Attempts to organize grief into steps can make people feel as if they are grieving incorrectly.
  • Real healing begins when people allow themselves to feel whatever arises, without judgment.
  • Grief often includes a mix of emotions, including sadness, relief, confusion, love, and even moments of peace.
  • The goal is not to “finish” grieving but to learn how to live with the reality of loss.

These perspectives help shift the conversation away from rigid grief myths and toward a more compassionate understanding of loss. By letting grief be personal rather than structured, people often find space for healing that feels genuine and supportive.

Grief Myths That Keep People Stuck in the Five Stages Model

Many people hold onto the five stages model because it creates a sense of order during a painful time. The idea that grief follows clear steps can feel reassuring.

However, this belief often becomes a common grief myth. In reality, grief rarely follows a predictable structure. People may revisit emotions, skip others, or experience feelings outside the traditional stages.

When these expectations take hold, individuals may question their own process. Letting go of the stages allows grief to be understood as a deeply personal experience rather than a sequence to complete.

Grief Stages Debunked: What Real Grieving Often Looks Like

When grief stages are debunked, a clearer picture of loss often emerges. Grief is fluid and unpredictable. Some moments bring deep sadness, while others hold reflection, memories, or brief relief.

People may revisit the same feelings many times, especially during anniversaries or reminders of the loss. At other times, grief quietly sits in the background as daily life continues.

Recognizing this natural movement encourages patience. Instead of trying to move through stages, people can allow emotions to rise and settle in their own time, creating space for a more compassionate understanding of healing.

Getting Grief Right by Moving Beyond the Five Stages of Grief

Moving beyond the five stages model encourages a more compassionate view of grief. Rather than progressing through emotional steps, people can approach their experience with patience and honesty.

Getting grief right means recognizing that healing looks different for everyone. When the pressure to follow stages fades, grief can unfold naturally, making space for memory, love, and personal growth.

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Final Thoughts

Grief is far more complex than any single model can explain. While the five stages framework introduced helpful language for certain emotions, it cannot capture the full reality of how people experience loss.

Getting grief right begins with letting go of rigid expectations and allowing the process to unfold naturally. When grief is approached with patience, compassion, and honesty, people often find a path forward that feels more supportive and true to their own experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Five Stages of Grief Wrong

Why do many experts say the five stages of grief are wrong?

Many experts believe the model becomes misleading when it is treated as a universal formula. Grief research shows that emotional responses to loss vary widely, making it difficult for a single sequence of stages to represent everyone’s experience.

Can the five stages of grief still be helpful for some people?

Yes. Some individuals find comfort in having language for common emotional reactions. The stages can provide a starting point for discussion, as long as they are not treated as rules that everyone must follow.

What are some alternative ways psychologists understand grief today?

Modern grief research often focuses on ideas such as continuing bonds, meaning-making, and the dual process model. These perspectives recognize that people move between confronting loss and adjusting to daily life in different ways.

Who first challenged the five stages model in grief research?

Over the years, many grief counselors, psychologists, and researchers have questioned the model’s limitations. Their work emphasizes that grief is influenced by personality, culture, relationships, and life circumstances.

How can people support someone who is grieving without relying on stages?

Support often comes through listening, offering presence, and respecting the individual’s pace. Allowing space for emotions without trying to label or fix them can be more helpful than applying a framework.

Why do grief myths continue to spread in popular culture?

Grief myths often spread because they simplify a complex experience. Media, films, and everyday conversations tend to favor clear explanations, even when real emotional processes are far more nuanced.

Does culture influence how grief is experienced?

Yes. Cultural traditions shape how people express emotion, honor loved ones, and process loss. In some cultures, grief is openly expressed, while in others it is experienced more privately.

Is it normal to feel positive emotions while grieving?

Yes. People may experience gratitude, love, or even moments of joy while grieving. These feelings do not diminish the loss. They often reflect the ongoing relationship and memories connected to the person who died.

How long does grief typically last?

Grief does not have a fixed timeline. Some feelings soften over time, but many people continue to carry a sense of connection or longing for years. This is a natural part of living with loss.

Why are conversations about grief evolving today?

Greater awareness of mental health and emotional well-being has encouraged more open discussions about grief. As research and lived experiences are shared, outdated grief myths are being reconsidered.

Michelle Cassandra Johnson is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including Skill in Action and Finding Refuge. Amy Burtaine is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of The Facilitator's Guide for White Affinity Groups. For more, visit https://www.michellecjohnson.com/wisdom-of-the-hive.

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Health & Healing Self-Compassion

Megan Devine on Grief: Why It’s OK That You̵...

Amy Burtaine
Michelle Cassandra Johnson — May 12, 2026

Grief can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially in a culture that expects people to move forward quickly after loss. Many grieving individuals hear advice meant to comfort them, yet those words can sometimes make the experience feel even more isolating. The reality is that grief often stays with us, shaping how we understand love, memory, and connection.

At Sounds True, we have spent decades sharing the voices of teachers and thought leaders who help people meet life’s most challenging moments with honesty and compassion. Since 1985, our mission has been to share living wisdom through books, audio programs, and conversations such as the Insights at the Edge podcast, where respected voices like Megan Devine offer thoughtful guidance on grief and healing.

Here, we discuss Megan Devine’s perspective on grief, including the message that grief is not a problem to solve and how the idea that it’s ok you’re not ok can reshape the way people approach grief support.

Key Takeaways:

  • Heart Led Perspective: Megan Devine explains why grief is not a problem to solve and why acknowledging pain can create a more compassionate understanding of loss.
  • Support Without Fixing: The article highlights how grief support can focus on listening, presence, and empathy instead of trying to repair emotional pain.
  • A New Way to Understand Grief: Readers learn how the message it’s ok you’re not ok reshapes conversations about loss and encourages honest dialogue around grief.

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Megan Devine on Grief and the Message of Its Ok You’re Not Ok

Grief often brings pain that others try to fix. Friends may offer advice or reassurance, but these responses can leave grieving people feeling misunderstood.

In the Sounds True podcast conversation, Megan Devine shares a different perspective through her work It’s Ok You’re Not Ok. She explains that grief cannot simply be repaired because the loss of someone deeply loved changes everyday life.

Her message is simple. It’s ok, you’re not ok. Accepting this truth creates space for honesty and compassion in the experience of grief.

Grief Is Not a Problem to Solve: Megan Devine’s Core Teaching

Megan Devine challenges the common belief that grief should be fixed or resolved. She explains that grief reflects love and connection, and it cannot simply be repaired after loss.

Grief Is Not Something to Fix

Devine teaches that grief is not a problem to solve. The loss of someone deeply loved changes daily life, identity, and relationships. Attempts to fix grief often come from discomfort with pain rather than true understanding.

Accepting the Reality of Loss

Instead of trying to repair grief, Devine encourages acknowledging it. Recognizing the depth of loss allows space for honesty, compassion, and a more supportive way of responding to grief.

Understanding It’s Ok You’re Not Ok in the Context of Real Loss

Megan Devine often reminds listeners that grief is a natural response to love and loss. The phrase it’s ok, you’re not ok reflects the reality that deep loss cannot be neatly resolved. Instead of pushing people toward quick recovery, Devine encourages acknowledging the real impact of grief.

Why Grief Feels So Disruptive

Loss can affect every part of life. Routines change, relationships shift, and familiar experiences may feel different. Many grieving people find that the world continues moving while their own lives feel paused.

Devine explains that these reactions are not signs of failure. They are natural responses to losing someone important. Grief shows the depth of the bond that existed.

The Meaning Behind It’s Ok You’re Not Ok

The message it’s ok, you’re not ok offers permission to feel what is truly present. Sadness, confusion, anger, and longing can all exist within grief.

By acknowledging these emotions rather than pushing them away, people may feel less alone in their experience. Devine emphasizes that honesty about grief opens the door to compassion from ourselves and from others.

Why Megan Devine Says Grief Support Should Not Try to Fix Pain

In many situations, people want to help someone who is grieving but feel unsure what to say. As a result, support often becomes focused on easing or removing the pain. Megan Devine explains that this approach can unintentionally dismiss the reality of loss.

The Limits of Traditional Grief Support

Many forms of grief support focus on helping people move past their pain. Friends may encourage positive thinking or suggest ways to feel better. While these responses come from care, they can overlook the depth of what the grieving person is experiencing.

Devine notes that grief is not something that needs to be corrected. When support centers on fixing the pain, the grieving person may feel pressure to appear stronger or more healed than they truly are.

Offering Support Through Presence

Devine encourages a different kind of grief support. Instead of searching for the right solution, people can offer a steady presence and compassion.

Listening without trying to change the experience allows the grieving person to feel seen. Simple acknowledgment of the loss can provide a deeper form of support than advice or reassurance.

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Practicing Grief Without Fixing What Cannot Be Fixed

Megan Devine introduces the idea of grief without fixing as a way to respond to loss with honesty and care. Instead of focusing on solutions, this approach recognizes that grief is a natural response to love. Practicing grief without fixing allows people to support themselves and others with patience and compassion.

Ways to Practice Grief Without Fixing

  • Acknowledge the loss directly instead of trying to soften or avoid it. Simple recognition can help someone feel seen.
  • Listen to grieving people without offering advice or solutions. Being present often matters more than finding the right words.
  • Allow emotions to exist without labeling them as problems. Sadness, anger, and confusion are common parts of grief.
  • Resist the urge to rush healing. Grief does not follow a clear timeline.
  • Offer steady companionship rather than attempts to repair the pain.

Practicing grief without fixing shifts the focus from solving pain to honoring the experience of loss. This perspective encourages patience and compassion, creating space for grief to be expressed without pressure to move on too quickly.

Rethinking Grief Support Through Megan Devine’s Perspective

Megan Devine encourages people to rethink grief support. Instead of treating grief as something that must be resolved, she views it as a meaningful response to loss. This perspective invites a more compassionate way of supporting those who are grieving.

Devine explains that support does not require the right answers. It often comes from staying present with someone who is hurting. Listening, acknowledging the loss, and allowing space for emotions can create a deeper connection than advice.

By approaching grief this way, people move away from trying to repair pain and instead honor the reality of loss. This helps grieving individuals feel seen and less alone.

What Grief Without Fixing Looks Like in Everyday Life

Living with grief without trying to fix it can change how people respond to loss. Megan Devine explains that grief continues alongside everyday life, including work, relationships, and routines. Instead of forcing grief to disappear, people can learn to make space for it.

Some days may feel heavy with sadness, while others may hold moments of calm or connection. Both can exist at the same time. When people stop searching for solutions, they can support one another through presence, patience, and listening.

Over time, this approach allows grief to remain part of life while still making room for growth, connection, and meaning.

It’s Ok You’re Not Ok and the Future of Compassionate Grief Support

Megan Devines message its ok youre not ok continues to shape how people understand grief support. Her work encourages moving away from the belief that grief must be solved. Instead, it highlights honesty, compassion, and presence during loss.

This perspective invites a shift in how grief is viewed. When people recognize grief as a natural response to love, conversations about loss become more open and less focused on quick recovery.

Devine emphasizes that compassionate grief support begins with acknowledging pain. Patience, listening, and allowing space for difficult emotions can help grieving people feel understood and less alone.

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Final Thoughts

Megan Devine’s work reminds us that grief is not a problem to solve but a reflection of love and connection. The message it’s ok, you’re not ok encourages people to approach loss with honesty rather than pressure to recover quickly.

By practicing grief without fixing and offering compassionate grief support, we create space for people to feel seen in their pain. Presence, listening, and acknowledgment often provide deeper comfort than advice.

When grief is met with patience and understanding, it becomes possible to honor both the loss and the continuing life that surrounds it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Megan Devine and Grief Is Not a Problem to Solve

Who is Megan Devine, and why is her work on grief widely discussed

Megan Devine is a therapist, writer, and grief advocate known for her compassionate approach to loss. Her work gained wide attention through the book It’s Ok You’re Not Ok and through podcast conversations that address grief with honesty and empathy.

What does the phrase grief is not a problem to solve mean

The phrase suggests that grief is a natural response to losing someone important. Instead of treating grief as an issue that must be fixed, it encourages people to acknowledge the emotional reality of loss.

How did Megan Devine become a voice in grief support?

Megan Devine’s perspective developed through both professional practice and personal loss. Her experience supporting clients, combined with her own grief, led her to speak openly about how grief is often misunderstood.

Why do many people feel uncomfortable around grief?

Grief can remind people of vulnerability and loss in their own lives. Because of this discomfort, individuals may try to change the subject, offer quick solutions, or focus on positivity instead of sitting with the reality of pain.

What role does community play in grief support?

Community can provide understanding and connection during times of loss. Support groups, friends, and shared conversations about grief may help individuals feel less isolated in their experience.

Can grief change over time without disappearing

Yes. Grief often changes shape as time passes. While the loss remains meaningful, people may learn new ways to carry it while continuing to engage with life.

How can someone educate themselves about healthy grief support?

People can learn through books, podcasts, workshops, and conversations with grief professionals. Listening to voices like Megan Devine can help shift perspectives about how grief is understood.

Why are open conversations about grief important

Open conversations help reduce the stigma around emotional pain. When grief is discussed honestly, people may feel more comfortable sharing their experiences and asking for support.

How does grief affect relationships with others?

Grief can influence communication, emotional availability, and daily interactions. Some relationships may grow stronger through shared understanding, while others may change as people process loss differently.

What can someone do if they feel alone in their grief?

Seeking connection can be helpful. This may include speaking with trusted friends, joining grief communities, reading supportive resources, or listening to conversations that normalize the experience of loss.

Michelle Cassandra Johnson is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including Skill in Action and Finding Refuge. Amy Burtaine is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of The Facilitator's Guide for White Affinity Groups. For more, visit https://www.michellecjohnson.com/wisdom-of-the-hive.

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Health & Healing Subtle Energy

Phenomena: The Science & Stories of Energy Healin...

— May 12, 2026


At one of the world’s most respected cancer research institutions, scientists are bringing energy healers into controlled experiments—and getting results they can’t fully explain.

In this special feed takeover, Insights at the Edge presents the debut episode of Phenomena: The Science and Stories of Energy Healing, a new six-part Sounds True podcast hosted by Ivy Ross. Phenomena explores the emerging science behind energy healing with rigorous curiosity, compelling personal stories, and an open mind. You can learn more about the podcast at phenomenahealing.com. 

In this first episode, Ivy introduces us to Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, director of MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Integrative Medicine Program, whose team has spent years measuring what biofield therapy—energy healing—does to pancreatic cancer cells in the laboratory. What they found is measurable, replicable, and difficult to explain: biofield therapy slows cancer’s ability to spread at the genetic level.

Listen to explore:

  • What MD Anderson researchers discovered when energy healers worked with pancreatic cancer cells—and why the results surprised even the scientists
  • How biofield therapy reduced cancer cell invasiveness and migration in multiple studies, with multiple healers and rigorous controls
  • The story of Mojdeh, a cancer patient who worked with energy healer John Lavack before surgery—and what her surgeon found in the operating room
  • The Bengston Cycling Method: what it is, and why it may be affecting the body’s ability to heal at the cellular level
  • Why the absence of a known mechanism doesn’t undercut the data—and what conventional medicine gets wrong about healing

This isn’t a story about belief. It’s about what happens when serious scientists ask a question that deserves a serious answer.

Listen now to Phenomena on Insights at the Edge, and be sure to subscribe on your preferred podcast platform for all episodes of Phenomena, coming every other week through July. →

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