YOGA TOOLS TO SUPPORT THE DYING PERSON

I like to use a simple recipe when working with someone at bedside.  It’s important to pay attention to where they are in the dying process.  Reading signs such as breath rate, strength, energy level, anxiety can help you choose which tools to use.  Make sure to let the client lead the way.  

 

The Recipe

Centering/Sankalpa

Mudra

Breath

Movement

Meditation

 

How would you use the above recipe to work with someone who is in the initial stages of the dying process (Annamaya Kosha/Muladara Chakra)?

 

As the person is farther along in their dying process, you may not use every one of these ingredients.  You may find that as they become imminent, the tools are really for you so that you can contemplatively hold space for them.

 

How would you use the above recipe to work with someone who is imminent? 

 

Yoga tools can help the clients regulate their nervous system, find comfort in their bodies, and enjoy your presence.  Don’t feel like you have to fill a full hour.  15-20 minutes is usually enough time to be with your client.

 

Various care settings can be open to you providing Bedside Yoga.  You may need to begin as a volunteer.  Here is a short list of potential locations that may welcome you to work with their patients:

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Hospitals

Nursing homes

Rehab centers

Memory care facilities

Personal care homes

Social model hospice homes

Hospice inpatient units

 

You can also reach out to friends, family members, community centers, and churches to offer your services.  People don’t know what you can provide until you tell them!