Yoga Grant Denis Juelicher | Yoga Foundation

Random Acts of Yoga - Moving with Grief

Founder of Random Acts of Yoga, Denis Juelicher started the Moving with Grief project to support those experiencing grief through yoga and related practices. With funding from a 2024 YFG grant, the initiative has offered monthly sessions that combine sharing circles, somatic or gentle yoga, meditation, pranayama, sound healing and afternoon tea. Sessions are free, inclusive, trauma-informed and accessible to all.

Using yoga as a healing modality in the grief and death space, the approach also recognises all forms of loss, not just bereavement. Grief can follow job loss, the end of a relationship or unfulfilled dreams of any kind.

A network of 18 volunteer facilitators ran the sessions, and many of them were drawn to the work through their own experiences with grief.

The grant also supported the inaugural Gathered for Good fundraising event in February 2025, which was a full-day yoga and community celebration. There were 100 attendees and $7,000 was raised to secure the continuation of the initiative and expanding its reach.

Meeting a deep community need

As death is part of life and affects all people, it makes sense why the demand for Moving with Grief has far exceeded expectations, with sessions fully booked (17–20 participants each) and many more on a waiting list. Over 185 people have already participated, and there are eight additional sessions planned for 2025.

“While I knew that there was a need for this initiative in our community, I dramatically underestimated both the demand and the willingness of our yoga teachers’ community and the wider community to support Moving with Grief.” – Denis Juelicher

Participant feedback highlights the emotional impact of the program in providing comfort, shared understanding and a sense of belonging during a time that is extremely difficult and vulnerable.

“The monthly sessions offer the chance to gather with, hold space with, and share experiences with others who are walking a similar path. For me, they provide a valuable opportunity to “not be ok” in the company of other people, thereby reducing the isolation and heaviness often associated with grief. The guided meditations/relaxation, gentle movement and sound healing sessions feel like a warm hug, such is the atmosphere of inclusion, acceptance and support. They leave me feeling grounded and Peaceful.” – Jan Dennis, participant

Program facilitators are supported through peer-led and external professional development, including grief-specific training.

“As a facilitator involved with Moving with Grief, I have found this initiative to be deeply enriching, both personally and professionally. It provides a unique opportunity to guide individuals through their grief journey in a holistic and compassionate way, integrating movement, mindfulness, and emotional support. The process of witnessing participants connect with their bodies and emotions in such a healing way is incredibly rewarding. I also benefit from the shared sense of community and the ongoing learning that comes from working alongside like-minded professionals. This initiative has deepened my connection to the healing power of movement and reinforced my commitment to supporting others through their grief.” – Michelle Jordan, local yoga teacher and facilitator

Denis also hopes to train more yoga teachers interested in developing similar offerings and plans to expand the program into Kempsey. Future goals also include creating digital resources for home practice and running creative grief workshops that incorporate writing, weaving and singing.

“One of my favourite moments was when I was sharing afternoon tea with a group of women after a session. All of the women had experiences the death of their life partners. Some of them recent, some not. They sat together and shared with each other their experiences of this journey – from practical advice to the rollercoaster of emotions. That’s when I knew for sure that what we were doing was working. We were creating a community of support.

When I started Moving with Grief, I assumed that we would mostly attract older women whose husbands had died. As it turned out, every session has brought together a group of people of mixed ages and backgrounds. We’ve had participants in their 20s and participants in their 80s, and everything in between. Loss and grief really do affect Everyone.” – Denis Juelicher