In a groundbreaking initiative, the LIGHT Movement, a newly established nonprofit based in Denver, is addressing the complex nature of grief through innovative somatic healing techniques. Founded in the fall of last year, the organization aims to support individuals grappling with grief and burnout by providing community support and practical tools to help them regain control over their emotional and physical well-being.
Key Takeaways
- The LIGHT Movement utilizes somatic practices to address both emotional and physical aspects of grief.
- Founded by Amy Pickett-Williams, the organization draws on Polyvagal Theory to inform its methods.
- Upcoming winter solstice event aims to unite individuals globally in their grief journey.
Grief is a universal experience that affects not only our emotions but also our physical state. The LIGHT Movement recognizes that feelings of grief can lead to physiological responses, such as anxiety and disconnection, which can leave individuals feeling stressed and numb. By employing scientific insights from Polyvagal Theory, developed by neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges, the organization offers classes, retreats, and workshops designed to help individuals navigate their grief in a holistic manner.
Amy Pickett-Williams, the founder and co-executive director of the LIGHT Movement, emphasizes the importance of addressing both the emotional and physical dimensions of grief. "Grief can significantly alter our physiological state, making it crucial to address both emotional and physical aspects," she explains. "By understanding these responses, we empower individuals with techniques to grow with their grief, leading to re-engagement with life."
The term "somatic" refers to the aspects of the nervous system that individuals can control. The LIGHT Movement promotes various somatic techniques, including:
- Breath Control: Inhaling slowly through the nose and extending the exhale to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calmness and present-moment awareness.
- Mindful Movements: Engaging in movements that reflect emotional states, allowing individuals to oscillate between vulnerability and self-protection, fostering growth from grief.
In addition to addressing grief, the LIGHT Movement also tackles burnout, which often accompanies feelings of loss and disconnection. Their programs provide tools to alleviate burnout symptoms and promote overall well-being. One effective method they employ is bilateral stimulation, which involves rhythmic activities that engage both sides of the body, such as:
- Alternating taps
- Walking
- Swimming
- Art
- Baking
- Cooking
- Gardening
These activities support integration between the brain’s hemispheres, aiding in personal growth and resilience.
The LIGHT Movement invites individuals and organizations to join their mission of bringing light to communities worldwide. They offer both virtual and in-person programs to make their somatic healing techniques accessible to all.
On December 21st, coinciding with the winter solstice, the LIGHT Movement will host a worldwide event aimed at alleviating the burden of grief. This date has been celebrated for centuries as a significant turning point in the year, and the organization hopes to quadruple attendance at this event, both in-person and virtually.
"We aim to remind people they are not alone, teach somatic-based tools for integration, and stand in solidarity with all types of loss," Pickett-Williams states. "Our world is grieving, and we must support each other."
Through their innovative approach to grief and burnout, the LIGHT Movement is paving the way for a new understanding of healing, emphasizing the importance of community and somatic practices in the journey toward emotional well-being.
Sources
- Pioneering Nonprofit Treats the Remnants of Grief with Somatic Healing Techniques, Good News Network.
