Dr. Geneviève Brûlé, ND

There is a perception that grief should look a particular way. We get messaging from society, media and culture about how grief should look. That there are proper ways of grieving. That everyone’s grief will look similar and impact them in the same ways... however these perceptions are far from the truth. Grief is an extremely unique experience. The way we experience and process grief is impacted by many factors - from our past life experience, the nature of the loss, persona...lity traits, support network, style of grieving, sense of safety, access to resources... the list goes on. Even within a family who is grieving the same loss, grief may look different for each person. If you are grieving, I invite you to be gentle with your grief. Allow it to be felt and experienced - free of judgement. Try to let go of preconceived ideas of how you think your grief should look like. Learn what works for you to process and heal. Find people in your life, friends, family or a grief support professional, who can hold space for you to express your grief exactly as it is asking to be seen. Your grief is as unique as you are. #grief #loss #healing #discussion #bereavement #grieving #change #heal #education #griefeducation #connect #love #selflove #wellness #holisticgriefsupport #naturopathicmedicine #yoga #meditation #acupuncture #counselling #share #discomfort #heart #community #anxiety #depression

I’ve had a fairly regular meditation practice now since 2014. Over the years, I have turned to mindfulness and meditation for self-reflection, anxiety reduction and healing from loss. It has held me in spaces of immense pain and has nourished my soul when I’ve felt lost. Some days meditation flows naturally, other days it’s a struggle to sit with my experience, but that’s the essence of any practice. Just like in yoga, we cannot compare how our body felt moving on the mat y...esterday, to how it feels today. A part of the practice is acceptance for what is, without any need to change, force or explain it. During today’s meditation practice I found what I like to call my bliss state. This definitely does not happen every time I meditate (as much as I wish it did). I come to a place of complete peace and presence. It’s as if an empty space opens within my center. Maybe my heart? And once I’m there everything slows. Little to no thoughts. Emptiness. No worries. No urgency to do anything or be anything. Nothing. It is an in between space. And today it almost brought me to tears. How beautiful it felt. How much I didn’t want to leave. How much I wanted others to experience this bliss state. The first time I experienced this was in my yoga teacher training after a long session of pranayama (breathwork) followed by stillness. I was in awe. Now, years later I find I can access this only when regularly practicing meditation. The power of this practice ceases to amaze me... how something so simple can be so deeply moving and transformative!

Grief has to be felt and processed in order to be healed. Unfortunately, as much as we may like to, we cannot place our grief in a box and set it aside never to be seen again We can try, as many people do, but at some point your grief will ask to be acknowledged. It will demand to be seen, felt, acknowledged. It can feel scary to choose to be present with our grief. Loss in itself is an intense, painful experience regardless of whether it is fresh or an old loss from years... ago. However intense it feels, you will survive it. We will all survive loss because it is a reality of being human. Over the years, through my own grief and my education, I have found some tools that are helpful for creating space, honouring and moving through the heaviness of grief. Sometimes having these accessible tools make the intensity and overwhelming or confusing nature of loss less frightening. The tools give us a framework and a way to explore the variety of emotions, thoughts and physical sensations as a result of our loss(es). I use them with patients and we will be exploring them in more detail during the Nourish Your Grief Program that starts next week (February 15th). Some of my favourite healing tools for grief include Journaling Mindfulness Breathwork (pranayama) Gentle, supportive yoga Rituals If you would like to explore these tools, you can learn more about my upcoming program via the link in my bio! #grief #loss #healing #discussion #bereavement #grieving #change #heal #education #griefeducation #connect #love #selflove #wellness #holisticgriefsupport #naturopathicmedicine #yoga #meditation #acupuncture #counselling #share #discomfort #heart #community #anxiety #depression

Talking about mental health should be as normal as talking about our physical health. Sometimes it is easier said then done. Reaching out for support can feel terrifying for some, shameful for others or overwhelming if we don’t know where to start. For those reading this and who may be struggling, know that I am here. Whether to offer a healing space or to connect you to resources that may offer support and guidance. As a holistic healer, I emphasize mental health with my pat...ients just as much as physical wellness. Our health includes emotional, mental, physical and spiritual aspects so why is it that we so easily ignore certain parts of our wellbeing? Below are three tips that I personally use for my own mental health which may offer some ideas for you or a loved one who is struggling: Reach out to someone. This is sometimes very difficult to do. We feel like we don’t want to burden anyone or we may not feel safe, but reaching out helps us realize we are not alone and that support is available. You can reach out to a friend or loved one with whom you feel safe, a crisis line, counsellor or other health practitioner. Self-care. This is huge for helping us cope. Explore a variety of self-care activities when you feel up for it - nature, gentle movement, journaling, mindfulness, yoga, reading an easy book. Find the tools that help you feel more supported in life and make these a priority! My meditation/breathwork, journaling and movement have now become non-negotiables in my life. They may not take away the anxiety for me, but they help bring me back home to myself. Get help. If you need deeper support, get set up with a healthcare team. Maybe you start with a counsellor, your ND or your medical doctor. Start somewhere to ensure you are getting help and guidance. You deserve to feel supported. Seeking help is not weakness. I myself have had to do this - you are certainly not alone! : @pexels #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #bellletstalk #normalizementalhealth #anxiety #depression #ocd #grief #emotions #loss #ptsd #suicide #counseling #selfcare #support #community #reachout #youarenotalone #wellness #mindbodysoul #mind #love

Join me next Thursday at 8pm PST for a calming, deep stretch yoga class that will prepare you for a restful sleep. An opportunity to reconnect, slow down and nourish your nervous system. We are in a time of change and uncertainty, which can bring up stress, anxiety, grief and even fear. The session will run via an online video platform for 60 minutes. Class will start with some breath work (pranayama) to help ground the group and ca...lm the nervous system. We will then move through a Hatha and deep stretch yoga class aimed at reducing tension and stress in the body. Class will end with a restful savasana. What you need Yoga mat Pillows or yoga blocks Blanket Bolster or large pillow Water or tea Journal (optional) CLICK LINK IN BIO TO REGISTER! #virtualyoga #yogaclass #yoga #breathing #pranayama #asana #deepstretch #calming #relax #bedtimeyoga #sleep #wellness #healing #selfcare #yogateacher #joy #heart #mindbodysoul #selflove #breathwork #savasana #relax #nourish #nourishyourbody #grief #anxiety #emotions #somatic #healing #move See more

Practices such as breathwork (pranayama) and mindfulness don’t need to take long. This practice took me 5 minutes and helped me to get grounded and more present. It always amazes me how fast we can feel ourselves shift when we just slow down and breathe. #breathwork #pranayama #yoga #mindfulness #meditation #nadiahodinah #alternatenostrilbreathing #deepbellybreathing #vagusnerve #nervoussystem #breathing #breathe #selfcare #practice #nourishyourself #grief #anxiety #stress

Rituals are important tools to help us grieve the losses in our life. It allows our grief to be honoured and transformed into action. When I work with patients cresting ritual for their grief, we discuss what makes them feel connected to their lost loved one(s) and what tools or actions may feel meaningful to their grieving process. Rituals can be done on a day that has significant like an anniversary or special date, however it can be used anytime we may want to connect wi...th our loved one and our grief. A ritual could be the simple act of lighting a candle, writing a letter, visiting a grave site or engaging in an activity that connects us to who or what we have lost. Below are other examples of rituals: Creating a memory book Visualizations or mediation Journaling or poetry writing Art work or storytelling Chanting, singing, listening to music Reading other stories of loss Looking through photographs or old letters Burying or burning letters you have written to your loved one Eating their favourite meal Wish lanterns Planting a tree or bush in memory of your loved one If time has passed since the loss, rituals can be a way for us to check in with how we are doing right now. Where are we in our grief? Do we need to offer more space for our emotions? Do we need more self-compassion and self-care? The grief we feel after significant losses does not simply go away. We carry it with us as we adapt to a new life. Honouring our losses are an important part of the journey. Have you used rituals in your grief journey? #grief #loss #healing #discussion #bereavement #grieving #change #heal #education #griefeducation #connect #love #selflove #wellness #holisticgriefsupport #naturopathicmedicine #yoga #meditation #acupuncture #counselling #share See more

This table. A simple object... has played a significant role in some important events in my life. The first image shows it being used in my wedding this past August. This table was one of my mom’s antique pieces. I don’t know the history behind it or what significance it may have had for her, but it has become very special to me. When I started designing my clinic space, I knew right away that I wanted this table to be my desk (shown in second the photo). I wanted it to be a ...special part of the healing space I was creating for my patients. It is a reminder that my mom inspired me to become the person I am today and always encouraged me to follow my dreams. Do you have any special objects or item that inspires you? #nourishyourhealth #alternativemedicine #naturalhealth #langley #cloverdale #surrey #healing #wellness #healthcare #anxiety #digestion #depression #grief #womenshealth #pms #hormones #acupuncture #yoga #meditation #selfcare #extendedinsurance #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathicclinic #workshops #craniosacraltherapy #cupping #nutrition #counselling #botanicalmedicine #herbs

Sitting in stillness offers us an opportunity to check in with my our mind, body and emotions. It also helps calm my nervous system and reconnect deeper with our spirituality. Despite the benefits, it isn’t always easy to dive into the practice. There are a few struggles I hear from people that prevent them from trying out or continuing mindfulness practices such as breathing and meditation. First, it is that they don’t have time to fit it into their schedule or it feels l...ike another task they have to get done. My advice is to start small! You don’t need to commit to a long 15-20 minute meditation every time. Even 2 minutes is something, and offers you so much more than not doing it at all. We all have 2 minutes to offer stillness and self-love towards ourselves. Other struggles I commonly hear from people is that they don’t know how to meditate or are doing it wrong. I truly believe that there is no right or wrong in meditation. It is simply an offering of stillness. An opportunity to slow down and check in. A chance to be with ourselves, intentionally. Every meditation might feel different. Some days the mind is active and all we notice are thoughts racing by. That’s ok! It is all part of the practice and doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong. Other times, we may be distracted by pain or sensations in the body. Emotions might even bubble up to the surface. Variations in our experience are normal. Take the judgement away and allow the practice to be whatever it needs to be that day! If you’d like more guidance, you can still sign up for tonight’s virtual Breathwork & Meditation workshop at 8pm. Link to register is in my profile! #meditation #breathwork #breathing #virtualworkshop #selfcare #relax #renew #wellness #health #selflove #metime #soulwork #healing #presence #stressrelief #nourish #anxiety #depression #grief #mentalhealth #reflect #emotions #breath #heal #mindbodysoul #heart #peace #nourishyourself #breathing

Stress was a theme in clinic this week. I see this often in my practice, but it was significantly more this week. We are living through a very intense time in the world and on top of that normal stressors are still present for each of us in varying depress. This week the pattern was women who care for everyone around them, yet forget about themselves. If this resonates, then I give you permission to make yourself a priority. To take time to nourish yourself. Getting adequat...e sleep, slowing down, eating well and taking time for self-care so your body can be supported as it copes with the stress. We cannot take care of others when we are depleted and empty. This is also the case for health care practitioners and healers. We have to care for ourselves in order to be able to care for others and hold space for healing. Self care is not selfish, but necessary. Go outside in nature, take a bath, read a calming book, meditate, be creative, cook or bake, get a massage. Whatever allows you to feel nourished, do it. Even for 5 minutes. Nourish yourself so you can continue to be there for the people you love. And if it feels like the stress is too much or it’s impacting your wellbeing, reach out to someone for extra support if you need it! A friend, a counsellor, an ND. You don’t need to handle it all on your own. Sending you all some love today, Dr Geneviève #meditation #cloverdale #surrey #selfcare #relax #renew #wellness #health #selflove #metime #soulwork #healing #presence #stressrelief #nourish #anxiety #depression #grief #mentalhealth #reflect #emotions #breath #heal #mindbodysoul #heart #peace #nourishyourself #breathing #stress #coping

YOGA FOR STRESS REDUCTION We are in a time of change and uncertainty, which can bring up stress, anxiety, grief and even fear. Set aside some time for calm and self-care. Time to reconnect, slow down and nourish your nervous system. Join me for a virtual yoga class on Tuesday, November 24th from 8:00-9:30pm to help ease stress & anxiety. The session will run via an online video platform for 90 minutes. Class will start with a guid...ed meditation and some breath work (pranayama) to help ground the group and calm the nervous system. We will then move through a Hatha and deep stretch yoga class aimed at reducing tension and stress in the body. Class will end with a restful, meditative savasana. I will offer an optional journaling prompt at the end of class for self-reflection. Registration link here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-yoga-for-stress-reduct What you need: Yoga mat Pillows or yoga blocks Blanket Bolster or large pillow Water or tea Journal (optional) #virtualyoga #yoga #virtualclass #wellness #healing #calming #nervoussystem #breathwork #meditation #virtual #yogateacher #grief #selfcare #mindbodysoul #spiritual #selflove #slowdown #move #breathe See more

UPCOMING WORKSHOP Breathwork and meditation are powerful practices for stress reduction, self-reflection and healing. Sometimes practicing these tools on our own can feel intimidating or difficult. This class will take some of the uncertainty out of it and allow you to be facilitated and supported throughout. Join me for a nourishing workshop on Thursday, November 10th from 8-9pm. ... We will start the session with breathwork exercises focused on calming the nervous system and facilitating a a deeper meditative experience. I will then lead the group through a calming guided meditation. Class will end with some reflective journal prompts and closing remarks. A few reminders & things to have during the session. Journal + pen Dress comfortably Blanket (temperature can drop during meditation) Meditation pillow (if you have one) Set up in a quiet space Register through this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-breath-work-meditation Let me know if you have any questions. Can't wait to connect and breathe with all of you! #meditation #breathwork #breathing #virtualworkshop #selfcare #relax #renew #wellness #health #selflove #metime #soulwork #healing #presence #stressrelief #nourish #anxiety #depression #grief #mentalhealth #reflect #emotions #breath #heal #mindbodysoul #heart #peace #nourishyourself #breathing

Stop whatever you are doing and take a moment to notice your breath... Don't change it. Just notice. How quickly are you breathing? Is your breath deep or shallow? Do you notice movement mostly in the upper chest, ribs, belly?... Now begin to deepen your breath. INHALE slowly through your nose to fill your chest and belly. Allow your lungs to fill completely and PAUSE. As you EXHALE release your breath through the mouth slowly until empty. Again, allow yourself to PAUSE. Continue breathing in this way for 5-10 breath cycles. Notice how your body responds to this slowing of the breath. Are you noticing tension releasing? Do you feel your mind slow down? Are you more present? The breath can be a very powerful healing practice. I use breath work frequently in my own life and it has become one of my favourite ways to reduce anxiety, ground myself and deepen my meditation practice. I share this tool with patients often as it can be done almost anytime and anywhere. If you'd like to learn more about breath work, stay tuned as I have a virtual workshop coming up in November. I'll be sharing info very soon! #breathing #mindfulness #deepbellybreathing #vagusnerve #wellness #stress #copingtool #grief #virtual #stress #calm #anxiety #health #yoga #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #breathing #breathwork #parasympatheticnervoussystem

We may often miss moments when grief shows up in small, unexpected ways. Grief impacts all of us throughout life. Sometimes in big, obvious ways and sometimes in really subtle ways. This week as I re-integrated back into my normal routine after our wedding and honeymoon, there was an emotion I was feeling, but couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was. It was more than just feeling bummed that our trip was over... it was a bit heavy in the heart. A bit of anxiety.... Wondering what’s next... and I realized that it was a subtle version of grief. Grief around the fact that the wedding celebration we’d been planning all year is over. Sadness that my mom missed another milestone, that our extended families couldn’t be present. It was such a magical few weeks filled with so much positive, beautiful, loving energy... but now that it’s all over I’m feeling the feels. I’m here to remind you that emotions come in a spectrum. What can be the most joyous month, can also be a difficult one. Feeling both ends of our emotional range is part of being alive. Honouring how we feel during the positive and the negative. Emotions are never wrong. They just are and they will always pass. Wishing you all a beautiful Friday and a restful weekend! #grief #loss #healing #discussion #bereavement #grieving #change #heal #education #griefeducation #connect #love #selflove #wellness #holisticgriefsupport #naturopathicmedicine #yoga #meditation #acupuncture #counselling #share #discomfort #heart #community #anxiety #depression See more