Yoga is uniquely suited to support people who have experienced trauma. Given the last 18 months, this country and the world has had its share of traumatic experience due to the pandemic, and that just overshadows all of the daily challenges many people face continuously.
As the title of Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk’s book says, “The Body Keeps The Score,” and yoga moves us directly into physical, embodied awareness. When someone has experienced trauma that becomes embedded in their body-mind experience, mindful movement is a pathway to relief.
Yoga practice involves observation of the mind and the body while creating different physical shapes. Through connecting to the breath while embodying a variety of forms, one is able to breathe through the experience of the moment — whether it involves anxious or worrisome thoughts, self-denigrating thoughts, or simply a challenging physical shape. Being present to that experience and breathing with it, rather than forcing oneself to “just get over it” or “just relax” for example, helps to process the experience rather than denying it or pushing it away.
For these reasons, I am so excited to announce our annual Teaching Trauma Sensitive Yoga workshop online. Details below. And also, *coming soon* a Trauma Sensitive Yoga series of short classes, designed to fit into your busy schedule that you may access on demand at any time you need them. This series includes Yoga For Anxiety, Yoga For Restful Sleep, and Yoga For Empowerment. Stay tuned for details.
Peace and love, Kelly