Tag: mindfulness

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YOGA OFF THE MAT

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Wait – don’t we need a mat for yoga?

yoga mat

Actually, no.

And I don’t mean you don’t need a mat to be more comfortable (because I kinda think you do!)

I mean, strictly speaking, you don’t need a mat to be practicing yoga.

Yoga – more than physical movement

When we think of yoga in Western cultures, we usually think of the physical practice of Asana. It’s what we experience in most yoga classes, for example. And yes – a mat is VERY helpful. I love mine and my body would be pretty unhappy with me if I didn’t use it during a class!

However, there is more to yoga than the physical movements. Of course, you can totally go to class and never delve into the 8 limbs of yoga, and that’s cool.

But if you want to understand a bit more about yoga and how it can benefit you OFF the mat, read on my friend!

8 limbs of yoga

Maybe you have heard of the 8 limbs of yoga or maybe it’s new to you. These are basically principles by which to live your life to allow you a peaceful existence.

While many of us already have guidelines by which we live, understanding these 8 limbs gives a more well rounded understanding of yoga itself and how to integrate it into our lives.

Most of us have a set of ethics based on personal experience, philosophy, and religious or spiritual ideals, so the 8 limbs are another way to look at things.

When you begin practicing yoga, translated to “union” you are working toward a union between mind, body, and spirit. It is to this end that the 8 limbs aim to support you with. It’s a path to integrity.

8 limbs off the mat

1. Yama: Control

The Yamas refer to moral standards in action, speech, and thought. These moral standards to which you hold yourself. There are 5 parts to the Yamas:

  1. Ahimsa – non-violence
  2. Satya – truthfulness
  3. Aseteya – non-stealing (including other’s time and energy)
  4. Brahmacharya – self-restraint or control in life and possessions
  5. Aparigraha – non-attachment, not being greedy

Sound familiar? Yes, these principles are fairly universal and found in many ancient texts. They represent the ability to find release from suffering and ignorance.

Putting them into action off the mat is not that hard to imagine for most of us; we tend to live this way anyway.

2. Niyama: Observance

Self-discipline in thoughts. Usually, our thoughts tend to be like a grade school playground. Loud, somewhat out of control, boisterous even. It’s our private world so hey, why not let ourselves get crazy here?

The trouble is, our thoughts are often liars and bullies. They make up stories about why Susan didn’t invite us to her party and then beat Susan up for it. They back us into a corner and demand our lunch money so we can’t eat lunch and tell us we are too fat/lazy/insert adjective here.

When that is what is happening on your playground, you don’t get to have a very happy life.

Shifting our focus – our self-discipline – to observing thoughts, being curious about them, and redirecting them takes work. Just like the adults keeping an eye on the playground so things don’t get crazy and no one gets hurt. Yes it takes work. But the end result is a lot happier playground!

There are also 5 parts to the Niyamas:

  1. Saucha – cleanliness, of your physical and mental space
  2. Samotosa – contentment
  3. Tapas – strengthen your passion and your will
  4. Svadhyaya – understanding what spirituality means to you so you can better understand yourself
  5. Ishvara Pranidhana – cultivating awareness of and surrender to the divine (which may mean your own higher self)

3. Asana: Physical Practice

Ahhh…this is the one we know best! Roll out your mat! Asana refers to the physical postures we practice in a typical yoga class.

More than just a workout though, these postures are about developing a sense of ease and stability in the body. We seek to release tension, train and educate our body to connect at a deeper level.

Taking care of our bodies support us in integrating the other 7 limbs in our lives.

4. Pranayama: Breath

Inhale. Exhale. So simple but also so complex.

I like to remind my classes that our breath is with us every single day of our lives. We take it for granted. But breath control, the deeper meaning of Pranayama, is a key to relating to our inner world.

Meditation, nervous system regulation, and creating a bridge between your mind, emotions, and mental state are all accessible through your breath. Breath work could easily be a class unto itself.

5. Pratyhara: Senses

Pratyahara takes a deeper dive into transcending our senses and focusing internally. It’s about connecting to our true selves, not the behaviors we do or the things we feel when inundated by the outside world.

Sometimes we practice this on the mat. You know when your yoga teacher says something like, “The pose begins when you want to get out of it”? It’s a cue to disregard the discomfort you may feel (“I’m bored, when will this end, what’s next”) and get curious about it.

We take a step back from who we think we are or should be and observe it. Maybe you see yourself as a person in constant motion, always busy, always productive. Your discomfort may come from being in stillness and how that doesn’t fit how you see yourself.

You can even take it a step further and then realize you want to cease always being a busy bee and want to be a calmer, more thoughtful person. Pratyhara helps you work toward that without self-judgment.

6. Dharana: Concentration

While Pratyhara helps us control our external distractions, Dharana turns that practice inward to our mind’s disruptions.

We live in a world of near-constant diversions. Even if we eliminate all outside interruptions, what about all the stuff going on inside our heads? That is a lot more challenging to tune out. Balancing asanas on the mat are a perfect way to practice that kind of focus. If you break your concentration, you fall out of the pose.

7. Dhyana: Meditation

This is like next-level Dharana. We ask more of our focus, and take it into deep reflection, staying present, and contemplation.

While some falsely think meditation means emptying your mind, its true purpose is much deeper. It is learning to turn that noisy kid’s playground into a calm garden of carefully cultivated flowers. When you hear the kids yelling, you simply return to the beauty of the flowers. As many times as it takes.

8. Samadhi: Enlightenment

Samadhi is when you are able to bring the other 7 limbs into alignment and find true joy and contentment. It is something you feel and experience. It’s the “goal”.

And it is not something most of us can live in all the time. But we move towards it, occasionally experience it, and with practice, can find it more easily.

Now grab your mat and notice the difference

You probably notice that there is a lot of overlap in these principles. the principles are also not uncommon and found in many people’s personal, spiritual, and religious ideals.

What can set the 8 limbs apart for you is walking into your next yoga class with them on your mind. Maybe choose one aspect and set it as an intention for your practice.

What might that look like?

Let’s say you choose Ahimsa, the first Yama. Before you even leave the house, you decide that will be your focus. On the way to class, someone cuts you off! Maybe your normal response is honking and yelling. But this time, you dial it down because, well, Ahimsa. Then you get to class and someone is in your spot! Rather than say something to them or even worse, silently stalk to another spot and fume about it, Ahimsa. When you leave you notice an even deeper sense of calm than usual. Ahhh…Ahimsa.

Mindfulness at it’s best!

laylo yoga and wellness

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WHY SLOW FLOW IS MY WAY TO GO

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slow flow

There are so many ways to practice and enjoy yoga. Knowing what you like and wish to get out of it is key to creating a practice that you not only love but will continue to do.

That’s why slow flow is totally my jam – as a student and as a teacher!

What is slow flow? It is a Vinyasa style, but rather than going breath to movement on every posture or even most postures, you spend a little more time on holds. That usually translates to 3-5 breaths on more than 50% of the postures.

This is why I love it:

Time to master a posture your way

While it is true that we are basically constructed the same way, we each deal with many little nuances, deviations, injuries, and even limb lengths. Some of us might be working through a shoulder injury. Perhaps you have wide-set hips. Maybe you are a little knock-kneed or bowl-legged. Maybe you are tall – but do you have long legs and a short torso or short legs but a long torso?

Pretty quickly you can see how these structural differences affect your everyday life. Well, your yoga practice is no different.

The challenge I have with a fast-paced Vinyasa practice is that there is not a lot of time to figure out how to get into/out of or adapt a posture for your unique circumstances. The amount of time needed to move my short legs is going to be less than my longer-legged friends.

If I have a hip issue (which, as many of you know, I do) then half-moon is going to need some adaptation to get my hip to rotate.

The problem is, if we are just zipping through the class, we don’t get much opportunity to make those adaptations, try some different variants, or even do something else altogether that still keeps us in the flow.

The result tends to be unhealthy compromises in form, frustration with awkward positions or being left behind, and just plain feeling blah about the whole thing.

On the flip side, if we are taking 3-5 breaths in numerous postures, you have time to tweak it to fit your body or even just do something else that fits into the flow. To me, this means you have a chance to make the session your own.

Slow flow lets you get into your props

I am a big believer in using your props!

BLOCKS bring the ground closer to you.

STRAPS make your arms longer.

BOLSTERS allow you to feel supported.

These additional pieces of equipment are huge in keeping you safe while you expand your practice. One of the big reasons why people say they can’t do yoga is that they aren’t flexible enough.

That is why you use props! They give you the support you need to accomplish a posture without sacrificing your form. Props allow you the opportunity to begin to increase your flexibility, mobility, and strength while keeping you safe.

They meet you where you are and support you in getting where you want to go.

However, if we are moving in a fast-paced environment you will not have much time to get your props out and use them.

So what tends to happen is that form begins to get compromised and the potential for injury goes up. Not to mention a general lack of progress in the areas of flexibility and mobility!

This is especially challenging if you are new(er) to yoga and trying to make some gains in these areas. While it is true that you can practice this at home, realistically, many people attend classes and don’t always spend a lot of time practicing outside the class environment, especially when they are new!

Give yourself a crack at the toughest part of yoga – your mind!

This may just be a “me” thing, but the hardest part of a yoga practice/class is not the physical asanas. It’s the mental act of slowing, calming, and quieting the mind.

We are in a constant state of doing, especially in the U.S. Being, allowing ourselves to slow down, learning to see our thoughts and realize that they come and go, this is actually tough stuff for many of us.

Meditation is a great place to practice the art of simply being. Yoga is a moving meditation. If you let it, it can help you find a balance between movement – doing – and being. Yoga lets you practice observing thoughts and understanding that you are not your thoughts.

“I cannot possibly hold this position another second” but then you do. “My balance sucks” except there you are, standing on one leg and NOT falling over (at least not right away!).

Our minds are telling us crap basically all. day. long. Yoga helps us practice the art of seeing the crap and letting it go so we can get down to the reality of that moment.

As a teacher, I can accommodate more levels with slow flow

I teach in multi-level environments. I don’t really even like to say “levels” because, to me, yoga is all one level with many variations. But for the sake of this article, I will use the word levels since we have an understanding of what that looks like.

Let’s say I ask everyone to move into a Forward Fold. Some people may wish to take Rag Doll so they feel more support for their back. Others may do a Half-Way Lift to accommodate their flexibility. Still others may go into a Headstand if that is part of their practice.

If we are moving at a quick pace, there will not be time for some of those variations, or even time for me to suggest some of the variations.

In a situation where people with different backgrounds are coming into the same class, slowing down let’s me allow them to practice in the way they want to.

At the end of the day, your practice is your own. As a teacher, I am providing a map but the students are taking the journey.

All approaches are welcome!

In conclusion, I want to be clear on one thing: this is why I love slow flow. Others may have different reasons for loving it. Still others may dislike this kind of practice.

And it’s all good.

The thing I continue to marvel at about yoga is that it really is for everyone. The way you choose to practice is up to you. Perhaps you like even longer holds. Maybe going at a fast pace, one breath to each movement is your first love. You may like to focus on strength. Or a specific series of postures.

There are just as many ways to practice as there are people.

You do you, BooBoo!

laylo yoga and wellness

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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SOUND BATH SCIENCE

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As the doors to our Vino & Vinyasa Retreat have opened, one of the first things people have questions about is the sound bath that is part of the retreat.

Sound baths, a unique experience gaining popularity for its potential to enhance well-being, is not a new practice. In fact sound has been used for centuries to move people, to soothe them, to stir them up, and even to irritate them!

Sound baths have a solid foundation in science. As we have learned more about how our brains work, we have been able to acutally observe the powerful effect that the sound bath can have on us. While you can check it out on YouTube, the best way to understand it is to experience it. But first, let’s explore the scientific aspects that make this practice more than just a melodic meditation.

What is a Sound Bath?

Imagine immersing yourself in a cocoon of soothing sounds, created by various instruments that may include singing bowls, gongs, and even tuning forks. That’s essentially what a sound bath entails – a therapeutic session where vibrations wash over you. The result is a calming and immersive auditory experience.

The Science of Vibration:

Now, let’s get down to why sound baths work. At the core of this practice is the science of vibration. Every instrument used in a sound bath produces vibrations that travel through the air and water, impacting the body at a cellular level. These vibrations can stimulate a relaxation response, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of tranquility.

Brainwave Entrainment

One of the key scientific principles behind sound baths is brainwave entrainment. Our brains naturally synchronize with external stimuli, such as rhythmic sounds. The gentle, repetitive tones in a sound bath can guide your brainwaves into a more relaxed state. For some it is a similar feeling to the peacefulness experienced during meditation or deep relaxation exercises.

Binaural Beats Unveiled

Enter binaural beats, the unsung heroes of the sound bath experience. Binaural beats are the result of two slightly different frequencies played in each ear. This creates a third frequency, the binaural beat, perceived by the brain. Studies suggest that exposure to these beats can influence brainwave patterns, potentially inducing states of relaxation or focus.

The Brain’s Symphony

Our brains are complex orchestras of electrical activity, producing different types of brainwaves depending on our mental state. Binaural beats, when calibrated correctly, are thought to encourage the brain to synchronize with the desired frequency, leading to a range of effects from enhanced meditation to improved sleep.

Stress Reduction and Cortisol Levels

In our fast-paced lives, stress is a common companion. The soothing sounds of a sound bath can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” response. This activation promotes a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels – the notorious stress hormone.

Enhanced Mindfulness and Focus

Regular sound bath sessions may contribute to improved mindfulness and focus. As you immerse yourself in the harmonious sounds, the external distractions fade away. This may allow your mind to achieve a state of heightened awareness. This increased mindfulness can positively impact your ability to concentrate and remain present in the moment.

The Physical Benefits of a Sound Bath

Beyond the mental and emotional benefits, sound baths may have a positive effect on the physical body. Some enthusiasts report relief from tension, improved sleep, and a general sense of rejuvenation after a session. While individual experiences may vary, the overall impact on well-being is worth exploring.

This is just a brief glimpse into the scientific underpinnings of sound baths. Regardless of where you are on your wellness journey, incorporating sound baths might be the key to unlocking a more relaxed and balanced you. Give it a try, and let the vibrations guide you on your path to well-being.

laylo yoga and wellness

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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DIGITAL DETOX AND MINDFUL LIVING IN THE DIGITAL AGE

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digital detox

In our fast-paced, digital-driven world, finding moments of tranquility and mindfulness can be a challenge.

On the one hand, the digital landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for networking, productivity, and advancement. However, the line between connectivity and digital addiction can be thin, and the repercussions on personal well-being are significant.

Nonstop connectivity to our screens poses a myriad of dangers for people aiming to excel in their careers. The constant barrage of emails, notifications, and social media updates can lead to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and burnout. As career demands intensify, the temptation to stay plugged in 24/7 becomes more pronounced, jeopardizing not only mental health but also hindering the ability to unwind and recharge.

Detaching from email, text, video games, TV, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers periodically allows us to regain control over our lives, fostering a healthier work-life balance.

Finding that balance in our lives is more crucial to our well-being than ever before. Let’s explore the concept of digital detox and how incorporating mindfulness into our daily routines can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence.

The Digital Dilemma

In an era dominated by smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity, it’s easy to become ensnared in the web of digital distractions. While technology has undoubtedly brought convenience and efficiency into our lives, it has also given rise to a new form of addiction—digital addiction. The incessant notifications, endless scrolling, and constant exposure to screens can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being.

The Need for Digital Detox

A digital detox involves consciously and temporarily disconnecting from digital devices to recalibrate and recenter ourselves. As a yoga student, you can think of it as a mental and emotional savasana—a conscious pause to rejuvenate the mind and soul. Here are some practical steps to initiate a digital detox:

1. Set Boundaries:

Establish specific times during the day when you’ll be device-free. This could be during meals, before bedtime, or during your yoga practice. Create sacred spaces where screens are not allowed.

2. Unplug from Social Media:

Consider taking a break from social media platforms. The constant comparison and information overload can contribute to stress and anxiety. Use this time to connect with real-life experiences and relationships.

3. Tech-Free Retreats:

Participate in tech-free retreats where individuals can immerse themselves in yoga, meditation, and nature without the interference of digital devices. This can be a transformative experience, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and others.

  • Mindful Technology Usage Workshops: A digital detox yoga retreat can incorporate workshops on mindful technology usage, empowering participants to establish healthy boundaries in their digital lives.
  • Yoga and Meditation Practices: Engaging in yoga and meditation sessions can help people develop mindfulness skills, allowing them to be present in the moment and reduce reliance on digital distractions.
  • Nature Immersion: Many yoga retreats are set in serene natural environments, offering a break from the digital hustle. Connecting with nature has been proven to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
  • Community Support: Participating in a yoga retreat fosters a sense of community. Sharing experiences and challenges related to digital detox with like-minded individuals creates a supportive network that extends beyond the retreat.

How Do I Know If I Need a Break?

You may be experiencing the need to back off from tech in a more vague way – feeling overwhelmed or anxious after checking social media. Perhaps realizing you are picking up your phone every few minutes “just to check in”. Or maybe you feel a sense of panic at the thought leaving your phone behind.

Anytime you are looking to remove or limit something in your life, you need to replace it with something else, something more positive and with greater reward. If not, your brain wants to slip back into its familiar patterns.

Nature hates a vacuum!

The Rewards Are Many!

Turn your focus on how you will feel by limiting your digital usage:

  • Improved Mental Health: Constant exposure to screens has been linked to increased stress and anxiety. A digital detox provides an opportunity to reset, reduce mental clutter, and promote overall well-being.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Paradoxically, excessive digital engagement can diminish productivity. Unplugging allows for increased focus and concentration, enabling women to approach tasks with renewed energy and efficiency.
  • Strengthened Relationships: Building and maintaining meaningful connections with friends, family, and colleagues requires genuine, offline interactions. A digital detox allows people to invest time in nurturing these relationships, fostering a sense of connection and support.
  • Increased Creativity: Continuous exposure to digital stimuli can stifle creativity. Stepping away from screens encourages the mind to wander, fostering new ideas and perspectives that might be overlooked in the constant buzz of digital engagement.
  • Better Sleep: Turning off electronic devices a few hours before bed can dramatically improve your ability to fall asleep and have quality sleep.
  • More Time: Less time buried in your screen gives you back time during the day for the things that light you up! Maybe you love to paint, hike, read, cook – whatever makes you happy. Time away from your devices can deepen your joy and satisfaction in life. You can reinvest that time in the things that are about YOU.

Mindful Living in the Digital Age

Mindfulness is at the heart of yoga philosophy, and bringing this awareness into our digital lives can have profound effects. Here’s how you can infuse mindfulness into your daily routine:

1. Conscious Consumption:

Be mindful of the content you consume online. Choose information that uplifts and inspires rather than drains your energy. Unfollow accounts that promote negativity.

2. Tech-Free Yoga Practice:

Designate a specific space for your yoga practice that is free from digital distractions. This sacred space will allow you to immerse yourself fully in the present moment, enhancing the benefits of your practice.

3. Digital Mindfulness Techniques:

Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your digital activities. Practice conscious breathing while responding to emails or take short breaks for mindful stretches during prolonged screen time.

Your Wellbeing Matters!

I encourage you to embrace the concept of digital detox and mindful living. By finding a balance between the digital world and the present moment, we can cultivate a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

Remember, it’s not about completely shunning technology but about using it consciously to enhance, rather than detract from, our overall well-being. So, unplug, unwind, and embark on a journey of digital detox and mindful living—one breath at a time.

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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THE POWER OF A ONE DAY YOGA RETREAT

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In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to forget to take a moment for ourselves. We are constantly juggling work, family, and countless responsibilities, often neglecting our well-being.

The truth is, we all need a break, a chance to recharge and refocus, regardless of our age.

That’s where a one-day yoga retreat comes into play. It’s the perfect opportunity to step away from the chaos and immerse yourself in a day of self-care, mindfulness, and rejuvenation.

How a one day yoga retreat can help

Reconnect with yourself

Life’s demands can pull us in various directions, leaving us feeling disconnected from our inner selves. A one-day yoga retreat offers a valuable opportunity to reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit.

Through a series of yoga sessions, meditation, and mindful practices, you can rediscover balance within you.

Release stress and tension

Stress is a constant companion in today’s fast-paced world. A yoga retreat provides a serene environment where you can leave the worries of everyday life behind. The practice of yoga and meditation helps release built-up tension, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.

Enhance physical well-being

Yoga is a powerful tool for improving physical health. During your one-day retreat, you’ll engage in yoga poses that can increase flexibility, strength, and balance. These practices benefit people of all ages by promoting overall well-being and helping to maintain a healthy body.

Nourish your mind

Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Through guided meditation and mindfulness exercises, a yoga retreat allows you to nourish your mind. It helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and cultivate a positive outlook on life.

Connect with like-minded people

One of the beautiful aspects of a one-day yoga retreat is the opportunity to connect with other people who share a passion for health and well-being. It’s a supportive environment where you can make new friends and share experiences.

Take a day for yourself

In our busy lives, we often put the needs of others before our own. A one-day yoga retreat is a way to prioritize self-care. By dedicating a day to yourself, you send a powerful message that your well-being matters.

Vino & Vinyasa – more than class and sip!

While we may not always acknowledge it, we all need a break to rejuvenate and reconnect with our inner selves. A one-day yoga retreat provides the perfect opportunity to do just that, without the need for a lengthy commitment. It’s a day dedicated to self-care, stress relief, physical well-being, and personal growth, and it’s something everyone can benefit from, regardless of age.

Vino & Vinyasa is that “push pause” button on your crazy life. 2 yoga classes for all abilities, a full wine flight tasting, delicious charcuterie, connection with community, sound bath experience, and your own yogi swag bag!

So, take the plunge and give yourself the gift of a one-day yoga retreat. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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6 KEYS OF TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA

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Trauma-informed yoga is a specialized approach to yoga that considers the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals who have experienced trauma.

Each class or session is designed to create a safe and supportive environment for you and aims to avoid triggering any distressing experiences or emotions that may be associated with trauma.

What is Trauma?

Trauma refers to a distressing or disturbing event or series of events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, leaving them feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and emotionally or physically harmed. Traumatic experiences can be of various types and intensity, and they may be physical, emotional, or psychological in nature.

Common Examples of Traumatic Events Include but are not limited to:

  1. Physical abuse or assault
  2. Emotional or psychological abuse
  3. Sexual abuse or assault
  4. Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods)
  5. Accidents (e.g., car crashes)
  6. Combat experiences (in military personnel)
  7. Witnessing violence or death
  8. Serious illnesses or medical procedures
  9. Loss of a loved one
  10. Bullying or harassment

These types of events can have profound and long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It can disrupt normal coping mechanisms and lead to a range of emotional responses, such as fear, anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, or shame. Additionally, trauma can also impact memory, relationships, and overall functioning.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a recognized mental health condition that can develop following exposure to a traumatic event. However, not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD.

It’s important to understand that people respond differently to traumatic experiences, and what may be traumatic for one person may not be the same for another. Seeking professional help and support from mental health professionals is crucial for individuals dealing with the effects of trauma. Treatment options can include therapy, counseling, and, in some cases, medication to help manage symptoms and promote healing.

Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Yoga:

Safety and Choice: A Trauma-Informed Yoga teacher will create a safe and non-threatening environment. You are free to make choices throughout the practice, such as modifying poses or taking breaks as needed.

Empowerment: Participants will feel empowered! Teachers will give them a sense of control over their bodies and experiences. They use invitational language, allowing participants to explore sensations and movements at their own pace.

Awareness of Triggers: Your teacher will be aware of and avoid potential triggers and language or guiding practices that may be upsetting to you if you have a trauma background.

Body Awareness and Sensation: Connect with your body in a gentle and supportive manner. You will focus more on body awareness and sensation, rather than achieving specific poses.

Mindfulness and Breath: Mindfulness techniques and breathwork can help individuals regulate their nervous system and cope with stress and anxiety. This is a crucial part of trauma-informed practice.

Grounding and Centering: Teachers will guide you to feel more grounded and present in the moment. This might be especially helpful if you experience dissociation or feelings of being disconnected from your body.

Specialty Trained Teachers are a Must

Trauma-informed yoga teachers typically undergo specialized training to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of trauma on the body and mind. We approach students with sensitivity, compassion, and deep respect for each individual’s unique healing process.

It’s important to note that trauma-informed yoga is not meant to replace therapy or other trauma-focused treatments but can be used as a complementary practice to support healing and resilience. If someone has experienced trauma and is considering participating in a trauma-informed yoga class, it’s advisable to discuss it with a mental health professional to ensure it aligns with their specific needs and healing journey.

Want to Immerse Yourself?

A yoga retreat is just the thing to reboot yourself, mind, body, and soul. Not sure what to expect? Check out this article or visit our Retreat page!