Trauma and Yoga: A Path to Healing and Resilience
The Healing Power of Trauma Informed Yoga
In a world where stress and psychological trauma often cast long shadows over our lives, the pursuit of healing becomes an essential journey. Healing these wounds is not an easy feat, but trauma sensitive yoga interventions helps create a safe space, combat trauma triggers, and generally reduce symptoms.
Trauma and yoga seem like an unlikely pairing, but yoga, with its ancient roots and modern adaptations, has emerged as a powerful ally in this quest for emotional well-being. As we step onto the mat, think of each pose as a step towards reclaiming territory in your own mental landscape
Welcome to a space where the wisdom of yoga converges with a contemporary understanding of psychological trauma, ushering in a new paradigm of healing for these trauma survivors. Join us on this exploration of "Trauma-Informed Yoga," where each breath becomes a step towards resilience, and each new yoga practice unfolds a chapter in the narrative of self-discovery and healing.
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Mental Health
The term 'trauma' might conjure up images of catastrophic events—war, natural disasters, assaults—but it also includes personal tragedies like childhood neglect, grief, loss, intimate partner abuse, or addiction. These incidents create emotional shockwaves that can cause lasting damage to both physical and mental health.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a heavy word. It's more than just a buzzword for challenging experiences—it's a deep psychological wound that can shape our lives in ways we don't always see. When something traumatic happens, it's like the mind takes a snapshot of that horror, holding onto it long after the moment has passed.
Sometimes trauma roots itself so deeply within us that even years later seemingly harmless things—a song playing on the radio or an offhand remark—can trigger an avalanche of distressing sensations and emotions reminiscent of those original moments when safety felt shattered.
Trauma can change how someone feels safe in their own body or trusts others, but it is important to remember you are not alone; Approximately six in ten adults in the U.S. have gone through a traumatic occurrence that left an enduring imprint on them.
What is Trauma-Informed Yoga?
If you've experienced trauma, finding solace may seem daunting, but it is not impossible- this is where trauma informed yoga comes in.
Unlike traditional trauma treatment like talk therapies which engage primarily with cognitive aspects of stress disorders, yoga invites survivors into a compassionate space where they reconnect with their bodies gently through movement, yoga postures, and breath-work practices designed specifically with sensitivity toward past hurts.
Informed by research from experts like Bessel van der Kolk and Jivana Heyman affirm that trauma-informed yoga therapists not only address post-traumatic stress symptoms, but also build resilience and give back control against future stresses.
"It's critical to understand though," says Heyman, "that not all yoga spaces are created equal."
Heyman continues explaining why special attention must be paid to creating environments that survivors feel secure in without fear of triggering old wounds. This approach recognizes that each person has unique responses from past traumas that need to be considered every step way during trauma-informed yoga.
From my own experience, I've witnessed the profound impact that mindful movements have on survivors. The relationship between trauma and yoga boosts awareness of bodily sensations and can restore a sense of personal power often lost in challenging times.
The Role of Yoga in Nervous System Regulation
When we talk about trauma and yoga, we have to understand how these practices are finely tuned to help regulate our nervous system. So why does our nervous system matter here, and how can a trauma-informed yoga class encourage regulation?
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous: Understanding the Inner Battle
Picture this: your sympathetic nervous system is like an alarm system—loud and reactive, always ready to signal danger. It kicks into high gear when stress hits, prepping you for fight or flight. Then there’s its chill cousin—the parasympathetic—which calms things down once the coast is clear.
But for someone grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that alarm button gets stuck on 'panic mode'. This means their body may constantly feel under threat even when they're safe at home or walking through a park—a relentless tension that’s exhausting both mentally and physically.
This imbalance leads us straight into how yoga comes into play; it helps tip the scales back towards calmness by nudging our bodies toward parasympathetic dominance. Studies show yoga has been found to have a moderate effect on reducing trauma-related symptoms, which hints at its potential as more than just exercise—it's medicine for your inner wiring.
Tapping Into Body Wisdom Through Mindful Movement
Mind-body practices are fascinating because they let us communicate with parts of ourselves we often ignore—our physical sensations and emotions held deep within our tissues—and trust me, these areas speak volumes if we learn how to listen.
Informed yoga classes have movements become messages from muscles and breaths help to translate feelings—an intimate dialogue between mind and body begins here.
Embracing Trauma-Informed Yoga Practices
Creating A Safe Space: A trauma-sensitive yoga studio creates a group setting where safety isn't just expected, it’s guaranteed. A trauma-informed yoga teacher is trained to understand triggers that survivors face regularly outside studio walls.
Breathing Exercises: Moments triggering freeze responses unexpectedly can cause disconnection from reality, but our lungs are peace generators during states of heightened awareness brought upon by past traumas.
Meditative Focus: Embracing meditation can significantly boost your concentration and mental clarity. Reserving a portion of each day to sit in stillness can give your brain the opportunity it requires for regeneration and renewed attentiveness. This practice not only helps reduce stress, but also enhances overall productivity.
Breathing Techniques for Grounding and Centering
Imagine the breath as an anchor, dropping deep into the ocean of calm that exists within you. This is no ordinary breathing; it's a key to unlock tranquility in minds rattled by past storms. For those who have experienced trauma, specific breathing exercises are more than a pause - they're essential tools for emotional regulation.
Mindfulness comes alive when we breathe with intention. Picture yourself sitting comfortably, your spine erect but not rigid, hands resting on knees – ready to embark on this journey of inhalation and exhalation that brings you back to now.
The magic happens when we engage in belly breathing – letting our abdomen expand with each inhale and contract with each exhale—a practice shown to help dial down anxiety levels while increasing feelings of safety and control.
Selecting Postures That Foster Safety and Comfort
Yoga helps begin our healing process one posture at a time. Trauma-informed yoga can assist with selecting poses that work best for you. The goal here isn't flexibility; it's about finding flows that make one feel secure and supported amidst life’s challenges.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana), though seemingly simple, plants seeds of strength and stability: feet grounded firmly on the earth as if drawing power from its core; shoulders relaxed yet poised—embodying resilience against life’s pressures without being overcome by them.
In contrast, Child's Pose (Balasana), serves as a refuge—a gentle folding inward symbolizing self-compassion where external chaos fades into soft murmurs behind closed eyes.
This formative approach adapts traditional postures ensuring everyone feels comfortable regardless if they’re grappling with childhood traumas or symptoms akin to PTSD—making room only for growth without triggering past pains.
The Therapeutic Relationship with a Private Yoga Instructor
Imagine stepping onto a path of healing where every movement and breath is tailored just for you. That's the essence of working one-on-one with a private yoga instructor, especially one with additional training in trauma and yoga.
A certified yoga teacher with specialized training in trauma-sensitive methods can make all the difference. They create an environment that feels safe, where traumatic triggers are handled with care, and personal empowerment takes center stage—every mindful movement provides rays of hope.
Finding Comfort in Customization
Your journey with trauma and yoga is unique, and so should be your practice. A private session lets your instructor pay attention to what helps reduce anxiety specifically for you. It could be focusing on sensory experiences or maybe avoiding certain poses if they bring discomfort due to past memories.
This personalized approach extends beyond postures; it includes mindfulness techniques that help create heightened awareness within the body without overwhelming it—key for anyone dealing with complex trauma or treatment-resistant PTSD.
By engaging in these practices we can tap into a space of mental clarity, healing, and can begin to unravel the tangled web of emotions and memories that often accompany trauma and yoga.
The Knowledge Behind The Practice
An informed yoga teacher isn't just skilled in guiding you through mountain pose; they're also well-versed in mental health services related to traumatic stress disorders. Their expertise allows them to recognize when traditional group classes may not serve trauma survivors as effectively as private sessions do.
With their knowledge rooted deeply both in yogic practices and van der Kolk’s work on how "the body keeps score," these teachers turn each class into an adjunct treatment modality supporting your overall wellness plan.
Cultivating Trust In Safe Spaces
In any therapeutic relationship, trust is crucial—but perhaps even more so when navigating trauma and yoga. When practicing privately, there's space just for you—an opportunity for developing trust at your own pace which often leads towards profound breakthroughs over time.
Weaving science-backed benefits into ancient traditions makes modern-day recovery possible—and powerful—for many survivors seeking solace after enduring life-altering events.
Conclusion
So you've journeyed through the nexus of trauma and yoga. Remember, healing trauma is a process, but it is not hopeless.
Breathe in deep. Let every inhale start to rebuild resilience; let every exhale release a piece of the past. Feel grounded and stable, rooted yet reaching for personal growth.
Select poses that feel like home. Find solace with informed yoga teachers—they are your guides on this path to peace after all you've experienced. Their expertise turns practice into healing power.
Inhale confidence, exhale doubt. This blend of ancient wisdom and modern science has shown us that tranquility lives within movement and mindfulness alike.
Vibrant Yoga is based in Chicago and serves the Chicagoland area as well as virtually anywhere with practical tools and guidance to individual wellness for a healthier lifestyle. We offer on-site & virtual yoga, meditation & wellness workshops to individuals and companies. We envision a world where every individual, employee, and business owner has the freedom and resources to maintain vibrant health that positively impacts their mental and physical well-being.
Transforming Loss: Yoga for Grief as a Healing Pathway
Grief Yoga: Learning to Dance with an Uninvited Partner
"In the dance of life, grief is an uninvited partner who steps on your toes and out of rhythm."
Have you ever tried to waltz with a clumsy partner? At times, you may feel like your feet are being tangled up, throwing off your balance...just when you think it's all coming together - wham! There goes your toe again. Grief can be like that too.
Yoga for grief, though, invites us to slow down this frenetic dance. It's not about perfecting the moves but rather learning how to sway gently through life’s rough patches.
By diving into these tools, you can learn to better manage your pain. Yoga's calming effects on our nervous system are profound and therapeutic poses like the Reclining Bound Angle or Corpse Pose bring comfort. Furthermore, breathwork and meditation techniques specifically tailored for heartache offer additional avenues for healing and self-discovery.
Understanding Grief and the Healing Power of Yoga
Grief is a journey, unique to each person. It's like crossing an ocean where waves of emotions come and go unexpectedly. Michelle Obama, in her book 'Becoming', wrote about how personal loss impacted her life.
But guess what? We're not helpless against these tides. There's yoga for grief that can serve as your compass through this stormy sea, guiding you towards healing shores.
Yoga has transformative powers - it helps us release pain from our body and mind. So when we say "grief yoga," we mean using specific poses (like Corpse Pose or Reclining Bound Angle Pose) designed to let you free grief from its stronghold on your nervous system.
The Magic within Movement: Yoga Practice amid Grieving
Physical exercise during periods of intense emotional turmoil might sound counterintuitive but trust me on this; movement matters. The simple act of unrolling your yoga mat becomes a symbol - it says 'I'm ready to move forward.'
Your muscles hold memories, too – both good and bad ones. And here’s where the idea comes into play – “the body remembers.” Practicing certain grief yoga poses can help tap into those held feelings, providing space for them to be acknowledged without judgement or need for change.
Meditative Breaths: Finding Compassion Within Silence
The power isn't just in the physical movements though. Through compassion meditation integrated with breathwork, one learns how sitting quietly with their grief can create an inner sanctuary of peace.
So, why not start today? Begin your healing process by exploring a Grief Yoga class and witness the transformation yourself. It's alright to solicit aid amid these strenuous periods. After all, even in yoga practice, we often use blocks as support.
Key Takeaway: When we pair yoga with compassion meditation and breathwork, it becomes a powerful tool for self-healing. This combination allows us to navigate through our grief by fostering acceptance and growth. So remember, you're not alone on this journey—yoga is here to help you release emotional pain and move forward.
The Role of Specific Yoga Poses in the Grieving Process
Grief is a journey that's different for everyone. Yet, certain yoga poses can be particularly helpful during this time. Let's look at how specific postures help you navigate the emotional waves.
The Comforting Embrace of Child's Pose
The Child's Pose (Balasana) allows your body to curl naturally, providing comfort and calmness similar to an embrace. With your arms overhead or by your side, this pose encourages surrender and acceptance of grief.
Then there are restorative yoga poses like the Reclining Bound Angle Pose which aid in releasing tension stored in our bodies from grieving. By allowing yourself to sit quietly on your yoga mat, these gentle physical exercises provide solace and peace amidst the stormy emotions.
Other grief-specific asanas include Corpse Pose (Savasana), a posture symbolic of letting go; Cobra pose known for opening up heart space; Supported Bridge which helps express bottled-up feelings through opening up the chest area; lastly, we have Kundalini Yoga sequences aimed at nurturing nervous system health during emotionally challenging times.
A Deeper Connection with Compassion Meditation
In addition to these specific poses designed for those experiencing grief, it's crucial not only to practice them but also to couple them with compassion meditation - guided mindfulness techniques focusing on self-compassion. This combination aids the free flow of pent-up sorrow while fostering understanding towards oneself amid personal loss – helping us reduce stress levels drastically over time.
Feeling the weight of grief? Discover how yoga poses like Child's Pose and Reclining Bound Angle can offer comfort. Coupled with compassion meditation, they help navigate emotional waves, release tension & reduce stress. #YogaForGrief #HealingJourney Click to Tweet
Creating Compassionate Spaces through Private Sessions
If you're dealing with grief, the thought of joining a group yoga class might feel overwhelming. But don't worry, private 1:1 sessions are here to give you a compassionate space where your feelings and needs are the primary focus.
Private sessions let us craft each session to meet your specific emotional state at any given time. We can take it slow on days when grief feels heavy or we can incorporate more physical exercise if that's what helps you release pain. Customizing the experience to your needs is what it's all about.
The benefit of these personalized classes is twofold - not only do they help create a safe space for exploring emotions but also help individuals find healing courage. And as per studies, Yoga classes designed specifically for grieving people have proven effective in connecting them with others going through similar experiences.
A Personalized Approach Tailored To Your Needs
In these private sessions, poses like Child’s Pose and Reclining Bound Angle Pose may be used based on how comfortable they make one feel while grappling with loss. These gentle movements work wonders by releasing tension from our bodies which subsequently eases our nervous system into relaxation mode - quite beneficial during times of distress.
We’ll always start off gently – possibly even incorporating some restorative yoga using props such as bolsters and blankets to support your body throughout the practice so that every pose feels comforting rather than challenging.
Meditation & Breathwork For Grief Management
Beyond physical movement though, breathwork techniques form an integral part of this therapeutic approach too. Focusing on deep inhalations followed by longer exhalations triggers calming responses within our bodies helping reduce stress levels significantly over time.
Lastly, our sessions would also involve a dash of compassion meditation. This practice not only fosters feelings of empathy towards oneself but it’s also a gentle reminder that despite the pain you’re feeling right now, there is still love and kindness within your heart waiting to be embraced.
Key Takeaway: Private 1:1 yoga sessions offer a compassionate space to help navigate grief. Tailored specifically for you, these classes may include gentle poses and restorative techniques that release tension and foster relaxation. Breathwork and compassion meditation further support healing by reducing stress levels and promoting self-empathy.
The Impact of Breathing Techniques and Meditation in Grief Yoga
Let's breathe life into our understanding of grief yoga. Deep, focused breathing isn't just for blowing out birthday candles or fogging up a window on a cold day. In the context of body scan meditation, it becomes an essential tool to release pain.
Breathing techniques in grief yoga are like unwinding a tightly wound spring, letting go bit by bit. They help create positive shifts in your nervous system, easing tension from your body much like steam escaping from a pressure cooker.
Picture this: you're holding onto two heavy suitcases full of 'grief bricks'. Each breath helps you let go off one brick at a time until those suitcases feel lighter than air balloons. This is what deep breathing does - makes room for healing and growth by releasing pent-up emotions within us.
Moving onto meditation scripts; they work hand-in-hand with breathing techniques as powerful allies during grieving times. Consider them as magical keys that unlock doors to peace and tranquility amidst stormy seas of loss.
The Science Behind The Practice
A fascinating study found that yoga for grief focuses on movements and specific breathing techniques. These aid individuals process their feelings more effectively – sort-of-like doing laundry where dirt is washed away leaving behind fresh garments.
Grieving individuals often report feeling trapped or suffocated under the weighty blanket of sorrow but when practicing mindfulness through mediation scripts, it feels like pulling back thick curtains allowing sunlight to pour inside – lightening dark corners with its radiant warmth.
Finding Your Own Rhythm
To get started with grief yoga, it's not about mastering complex poses or achieving a monk-like state of meditation. Instead, it's more about discovering your unique rhythm - the sweet spot where breathing techniques and mediation scripts harmonize to give you relief from sorrow.
So remember: breathe in resilience, exhale pain; inhale peace, let go of sadness – every breath counts.
Key Takeaway: Imagine breathing techniques in grief yoga as a release valve, slowly unwinding tension. Each breath you take helps shed the weight of sorrow, much like letting go of heavy suitcases filled with 'grief bricks'. Meditation scripts act as partners to these techniques, opening doors to peace amidst your loss. The real secret isn't about mastering complex poses or achieving deep meditation; instead it's about embracing each moment and finding solace in every breath.
The Significance of Yoga Teacher Training for Grief Yoga
Teaching yoga to those navigating the murky waters of grief is a calling that requires specialized training. It's not just about guiding students through grief yoga poses, but understanding their emotional landscape, creating safe spaces, and fostering healing connections.
A skilled grief yoga teacher is like a lighthouse in stormy seas. They don't stop the storm but guide lost ships safely back to shore. To be this beacon, they need deep knowledge from dedicated yoga teacher training.
Grief-focused training equips teachers with tools beyond standard asanas or pranayama techniques used in regular yoga classes. It emphasizes how specific postures can help release stored emotions and ease physical manifestations of grief within the body.
Making an Impact Beyond Physical Exercise
Effective teaching goes beyond leading individuals through sequences on a yoga mat. A trained teacher understands that grieving individuals may have difficulty focusing or staying motivated due to their mental state. Therefore, patience and empathy become essential skills alongside traditional teaching methods.
Grief yoga combines movement, breathwork, meditation, visualizations - even laughter exercises. These components are selected carefully by informed teachers who understand how each element contributes towards helping students process their feelings better.
Nurturing Emotional Healing Through Yoga Practice
Instructors with focused training know when to introduce compassionate meditations into class routines. Such practices nurture self-love during times when grievers might feel overwhelmed by negative emotions – because love heals.
This unique yoga therapy program fosters an environment where students can feel, express, and release their grief without judgment. A trained teacher becomes more than a guide; they transform into companions in the healing journey.
It's about transforming into a pillar of strength for those who are hurting, equipping them with resilience-building tools while nurturing hope amidst their sorrow. The journey is far more profound than just perfecting yoga poses or class structures; it demands deep-seated compassion.
Key Takeaway: Teachers build a nurturing environment that promotes self-exploration and healing, while carefully introducing meditative practices to guide the journey of grief. They are not just guiding yoga poses, but helping students process their emotions effectively with movement, breathwork, meditation and even laughter exercises.
Exploring Additional Tools and Techniques for Grief Yoga
In grief yoga, there's more than just the mat and poses. Other tools can be mixed into your practice to make it a complete healing journey.
The Healing Power of Laughter Exercises
We all know that laughter is the best medicine, but did you realize it could help you through grief too? Laughter exercises offer an unexpected yet powerful tool in processing loss. They may not replace the tears, but they provide a much-needed balance.
A good belly laugh has been shown to release endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese health care system integrates physical postures with breathing techniques and focused intention - somewhat like laughing. Try adding this or similar practices to your grief yoga routine.
You might ask yourself: "How can I possibly laugh when I'm feeling so down?" But remember, every time we laugh during these challenging moments we are practicing resilience. We're teaching ourselves how not only to survive hard times but also thrive within them.
Navigating Substance Abuse while Practicing Grief Yoga
Grieving individuals sometimes lean on substances as coping mechanisms which isn't always healthy or sustainable. Integrating mindfulness-based techniques such as guided meditations in tandem with restorative yoga can give us healthier ways of dealing with pain instead of turning towards substance abuse.
If you've been leaning on substances heavier than usual because of grief don't beat yourself up about it though — no one handed out manuals for handling heartache after all.
Explore beyond the mat in your grief yoga journey. Mix laughter exercises and Qi Gong into your routine for balance, resilience, and healing. Remember: you're not just surviving hard times—you're thriving. #YogaForGrief #HealingJourney Click to Tweet
Designing a Customized Grief Yoga Sequence
Yoga can be a potent means of recovery, particularly when facing sorrow. Creating a yoga practice tailored to your unique needs isn't as simple as just doing any old poses. To ensure you get the most out of your practice, it's essential to tailor a yoga sequence that meets your individual requirements.
So how do we start? It begins with understanding what grief does to us physically and emotionally. Your nervous system may be on high alert as you navigate through feelings of loss. That's where restorative yoga comes into play - gentle poses like the Reclining Bound Angle Pose help calm the mind and soothe an overactive nervous system.
Private 1-on-1 sessions can give this space for exploration and customization based on your specific journey through grief. Vibrant Yoga offers resources for finding specialized teachers who understand how different bodies experience pain and release tension differently.
The Role of Specific Poses
In creating our custom sequence, let’s incorporate poses known for their grounding effects such as Corpse Pose or Supported Bridge pose using yoga blocks. These provide physical exercise but also serve as anchors during turbulent emotional times.
The power of compassion meditation should not be overlooked either – sitting quietly focusing on self-love can transform internal dialogue during moments of despair.
Incorporating Personal Touches
Remember that every person’s grieving process is unique so there isn’t one-size-fits-all approach here. Maybe laughter yoga brings joy amidst sorrow or perhaps hatha yoga provides a necessary challenge to channel your emotions. Maybe you're drawn to the fluidity of yoga dance or the spiritual aspects of Kundalini Yoga.
The key is to listen to what your body and heart need at this moment, letting them guide you in designing your sequence. And always remember - it's okay if what worked yesterday doesn't work today. The beauty of grief yoga lies in its flexibility and adaptability, just like us.
Key Takeaway: Creating a personalized yoga sequence can help soothe grief. Understanding how loss impacts you physically and emotionally, using restorative poses like the Reclining Bound Angle Pose, and finding specialized teachers are crucial steps. Include grounding poses such as Corpse or Supported Bridge pose and compassion meditation in your routine. Remember, everyone's grieving process is unique so allow for personal flexibility in your approach.
The Role of the Nervous System in Grief Yoga
When grief sweeps over you, it's not just your heart that feels the sting. Your nervous system is also on high alert.
Grieving can trigger our 'fight or flight' response. The body can react to grief with a heightened state of alertness, which manifests as an elevated pulse rate, faster respiration, and overall restlessness.
Navigating Through The Storm with Yoga
Yoga has a unique way of calming this storm within us. It helps release tension from both the body and mind, making room for healing to begin.
The practice uses specific poses such as Reclining Bound Angle Pose, Supported Bridge pose, and Corpse pose which are known to stimulate relaxation responses in the nervous system.
Meditation: An Anchor Amidst Chaos
In addition to yoga postures, meditation plays a crucial role in regulating our stress responses. Body scan meditation, part of many grief yoga classes, encourages us to sit quietly and tune into different parts of our bodies – acknowledging what we feel without judgment or struggle.
This act alone can help soothe frazzled nerves, bringing about peace amidst chaos.
Cultivating Compassion Inwards
Breathing exercises coupled with compassion meditations work wonders too. They allow grieving individuals to nurture themselves while dealing with loss, reducing stress hormones thus creating positive impacts on their overall well-being. Grief may be inevitable, but remember - so is healing.
Feel the sting of grief? Your nervous system does too. Find calm in the storm with yoga. Specific poses and meditation can ease stress responses, promoting healing. Remember, even amidst loss, we have power to nurture ourselves back to well-being. #YogaForG Click to Tweet
FAQs in Relation to Yoga for Grief
What type of yoga is best for grief?
Grief Yoga blends various forms of yoga, movement, breath, and sound to help process pain and sorrow.
Does yoga help with grief?
Absolutely. Yoga can ease the physical discomfort caused by stress while providing emotional release from feelings tied to loss.
What is the best exercise for grieving people?
Mind-body exercises like gentle yoga or tai chi are often recommended due to their calming effect on mind and body.
How do you release grief?
Besides therapy and self-care routines, practices such as meditation, breathing techniques in Grief Yoga can support releasing stored emotions related to grief.
Conclusion
Yoga for grief can be a lifeline in turbulent times. It's not about perfecting poses, but finding comfort and release through them.
The Child's Pose or the Reclining Bound Angle are more than just physical exercises; they're soothing salves for our grieving hearts.
Meditation and breathwork help us navigate the fog of loss, easing tension while offering clarity. And let's remember that a compassionate space is key to healing - it validates our pain and gives us room to grow beyond it.
If you’re ready to transform your experience with grief into something positive, start here. Use yoga as your guide on this journey towards peace and self-discovery.
Vibrant Yoga is based in Chicago and serves the Chicagoland area as well as virtually anywhere with practical tools and guidance to individual wellness for a healthier lifestyle. We offer on-site & virtual yoga, meditation & wellness workshops to individuals and companies. We envision a world where every individual, employee, and business owner has the freedom and resources to maintain vibrant health that positively impacts their mental and physical well-being.
The Most Simple, But Powerful Exercise You Can Start Doing RIGHT NOW to Quiet a Racing Mind & Reduce Stress
Sitting still might seem like a simple practice, but it’s actually very difficult to be alone with ourselves and our thoughts, especially if we’ve been through some traumatic experiences in our lives where even a simple silence can bring up a lot of difficult emotions associated with those negative experiences. Meditation can be a very powerful practice to release those feelings associated with the experiences that might have happened back in our childhood and we are still holding onto it in our bodies & in our minds.
Sitting still might seem like a simple practice, but it’s actually very difficult to be alone with ourselves and our thoughts, especially if we’ve been through some traumatic experiences in our lives where even a simple silence can bring up a lot of difficult emotions associated with those negative experiences. Meditation can be a very powerful practice to release those feelings associated with the experiences that might have happened back in our childhood and we are still holding onto it in our bodies & in our minds.
The best part is all you need is yourself and a quiet place to just sit and be still for a few minutes. There has been an incredible amount of modern research on the healing benefits of meditation from physical to mental to emotional.
“A regular meditation practice has been shown to increase concentration, improve creativity as well as help the brain react to stress in a more calm and composed way.”
So, if you are willing to release those blocks that could be stopping you from living a fulfilling life, you can begin a meditation practice in a very small and gentle way, by allowing yourself to just sit still while observing your thoughts as they come in, without engaging with any one in particular. Just letting them float by like clouds in the sky. And just like some clouds could be white and fluffy, some clouds are dark and stormy. The most important thing is you let them be as they are, without trying to manipulate or change them. Being present with our feelings especially the difficult ones will help us release them faster. Our society frowns upon angry or sad emotions, but these are just outlets for us to release and recycle the stored up feelings that are keeping us stuck.
“Stop, Drop & Meditate”
It's nice to have a designated spot in your home where you feel safe, grounded & uninterrupted, sit on a meditation cushion to elevate your hips for comfort, surround yourself with favorite & spiritual objects like a Himalayan salt lamp (works as an air purifier and is BEAUTIFUL), Tibetan singing bowl, favorite healing crystals, mala beads, light a candle etc., but it's more important to just sit still with your eyes closed. So, if you don't want to get fancy with meditation gadgets, STOP, DROP & MEDITATE can be a great option for you. Start with 5 minutes/day and increase it to 10, 15 or 20 as you get comfortable. Ideally you want to do a meditation in the morning before the day gets busy, but if first thing in the morning doesn't seem to fit into your routine, make it happen after the kids have gone to school or before heading out the door or even in the car before going in to work. Your mind will be relaxed and ready to deal with life's challenges in a more composed way. And now meditation is more accessible than ever before via our phone apps we can take with us anywhere. Just press the play button, sit back & be guided into a state of relaxation, available at your fingertips. Or you’d rather learn to meditate with a human being, feel free to reach out and I’ll teach you.
Read more about my personal experience of all the amazing healing benefits of meditation.
I hope this serves you and Namaste! <3