Trauma-Informed Yoga

For starters, I know you are all wondering what it is and what exactly “trauma-informed” means. Social media pushes pictures of the most challenging poses being done by some of the most “fit” or “skilled” practitioners. As everyday scrollers, we are led to believe that yoga has to be challenging and that you have to be strong to participate. We get discouraged by perfectly pointed toes and long lean legs without the slightest bend. But what if I told you that trauma-informed yoga completely rewrites that narrative?

In fact, a successful Trauma informed yoga class is when each student is doing something different on their mat. Why you may ask? Because that indicates that each student is listening to their bodies and their own individual needs.

Why try trauma Informed Yoga?

Trauma Informed Yoga provides a gentle, yet beneficial experience to all participants. It teaches emotion regulation skills through breathwork and gentle movement. Trauma Informed Yoga allows space for calmness, authenticity, and self-care. This form of therapy has been known to reduce stress and anxiety, improve balance and flexibility, increase body awareness, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve more serious health conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The ultimate goal of trauma informed yoga is to create an empowering, yet safe environment for individuals at all levels.

How to prepare for class

Trauma-informed yoga requires little to no preparation making it easier to utilize learned skills outside of practice. However, it can be helpful to wear comfortable clothing that allows movement. Stretchy clothing is not required but it can make movement more comfortable throughout the practice. It can also be helpful to have a safe space available. Many of the stretches and shapes created require space to fully extend all limbs. While typical yoga classes require a yoga mat, any soft surface can be used throughout the practice.

What a class looks like

Each class is broken into three parts. To start, we begin with a guided meditation or breathing exercise. Mindfulness activities, such as meditation and breathing exercises, teaches a person how to be present. As humans, our minds are constantly in multiple places at once, making it impossible to focus on the current moment without interruptions. Learning mindfulness allows us to find calmness while becoming self-aware. Next, we engage in gentle stretching and shape making. Every shape we make offers a modification and variation to accommodate every student’s needs. Therefore, a shape made on one mat may look completely different on another. Lastly, every class finishes with a final relaxation.

How to sign up

 Visit our “Classes and Events” tab on our website and check out our yoga schedule! Currently our classes are being offered virtually on Sunday at 11 am. After choosing a date to sign up, you will be asked to include your contact information. A zoom link and instructions will be sent to your email address the night before the class. If you have any questions regarding this process feel free to email lotusblossompsychotherapy@gmail.com and we will be more than happy to assist you or answer any additional questions.