What is Trauma?
BY AMY OSBORNE
Every day in quarantine has a different feel.
Uneasiness might be the only common thread
through the blending of days.
I am reminded that Connection is at the very core of life.
Each person is siloed, yet interwoven
in Collective Community.
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Welcome! We are so grateful to have you here. I guess we should start at the beginning…
· What is a Trauma Conscious Community?
· How does Yoga fit in?
· What is Trauma?
It’s a scary word, isn’t it?
Surely only reserved for those who have endured much greater hardship in life than you or I…
Within In Yoga Collective, “trauma” is defined as that which:
1) goes against one’s own Nature,
2) de-regulates the nervous system, and/or
3) leaves residual tension or dis-ease in the body.
Most incidents of trauma are all three.
It may come as a surprise that human beings experience trauma on a regular, if not daily, basis. Knowing how to tolerate and release (or discharge) physiological stress can provide peace of mind and promote regulation for overall wellness.
In other words, evidence supports that releasing stored stress or trauma promotes well-being. And Yoga is one proven path.
The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali (500 B.C.E.) define purification of the body and mind through the eight limbs of Yoga, including āsana and mediation, as a primary goal.
Trauma Conscious Yoga is a contemporary approach combining Yoga tradition with modern science including Western physiology, psychology, and neuroscience to support self-regulation and healing.
Of course, Trauma Conscious techniques help to address the symptoms - not the cause.
Looking at the world today, it is clear how personal trauma is perpetuated through systems that are generally accepted as “just the way it is.” These systems support inequities in education, health care, and criminal justice to name a few and are based on where you grew up, how wealthy you are, and the color of your skin.
What can we do? Conscious community is a quiet form of rebellion.
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Here, all are welcome to gather with the shared aim of better knowing ourselves and one another.
In Yoga Collective is a space for healing. This includes de-stressing from the challenges of the day and/or taking a closer look at long-held beliefs and well-worn scars.
There will be time and space for all of it.
In Yoga Collective facilitators are not your average yoga instructors.
In Yoga Collective’s instructor sangha includes leaders and entrepreneurs in psychology, education, and theological studies. They have experienced healing (increased physical, mental, and/or physiological well-being) through Yoga themselves and now want to share their experience and their gifts with you.*
In Yoga Collective is for lifelong students.
We look forward to spending time with you on the mat, as well as reading, discussing, laughing, and letting go together.
If there is anything in particular you would like to see as a one-time or regular offering, please contact me directly at: amy@inyogacollective.com
If you find that In Yoga Collective’s classes have helped you in any way, we would love to hear from you! Send an email to Avery at: hello@inyogacollective.com . We will always confirm with you before sharing your story with others.
See you on the mat…