embodied.healing

stress levels are sky high for many today and will be this week. the collective loss and uncertainty of 2020, anticipation of the election, previous or present trauma, and/or systematic oppression and more all collectively activate our stress responses.
without mindfulness or building body awareness, many of us can enter a state of chronic tension from extreme stress and not even notice how tense we are moment to moment, literally bracing ourselves for what is to come.
there are 2 steps to practice progressive muscle relaxation: first, systematically tense particular muscles in the body, such as your neck and shoulders. then, release the tension and notice how you feel when you relax them. by tensing and releasing, you learn not only what relaxation feels like, but also to recognize when you are starting to get tense or tight in the body.
through practice you can learn to distinguish between the feelings of a tension and a completely relaxed muscle. with this awareness, we can begin to “cue” this relaxed state when we begin to feel muscle tension that accompanies stress, fear, and anxiety.

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[Scroll] -> Decolonizing trauma informed yoga

Let’s be real here.

Yoga has always had a perspective of seeking to heal trauma and alleviate inner and outer anguish.

From ancient times, some thousands of years ago, rishis, yogis and sannyasis were involved in practices to find freedom from suffering.

These teachings were codified, developed and passed down for thousands of years through oral tradition, word of mouth, from teacher to student.

The main aim was seeking liberation from the things that cause us suffering.

To ignore and erase the roots of trauma informed is colonialist and racist.

Teaching on this in Office Hours for my Embrace Yoga’s Roots course today.

Learn more at link in bio 🙌🏽

Please read and share.

Tag folks and especially with folks or communities who practice or teach this without context.

Our next series of TIMBo starts this March! Join and for this transformative program.
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TIMBo combines simple yoga-like movements, relaxation, breathing, guided meditation, and a workbook-based approach to explore and better understand the impact of emotions such as fear, guilt, shame, and grief.
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TIMBo facilitates personal growth that will help participants navigate life’s tensions through:
• improved behavioral self-regulation through mindfulness
• a self-compassionate understanding of human survival responses
• social-emotional growth that promotes compassionate attunement to the self and to others
• strengthening the sense of self and promoting confidence in relationships
• developing a resilient worldview that enables participants to interact with life’s problems with composure and confidence
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This program runs for nine weekly sessions, the first of which is an orientation. Full attendance is encouraged and 2 max absences allowed throughout 9 weeks. Message or email us with any and all questions!