I’ve also been listening to some experts on trauma (wounds that happen inside of us as a result of an external situation) as part of an online conference. This is a fascinating subject and it applies to everyone in different ways as there are several types of trauma. It’s especially relevant to scoliosis and in particular to those who have had surgery or bracing. As one doctor (Dr. Peter Levine) put it “the bad news is trauma is a fact of life. the good news is it can be healed.”. On the topic of healing trauma. he said that “You can’t do it alone, and no one can do it for you.” Meaning a trusting therapeutic relationship is essential to the process. That includes both formal therapists, chosen family and community members. It is important to create a safe container and environment for healing. Only if we feel safe can we heal and this means being in the rest, digest and repair branch of the nervous system as opposed to fight, flight, flee.
Dealing with Trauma
How our nervous systems are wired and how we emotionally respond to internal and external cues is highly relevant to yoga practice. As one researcher puts it (Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk) , our bodies keep the score. they hold our histories. When we begin a practice of embodiment such as a regular yoga practice, many of the hidden discomfort and memories start to come to the surface. This is one reason people run away from yoga. And from meditation. It can be very painful and frightening to re-experience the grief, abandonment, shame and other emotions associated with developmental trauma- that is, trauma from an early age that is connected with our relationships. Traumatic experiences such as car accidents, war and surgeries are other types of trauma just as devastating and difficult to face in some cases. It takes courage to face, own and embody our experiences, to work with them little by little as our capacity allows. Setting your own pace is crucial to remaining present for the work. Cultivating a relationship with the body and with the inner knowing, the ability to listen carefully is where a rebuilding of trust can happen. Going slowly i.e. not rushing through the uncomfortable bits or revving up to get endorphins going, allows for more information to be observed. The body never lies. This is why I often frame classes with inviting a curious explorer approach- we are not broken, there is nothing to fix, rather we are uncovering what is hidden and reclaiming any and all lost parts of ourselves to embrace wholeness. There is alot more to say on this topic and I will continue to share as I study.
Yoga and Trauma
With my ongoing learning and personal experience of working with many healing modalities, I find I am drawn to a slower and gentler yoga approach. It’s less popular, perhaps, and on the fringe of yoga culture in North America which tends towards a fitness-based approach, however, for therapeutics this is the direction I am choosing. Breathwork, Reiki, restorative postures and mindfulness are also useful tools in my toolkit. If you could use some nervous system support, please contact me for a private session at www.yogakat.appointy.com Know that energy healing is highly effective over the internet.
