What is Trauma?

The word trauma comes from the Greek word for 'wound'. Trauma is an experience that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and alone. It can be difficult to find ways to connect with your body and mind in a healthy way. Trauma can have a physical, emotional, and psychological impact, and can lead to anxiety, over-reactivity, depression, or even feeling of shame and guilt that leaves you unable to cope with daily life.

What is a traumatic event?

There is no universal definition of a traumatic event, but it is generally agreed that an event is traumatic if it:

• Leaves you feeling overwhelmed and alone

• Causes physical, emotional, or psychological harm

• Is outside your normal range of experience

• Involves a threat to your life or physical or emotional safety

• Results in loss of control

 How do I know if I have been affected by a traumatic event?

 It can be quite obvious for some and difficult for others to know if you have been affected by a traumatic event. Some common symptoms of trauma include:

• Feeling overwhelmed and alone

• flashbacks or intrusive thoughts

• nightmares

• difficulty concentrating or focusing

• mood swings, feeling irritable, or feeling numb

• avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the traumatic event

 What is Trauma Informed Yoga?

 Trauma-informed empowerment based in yoga is an empowerment based practice which knowledge and awareness of how trauma impacts the brain and the body. The practice priorities the lived experience of survivors and empowers survivors to trust, love, and heal their bodies.

 What can I expect in a session?

 You can expect gentle and invitational cues delivered by a supportive presence who uses empowerment based language. Trauma Informed yoga relies on shape, sensation and self-inquiry rather than perfect posture and impossible positions.

 How does trauma informed yoga support healing?

 Trauma informed yoga supports healing by:

• Helping to reconnect the body and mind

• Reducing stress and anxiety

• Promoting self-awareness and self-compassion

• Empowering you to speak your truth

• Enhancing communication and connection skills

• Supporting the development of healthy coping mechanisms

• Learning how to make choices for your body

• Regulating emotions and thought patterns