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According Dr. Peter Levine, a leader in the field of trauma healing, “On a broad level, trauma is anything from one’s life experience that remains trapped and unresolved causing disturbances at the biological, physiological, emotional, mental or behavior levels.”
Yoga, when translated from its Sanskrit origin, means union, integration, balance, wholeness.
Trauma-informed yoga is tailored to address trauma’s impact on the entire mind-body system. The intention of this type of practice is to help a person suffering from trauma to center their minds and unhook from negative thoughts, inviting calm both mentally and physically.
A trauma-informed yoga class consists of a safe calm space, simple yoga poses, no hands-on adjustments, and gentle verbal guidance as an invitation for students to feel confident and in charge of their bodies and themselves. Teachers act as “safe space holders” so students may get to know themselves in the space, transcended from suffering, feeling supported and held.A trauma-informed teacher must understand that healing occurs from the inside out and resist the urge to fix, manage, advise or control their students.
Grounding poses with attention on foundation, breath awareness and gentle movement, allows students to become used to physical sensation without fear of harm. They can start to feel safe and secure, take charge of their own bodies, change their outlook and feel empowered. Alternately, if they need to spend the class in Child’s Pose, that’s OK. If they can’t close their eyes when suggested to them, that is also OK. It’s imperative to allow autonomy of their own bodies and their space in the class.
Listen to Julie's Meditation for Compassion and Healing
By Julie Bertanga; All Rights Reserved @2021
People who have experienced trauma maynot have high self-esteem. They may blame themselves for the violence and trauma that they’ve undergone. Often, they are uncomfortable in their own skin and may judge themselves about their ability. Teaching non-judgement is an invitation to accept all aspects of their being by softening the heart and starting the journey back to wholeness.
The road of recovery is long, but with time, and a teacher that leads from the heart with authenticity and compassion, someone with trauma can become stronger and may even leave a class feeling a sense of calmness and ease, coming that much closer to healing.
By Julie Bertanga; All Rights Reserved @2021
Julie Bertagna
Julie Bertagna is a 500 RYT and certified Baptiste yoga teacher who teaches Baptiste power yoga and recovery yoga at Namaspa Yoga & Massage, as well as in her home studio, The Yoga Loft, in Bend. She is a mother and a grandmother, she loves the outdoors, and she still pursues dental hygiene one day a week! In the summer, she spends time at her partner's retreat venue, Vernonia Springs, which puts on retreats and special events. More information about Julie’s offerings can be found on her website: juliebertagnayoga.com
Zia Estrella
An exotic stargazer from the land of the intuitive ones, Zia embodies physicality, possibility, and empowerment in lighthearted playfulness. She loves the truth with all her heart and lives it with all her being. She grounds down into her deep dark Taína roots to rise. Humbled to practice and study yoga since 2007, she lives in wholeness, giving full credit to each and every emotion she experiences while embracing the power of the now moment. Shifting her perspective to realize the eternal inner light within is her Dharma. She got turned upsidedown on the True North path of yoga and she remembered her Prem - TruthLoveBeauty. This is her deepest source of empowerment, creativity, joy and peace. May she transform darkness into light through her own journey and serve all beings everywhere in truth, love and beauty. Learn more at www.ziayoga.io
Heidi Drake
Heidi Drake discovered yoga at the suggestion of her chiropractor and founded Downward Dog Yoga & Wellness Studio in Sunriver, Oregon in 2017, after obtaining her RYT-250 aerial yoga instructor certification from Aerial Yoga Academy. A lifelong dancer who taught jazz, hip hop, and tap at Sunriver Dance Academy for 9 years, Heidi realized that she needed something a bit gentler on her 50+ year-old body and was pleasantly shocked to find a passion for the strength, flexibility, and mind-body-soul connection yoga offers. When she’s not at the studio or writing, Heidi’s favorite place is on the Little Deschutes river, in her own backyard, with her husband, two teenage daughters, and pack of 4 dogs.
Hannah Parks
Practicing yoga is a deeply personal and professional endeavor for Hannah. She discovered yoga as a way to manage her own chronic pain - and it changed her life. As a social worker, she is passionate about helping people be the best that they can be, and she uses yoga to empower clients in their journey of finding balance in their own lives. She is a lover, a traveler, a social justice warrior, and a curious cat.
