one of the cohorts presented a mid-term report on the subject of “addiction” which we also had a month’s module on. I realize for those in the field, just one month module is a joke but …with the expert (Durga Leela RYT-500) at hand, I feel like we really gained a deep understanding. Our cohort’s presentation must have been a product of long hours filled with anguish, blood, sweat and tears, she logged. I believe she can help many people based on all that research she has already done and really be a force (referral provided!) to transform many lives wasted into lives more fulfilling. Here’s something else but as related of a gem that’s out on the internet that can definitely use more viewing as I see it. In all things, especially in yoga instructions, we hope to have the sensitivity to build a class, trauma informed. I myself feel put to shame as I was not holding a trauma informed class in the past – now I am resolute to.
Here’s an interview on UTUBE shared by Colleen Saidman Yee, whom I have never taken a class from but have from Sean Corn who I find to be so amazing in terms of the energy she brings to any space – her session is like going to … church. It feels like church when she teaches and now I know why that is:
“I do not believe in shaming the human experience.”
– Seane Corn
one of the coolest rock-star yoga teacher … she is so passionate when she teaches and no wonder.
Yoga has shown to aid in trauma recovery through its emphasis on self-study that leads to mastery over the yogic tools needed in self-regulation. That mastery invites us to become resilience whilst sharpening the senses. Resilience is cultivated, not from ignoring or being insensitive but rather the opposite – resilience is forged by noticing, accepting and being okay with various waves of emotions, good or bad – call it, equanimity. Trauma can happen to anybody and it is said that most people have experienced some form of trauma in one sense of another – only how we frame it and deal with it is different. Sometimes, it’s not the MDs and the formally trained who make the best “therapists” but … an empathetic yoga teacher – like her. Sometimes in her case, it’s almost like a calling. It’s like a body prayer when she goes through a sequence and that makes sense – Sun Salutation is after all a prayer … using your entire body.** She is one powerful teacher with a language one cannot help but be blown away by. She speaks from her heart, so earnest, that energy undeniably resonates with so many. It’s wonderful that she’s coming to teach in Oakland where just discovering that some of the therapist TT cohorts are teaching – so cool. http://www.anasaoakland.com/
(** if you are unable to use the whole entire body, there’s still many ways to pray for recovery of course. There’s a universe of prayer through mudras, chants … it need not all be asana-based but in this case, it works very well when she connects all – the body, the breath, the emotions and the mind – it’s yoga:)
