Mind Spinning?

A great deal of time can be spent trying to figure something out intellectually.  Even as an understanding of a problem becomes clear and a solution is laid out, we may never get to the essence of whatever we are trying to work through if we do not invite our bodies to participate in the solution.

Get In Your Body

Mindful movements such as yoga or qi-gong can be especially helpful at connecting the physical sensations with thoughts and emotions to build a compassionate and secure connection to the self.  Body oriented therapies such as trauma-sensitive yoga merge simple movements with breathing and self-inquiry to re-build a safe connection to the body at a pace that is regulated by the practitioner.  Over time, his or her own unique window of tolerance, the ability to remain open and present to inner experiences, enlarges.

Want to Know the Good News?

When we enlarge our window of tolerance to allow uncomfortable sensations, thoughts and emotions, we also open wider to the pleasant sensations, supportive thoughts and soothing emotions.  We become more of who we actually are at our essence, full human beings with the capacity to be with a wide range of experiences.

Trauma sensitive yoga is different from other physical practices in that  it is a slow, structured, safe, supportive and self-paced practice for people living with chronic stress to make small choices about their bodies in kind, mindful ways.  Trauma typically involves elements that are fast, unstructured, unsafe, unsupported and directed by outside factors; the opposite of mindful movements.

Try This Mindful Movement to Practice Making Choices

Find a comfortable way to sit upright and tall.  Perhaps allow a gentle lift through the top of your head.  Take a moment to notice your muscles that support you to sit tall; the muscles in front and on the side and in back.  When you are ready, tuck your chin down toward your throat.  Notice stretching sensations in the back of your neck. You might explore a small side to side movement as your nose glides slowly to the left and over to the right.  Be aware that you have control over how you want to move your head.  You can make the movements very small or bigger.  Slow way down or speed up some.  See what is interesting about the sensations.  Investigate making choices that suit you well.  When you are ready, gradually bring the movements to an end.  Allow yourself to sit and notice any effects.