What do we mean “trauma informed?”

What do we mean by “Trauma-Informed Yoga?”  

We can likely agree, we all experience trauma in our lives. It is loosely defined as something that can overwhelm our ability to cope and, for some,  has long term effects on our lived experience. Trauma may be perceived as the worst moments, or eras, in one’s life, either physically or emotionally.  Further, these experiences could have been so difficult that the memories continue to impact our daily routines.  Trauma can also be less notable patterns or situations that, over time, become burdensome on one’s psyche.  Emotional trauma, whether moderate or severe,  may even affect the physical body. 

Eventually, someone realizes they don't feel good in some ways, or others, but may not connect why.   Residual trauma can show up for people as irritability, sleeplessness, unexplained sadness or anger, all the way to PTS/PTSR (Post Traumatic Stress/Response)  from having witnessed or survived a tragedy or loss.   With awareness, we can learn to notice where the stress of trauma affects, or is “held” in our body. Grief might also include components of trauma.  

In recent years, it has become clearer and clearer that yoga can be an antidote to most, if not all, of the challenges life will bring.  For excellent reason, then, the term “trauma-informed“ has made its way into the vernacular of yoga teachers, students and prospective yogis who suspect a practice might be helpful to them. 

But what makes yoga “trauma-informed?”

Well, there are many experts in this philosophy.  To really begin to understand this work, check out the books The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk and Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga by David Emerson, both available for purchase in the Samadhi boutique (always 15% off for Sangha monthly members!)

In my observation, yoga - its very essence - can soothe trauma.   How?  By engaging us with mindful breathing and posture, subsequently moving energy within us in positive ways, whether intentional or not.  With intention to notice -where in our physical, mental, emotional or spiritual bodies - we may be clinging to trauma, grief and other tricky emotions, the effects of breath, conscious movement and meditation can potentially be even more healing. 

Having personally put a good amount of time and reflection into learning about yoga practices as remedies for grief, I believe that meditation, mindfulness, asana, yoga Nidra, pranayama, mantra and Seva, especially amongst a supportive community of accepting humans, naturally opens our body, mind, and spirit to positive impacts on our interpersonal health.

Teachers versed in trauma awareness will be cognizant of creating a space where students feel safe and hopefully less vulnerable.  This occurs through mindful mat placement, word choices, exceptional commitment to connection and sincere respect for students’ unique backgrounds and yogic goals.  This includes unwavering regard for students’ personal space, preference not to be touched, adjusted, questioned or advised without permission. 

Through her leadership role with Comeback Yoga , Cole Schlam helps brings trauma-informed yoga to veterans.  She also trains yoga teachers in Trauma Awareness, including two sessions in Samadhi's Advanced Teacher Training, the first of which is part of the Anchor Module this month.

"At its heart, trauma-sensitive yoga, is a way of holding space for the whole being: affirming that they are already whole without assuming you as the yoga teacher knows what's best for their body, hearts or soul. We move from the place of striving to do the least amount of harm while cultivating an emphasis of safety and self-empowerment,"  explained Cole Schlam.

While we do not currently offer a yoga class titled “Trauma Informed,” knowing Samadhi teachers the way I do, I am confident in suggesting that many of our regular offerings could be considered trauma sensitive, especially with a bit of prior communication with me or the teacher.  

Samadhi is fortunate to work with many reputable instructors with  interest and understanding in the basics of trauma-aware teaching, others who have taken formalized training:

In addition to Cole, Daniel Taylor, Noelle Caveny, Jasmine McComas, Kristine Whittle, Jeni Nelson-Fagan, Hansa Knox, Kathleen Shea, James Sander and Rachel Murane have each completed continuing education in this area of study and can be found on Samadhi’s weekly class or substitute schedule. 

Please reach out and share how we can support you in finding the right class, at Samadhi or elsewhere.  Always, if you find yourself in crisis, seek a professional care provider for personalized resources and referrals.  

With compassion for this human experience, 

Emelia