What is Trauma?
I will offer you my current favourite, concise definition of trauma, as defined by Hannah Davis; you will find many variations online:
"A subjectively perceived event that overwhelms our capacity to cope."
Traumatic events can happen at any age and can cause long-lasting harm. Everyone reacts differently to trauma; the effects may manifest immediately or a long time afterwards.
What's traumatic is personal. Other people can't know how you feel about your experiences or if they were traumatic. You might have similar experiences to someone else but be affected differently.
How do I Teach "Trauma-Informed" Yoga?
I believe that trauma is universal and should be weaved into all classes, not isolated and presented as a 'special' class for people who identify as having trauma. I believe every human being carries trauma, whether or not they know it. It is part of the human experience.
What follows is a set of guidelines I have developed that allow me to teach in a trauma-conscious style, it is subject to tweaking and improvements, and all suggestions are welcomed!
As your teacher, I arrive at class centred, calm and fully present. Whatever is going on in my personal life stays outside the room for the duration of our time together.
I assume we all carry trauma; it is a universal condition.
I create a safe space wherever we practise; I am compassionate, kind, and authentic. I teach only what I know and share what works for me in my lived experience.
Each session is planned, but the emphasis is on being flexible and adaptable in my approach. So if what I had planned isn't going to work for the people in the room, I have the skill and experience to adapt accordingly.
Each session starts with clear advice to stay within your pain-free range of motion and to back off or stop completely at any time if that feels like the best thing to do.
An acknowledgement that I am a guide and a reminder of the cues you can use from your body, mind and breath to keep within safe practice limits.
I use invitational language and never commands. I am here to guide and empower, not control you.
We do not focus on how a pose looks but how it feels within your body.
We practice non-judgement. I make it clear that this is a safe, supportive space for you to explore, be curious, rest and enjoy your yoga practice without judging yourself. No editing or improvements are needed.
I join in with your practice. There is no hierarchy, and I do not walk around the room unless there is a specific need. I am your guide in a shared practice. I am not there to watch or judge you.
Those who know their yoga philosophy will recognise Ahimsa in all of this—the overarching principle of yoga; non-violence in thoughts, words and deeds. Ahimsa is my compass, always.
Further Reading
Here are just a couple of books I have read about trauma recently that I would recommend. If you have any recommendations, I would love to hear about them in the comments.
The Body Keeps the Score by M.D. Van Der Kolk, Bessel
It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn
Trauma-Informed Yoga : A Toolbox for Therapists: 47 Practices to Calm Balance, and Restore the Nervous System by Joanne Spence
Comments