This is a 60-minute class sequence that integrates most of FNWYI Module 1 & 2 Core poses and pranayam to support the learning of the cohort participants. Maintaining a supportive and nonjudgmental presenceĪwareness of where you position your body in the yoga space (prioritize the sense of safety for the participants, so do not stand over people or place hands on folks)īeing mindful of the space (cautious use of lighting, candles, fragrances - putting care into your choice of using anything that stimulates the senses). A or B)Ĭareful selection of physical poses and breathing techniques Integrating choices and providing options (e.g. Offering invitational, empowerment-based language Some elements of a trauma-informed yoga approach include: We do not know and do not need to know what our students have endured or experienced that may have created trauma or trauma responses and patterns of behavior however, it is our responsibility to create a space for people to feel safe and welcome. We do not know what is going on with people who show up to class - working with empathy and compassion is essential when showing up for this work. They can choose to adapt certain poses, use yoga props/blocks, share in the circle (or pass) and feel they can share their voice to guide when they wish (which helps when you start class with a check in and check out). Encouraging folks to move in ways that feel good and restorative in their bodies, minds, and spirits. Transparency (or predictability) - telling folks what they might expect from the class, giving an overview, providing some time parameters or breath counts etc.Ĭollaboration - inviting the class to make the practice their own. Offering choices - clear pathways to making decisions for what feels best in the individual’s body.Įmpowerment - using a combination of themes, language, movements, stillness, and reflection to promote a sense of empowerment within the circle or the class Safety - always prioritizing consent and fostering a sense of safety so individuals know they are safe with you, in the room and can make a choice to leave if/when they wish.Ĭreating a healing container - this begins during your own spiritual and cultural work, as you prepare for teaching, throughout the class, and to the closing and transition of the practice. Respect - Maya’xalapa (respecting each other) and this begins with how you respect yourself, your family, the environment, and those in community. Here are some core principles of trauma-informed practice that I operate by with my yoga teaching: Trauma-informed yoga provides a somatic approach to establishing and enhancing self-regulatory capacity in interoception (inward awareness) and skills for shifting and balancing physiological arousal - or simply put, trauma-informed yoga supports people who have experienced trauma in cultivating a connection and relationship with their bodies through empowering practices that prioritize the needs of the person healing from trauma. Trauma-Informed Yoga is an approach to teaching yoga with a guiding framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma” ( We are not specifically treating trauma in a yoga class, but rather being aware of, and accounting for, the greater need for safety and trust within the space when we are working with others. In this post, I will outline some considerations when sequencing and guiding from a trauma-informed approach that applies to teaching yoga to Indigenous community members. There are endless ways to develop, sequence, and facilitate a yoga practice with others - finding an authentic approach is key. I began shifting my energy into creating holistic classes that feel safe, accessible, and welcoming for all bodies. Go figure - peak poses, endless transitions, and vinyasas became less important. Once I began teaching and offering classes more consistently, I realized my teaching path was not going to be based in a typical city studio and instead geared towards serving Indigenous communities and guiding diverse bodies and backgrounds of people. It became a creative outlet to craft moving meditations (and sometimes playlists). When I became more immersed in Vinayasa yoga, I fell in love with the art and playfulness of yoga class sequencing. Following my first yoga teacher training (YTT) in 2012, I felt I had to follow a sequencing approach focussed on building up to peak poses, which are typically more advanced asanas (yoga forms). I am continuously learning and refining my yoga teaching style and approaches.
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