“The roots of resilience…are to be found in the sense of being understood by and existing in the mind and heart of a loving, attuned, and self-possessed other.” – Diana Fosha
My goal when I first learned about Yoga was to blend and infuse it with my knowledge and passion for mental health. This is only the beginning of my journey with such an incredible discipline. I want to thank all who showed up for the workshop. Your stories were very inspiring, and these stories are what makes each one of us unique.
What is trauma?
Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing or emotional event that inhibits an individual’s ability to cope with daily life. It may cause feelings of hopelessness, decrease the sense of self, and constrain the ability to feel a range of emotions. It does not discriminate and can affect anyone.
4 main types of trauma:
Acute trauma: which results from a single incident.
Chronic trauma: is a repeated and prolonged event.
Complex trauma: Is exposure to multiple traumatic events.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACES): which are an arrangement of severe situations that children either directly face or witness growing up.
There are various trauma causes, including natural disasters, sexual/physical/domestic abuse, neglect, accidents, community/school violence, medical injury, and loss of a loved one, among many others.
How Trauma Effects Our Emotions and Body
The brain is a supercomputer with complex neurons processing and analyzing billions of information every minute of the day. This marks memories and experiences that make you, you…Now what happens when there is a shock to the system?
Trauma can cause our memory processing system to malfunction: the declarative explicit memory system in the brain fails so that memories are not stored properly. Our brain subverts to a simpler system that converts traumatic events into pictures or body sensations called dissociation: memories split into fragments. These fragments are embedded into the mind imploding the brain’s recovery process. Prolonged fragments can manifest into symptoms commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Three main parts of the brain are affected by individuals that suffer from PTSD.
The hippocampus shrinks: the center for emotion and memory
Amydala increases: center for creativity and rumination
The prefrontal cortex decreases social interaction, moral judgment, fairness, self-control, prediction of the future, and decision-making in conflict situations.
Distressing events activate a certain structure in the brain called the Amygdala which is responsible for detecting threats. It sends a signal to the sympathetic nervous system which releases adrenaline and other stress hormones that prepares the body for fight or flight as well as hinders emotional regulation.
Trauma is not just “in your head”; it leaves a physical imprint on the body, jarring your memories and physical interactions. Untreated trauma can have a lasting impact on future health. The emotional triggers can make you prone to serious health conditions including heart disease, obesity, cancer, and diabetes. Additionally, the risk of mental and physical problems increases with the number of traumatic events.
From the outside, a trauma survivor may look whole and together, but trauma may fester like an invisible wound (Traumatic Brain Injury), weakening the body until it manifests in the form of an outburst or illness.
Emotions = Energy in motion. When they get stuck/suppressed/repressed, it disrupts the flow of energy in the body.
Primary emotions: Anger, disgust, fear, joy, and sadness
Complex emotions: Love, hate, jealousy, shame, guilt, envy, pride, and embarrassment.
Yin Yoga: Yin works deep into the connective tissues: facia, tendons, and ligaments. By allowing the muscles and activation to relax, our physical and emotional tension focuses on the body’s deep connective tissue. We can begin to release the trauma and access the healing. Yin Yoga can assist in releasing old stories that our cells are holding. When we can work a little deeper and listen to the deeply held memories in our bodies without blame or judgment, we create a space for learning and healing.
Brainwaves: In Yoga Nidra, you drop right into the Alpha brainwave, which initially checks into the parasympathetic nervous system – rest and restore. As the Nidra practice continues, you move into the Theta brainwave – a dream state. A waiver between conscious and unconscious.
Delta – Deep Rest.
Beta – Go and Do
Alpha – Rest and Restore vs. Fight or Flight (trauma response)
Theta – Dream State
Delta – Deep Rest
In working toward deep rest, we can find ease in our rest, rejuvenate and heal.
One hour of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to feeling like you slept 4 hours.
If you are curious and want to learn more about healing your body from trauma, I highly recommend reading The Body Keeps The Score (Amazon Kindle) by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk.
If you are interested in purchasing a new durable Supportive – Eco-Friendly yoga mat, the JadeYoga Harmony Yoga Mat (Amazon) is the mat that I use every day. It does not slip or slide and stays tacky. Upon every yoga mat purchase, Jade will plant a tree.
In addition, I want to thank my dear friend Michelina (owner of My Yoga Canyon Country) for helping me put on this workshop. Without your support and guidance, this would not have been possible.
As always, do what you love doing, and do it often! Till the next adventure…
About
Caleb Young graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in Psychology, envisioning becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) working with active duty military/families/veterans. Caleb has volunteered with various mental health nonprofits, including You Matter Not Alone, Working Dogs For Warriors, and the Heroes Project. He enjoys reading/writing, Jiu-Jitsu, and exploring the great outdoors. Follow Caleb on Instagram and Facebook.