trauma sensitive yoga

The Impact of Sharon Salzberg on Loving-Kindness Meditation

by Lara Land | Sep 29, 2024 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Sharon Salzberg is a pioneering figure in the field of mindfulness and meditation, renowned for her deep commitment to spreading the practice of loving-kindness..

As one of the first teachers to introduce Buddhist meditation to the West, her work has transformed countless lives and made profound teachings accessible to a broader audience.

Early Life and Background

Born in New York City in 1951, Salzberg’s journey into meditation began during her college years. After studying Buddhism in India, she returned to the U.S. and co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in 1975, alongside fellow meditation teachers Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield. This center became a cornerstone for those seeking a deeper understanding of mindfulness and compassion.

The Essence of Loving-Kindness

Loving-kindness meditation, or metta, is a practice that fosters an attitude of love and goodwill towards oneself and others. Through repetition of specific phrases, practitioners cultivate feelings of compassion, acceptance, and connection. Salzberg emphasizes that loving-kindness is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical tool that can enhance emotional resilience and interpersonal relationships.

In her influential book, “Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness,” Salzberg articulates the transformative power of this practice. She provides a clear framework for integrating loving-kindness into daily life, helping readers understand that cultivating compassion is both a personal and collective endeavor.

Contributions to Mindfulness and Meditation

Sharon Salzberg’s contributions extend beyond her teachings on loving-kindness. She has authored several bestsellers, including “Real Happiness” and “Real Love,” which explore mindfulness and self-compassion in depth. Her engaging writing style and relatable anecdotes make complex concepts accessible, encouraging readers to embark on their own mindfulness journeys.

Salzberg’s workshops and retreats draw participants from all walks of life, demonstrating the universal relevance of her teachings. By incorporating elements of psychology and modern science, she bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary issues, making her insights particularly resonant in today’s fast-paced world.

Creating Community and Accessibility

One of Salzberg’s significant contributions has been her ability to foster a sense of community among practitioners. Through her public talks, online courses, and podcast, “The Meta Hour,” she invites individuals to share their experiences and challenges in meditation, emphasizing that the journey toward loving-kindness is a shared one.

Her commitment to accessibility is evident in her efforts to reach diverse audiences. She advocates for the integration of mindfulness in various contexts, including schools, prisons, and mental health settings, making loving-kindness meditation a vital resource for healing and growth.

The Legacy of Loving-Kindness

Sharon Salzberg’s influence on the meditation community is profound. By popularizing loving-kindness meditation, she has encouraged a generation to explore the depths of compassion within themselves and towards others. Her teachings inspire practitioners to see loving-kindness as an antidote to the divisiveness and stress of modern life.

As we navigate a world that often feels disconnected, Salzberg’s work reminds us of the power of love and compassion. Her teachings encourage us to cultivate a mindset of kindness, fostering connections that transcend barriers and promote healing.

In our conversation on the Beyond Trauma Podcast we piece apart the most important aspects of a loving-kindness practice, the elements to switch up for trauma-sensitivity, and the difference between assessing

Yoga Evolutions: Healing and Revolution Through Practice

by Lara Land | Sep 1, 2024 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Yoga has become increasingly popular during the 25+ years I have been practicing. Parents, friends, teachers, and doctors often recommend it.

What it is about yoga that is so life-changing is often hard for those of us “in it” to give voice to. Yet, finding words to explain the benefits of this mind-quieting practice is important.

Greg Nardi found yoga in 1996 and was immediately drawn to it as an ongoing practice. Yoga helped him feel healthy after years of childhood illness, anxiety and depression and more importantly gave him a sense of meaning and purpose. He dedicated himself to a yogic lifestyle as part of his healing journey and has been practicing ever since. Greg took four separate teacher trainings in the United States and Europe between 1997 and 2003. He took a dozen extended trips to Mysore, India between 1999-2016

to learn yoga with a focus in asana, yoga history and philosophy, pranayama, meditation, and chanting.

Though always called to the social, transformational, and revolutionary aspects of yoga, it is in more recent years that Greg has been able to make this calling the central theme of his professional life in yoga. As the Program Director for Yoga 4 Change, Greg supports this trauma informed yoga services non-profit organization in its mission to foster holistic wellbeing, resilience, and transformation for individuals and communities though evidence-based trauma-informed curriculum. Yoga 4 Change serves youth, veterans, ustice-impacted and folks with mental health struggles in Florida to increase their self-esteem, calm their nervous system, and gain emotional awareness and regulation.

Greg also sits on the Board of Directors for Chainless Change, a community of recovery offering second chances to those negatively impacted by the criminal legal system. Through advocacy they fight for lasting change that prioritizes care over cages, housing and healthcare over handcuffs, books over bars, and jobs over jails.

Most recently Greg completed his Yoga Therapy certification from Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy. In our conversation together on the latest episode of Beyond Trauma, Greg discusses what it means to be a yoga therapist, how it overlaps with trauma-informed practices and how his dedication to trauma-sensitive approaches has increased throughout his years practicing and teaching this ancient art.

Take a listen and let us know what you think!

Mentorship and Training for Trauma Sensitive Yoga

by Lara Land | Aug 18, 2024 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT

At Three and a Half Acres Yoga, we believe in the profound impact yoga can have on healing and transformation. Our Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training program is designed to equip yoga instructors with the tools and knowledge necessary to provide safe, inclusive, and healing yoga practices to individuals and communities affected by trauma.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: A Path to Healing

Our trauma-sensitive yoga training is grounded in the understanding that trauma impacts the mind and body. Traditional yoga practices can sometimes unintentionally trigger trauma survivors, which is why our program focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment. We emphasize sensitivity, empathy, and adaptability in teaching methods, ensuring that every yoga session promotes healing and empowerment.

Unique Mentorship Opportunities

One of the standout features of our program is the unique mentorship opportunities we offer. We recognize that the journey to becoming a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher doesn’t end with certification; it requires continuous support, guidance, and growth. Our mentorship program pairs trainees with experienced trauma-sensitive yoga instructors who provide personalized guidance, feedback, and support.

Key aspects of our mentorship program include:

One-on-One Support: Trainees receive individualized attention, helping them to refine their teaching skills and deepen their understanding of trauma-sensitive practices.
Ongoing Education: Mentors provide resources, insights, and additional training opportunities to ensure that our graduates stay informed about the latest research and best practices in trauma-sensitive yoga.
Community Building: The mentorship program fosters a sense of community and connection among trainees, mentors, and graduates, creating a supportive network for sharing experiences, challenges, and successes.

Spotlight on Graduate Success: Demetrius Napolitano and Fostering Meditation

We are incredibly proud of our graduates, who go on to make meaningful contributions to their communities. One such inspiring individual is Demetrius Napolitano, a graduate of our Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training program. Demetrius has taken his passion for healing and mindfulness and channeled it into his organization, Fostering Meditation.

About Fostering Meditation:

Fostering Meditation is dedicated to providing meditation and mindfulness practices to foster youth. Understanding the unique challenges faced by children in the foster care system, Demetrius has created programs that offer a safe space for these young individuals to explore meditation, yoga, and mindfulness techniques. His work is a testament to the power of trauma-sensitive practices in fostering resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.

Key Initiatives of Fostering Meditation:

Meditation Workshops: Regular workshops that introduce foster youth to meditation techniques, helping them develop tools for managing stress and anxiety.
Yoga Classes: Trauma-sensitive yoga classes that provide a supportive environment for physical and emotional healing.
Mindfulness Programs: Ongoing programs that integrate mindfulness practices into daily routines, promoting long-term well-being.

Demetrius’s dedication and impact through Fostering Meditation exemplify the potential of trauma-sensitive yoga to transform lives. His work serves as an inspiration to all our trainees and graduates, highlighting the ripple effect of compassion, healing, and empowerment. Listen to Demetrius’s story on the latest episode of Beyond Trauma.

Join Us in Making a Difference

At Three and a Half Acres Yoga, we are committed to training compassionate, skilled yoga instructors who can bring the healing power of yoga to those who need it most. Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to specialize in trauma-sensitive practices or someone passionate about supporting trauma survivors, our program offers the education, mentorship, and community you need to make a meaningful impact.

Explore our Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training program and become part of a movement dedicated to healing, empowerment, and transformation. Together, we can create a more compassionate and resilient world, one breath at a time.

Exploring the Link Between Trauma and Suicide Prevention Through Trauma-Sensitive Yoga

by Lara Land | Feb 4, 2024 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT

In a world where mental health awareness is gaining momentum, it is crucial to address the sensitive issue of suicide prevention.

Suicide is a global public health concern, and understanding its link to trauma is essential for effective prevention strategies. This blog aims to shed light on the connection between trauma and suicide, exploring the impact of the trauma of suicide attempts and the potential role of trauma-sensitive yoga in the healing process.

The Link Between Trauma and Suicide:

Trauma, whether experienced in childhood or later in life, can significantly increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The effects of trauma on mental health are profound, often leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle with overwhelming emotions, a sense of isolation, and a diminished ability to cope with life’s challenges, making them more vulnerable to suicidal ideation.

The Trauma of Suicide Attempts:

Survivors of suicide attempts face a unique set of challenges, including the trauma associated with the event itself. The aftermath of a suicide attempt can leave individuals grappling with guilt, shame, and a sense of hopelessness. Addressing the trauma stemming from a suicide attempt is a crucial aspect of comprehensive suicide prevention efforts.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga as a Healing Tool:

Trauma-sensitive yoga is an emerging therapeutic approach that recognizes the mind-body connection in the healing process. Traditional yoga practices are adapted to be more attuned to the needs and sensitivities of individuals who have experienced trauma. This form of yoga prioritizes creating a safe and supportive environment, empowering individuals to explore their bodies and emotions at their own pace.

How Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Helps:

Embodied Healing: Trauma-sensitive yoga encourages individuals to reconnect with their bodies, fostering a sense of safety and self-awareness. This embodied approach can be particularly beneficial for those who have experienced the trauma of a suicide attempt.
Regulating the Nervous System: Trauma often dysregulates the nervous system, contributing to heightened stress responses. Trauma-sensitive yoga incorporates practices that focus on breath awareness and gentle movements, helping to regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Building Resilience: Engaging in trauma-sensitive yoga can contribute to the development of emotional resilience. Through mindfulness and self-compassion practices, individuals can cultivate a greater ability to navigate challenging emotions and life circumstances.

Suicide prevention requires a multifaceted approach that considers the complex interplay between trauma and mental health. By acknowledging the link between trauma and suicide, we can better tailor interventions to address the unique needs of individuals at risk. Trauma-sensitive yoga emerges as a promising tool in this journey, offering a holistic approach to healing that encompasses both the mind and the body. As we strive for a world where mental health is prioritized, integrating trauma-sensitive practices into suicide prevention efforts can pave the way for a more compassionate and effective approach to supporting those in need. There’s no one to address this issue better than Dr. Jessa Navidé, a multiple suicide attempt survivor who is now a trauma-sensitive yoga practitioner and teacher and a clinical psychologist helping others who have experienced suicidal thoughts or attemps.

Listen to Dr. Jessa Navidé on the Beyond Trauma Podcast.

Trauma and the Allopathic Load

by Lara Land | Mar 13, 2023 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT

While I started out investigating trauma from the same viewpoint as many of you, spurned by a single event, attack, or natural disaster, my definition of the kinds of events that could cause trauma has grown steadily year by year. I’ve landed most recently on the potential and likelihood of society as it is, filled with scarcity, conflict, fear, and competition being absolutely enough to leave all of us impacted by trauma. This unnatural and toxic load we all carry in today’s society is making us sick and that must be addressed. Simply asking folks to slow down, nap, rest, etc without the support systems to do so is not only impossible but potentially harmful as the correct social safety nets are not in place to make sure that doesn’t cause more harm.

Living a life in a constant state of stress however low is extremely taxing on our systems. In fact, low levels of ongoing stress hormones may be some of the hardest to identify as being present and therefore not be addressed as causing ongoing health problems. Think of a low but constant buzz and the headache and exhaustion that can cause and you will get a sense of what I mean. Or consider an undetected slow leak that drips and drips and drips.

We must also think about the holding in of emotions so regular in our society. Studies show that repressing and suppressing emotions makes us sicker and can cause disease. And yet society does not provide us with acceptable ways of releasing the stress it imposes. My European husband is red hot embarrassed when I scream which is deemed totally inappropriate in his culture, and it’s not that much more okay in the US. We all need to scream, pound a pillow or throw something now and again. The latest trends of Ax throwing and break everything Rage Rooms as entertainment are proof we are desperate for release. Drumming, dancing, trancing, and yes yelling can help get it out!

So, as we look to lessen the allopathic load we can consider multiple pathways including trauma-focused therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which can help individuals process and cope with traumatic experiences. Mind-body practices, such as yoga, yoga retreats, meditation, and tai chi, can also be helpful in reducing stress and promoting healing. And…as we keep all these therapies in mind we must also work to make breaks, vacation days, and other destressing opportunities more regular and accepted in our social environment or we will never be able to keep up with the heavy load of living in modern society.

If you are interested in learning simple and highly impactful ways of reducing stress and regulating your nervous system for yourself and others, please join me for a yoga retreat at Kripalu Center for Health June 30th-July 2nd where this will be the main area of focus.

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