Trauma can describe so many different types of experiences. Everyone experiences trauma, but the difference lies in the Impact. Some may be more deeply affected, while others may be able to cope relatively well with the same experience. It's the beauty of how we are all different. There is no shame in having a difficult experience negatively affect you and your life.
The Practice Coalition is a non-profit organization, and we focus our Yoga for Trauma classes on survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The impact of these experiences are deep and varied, and can last for many years. One of the things yoga can help with is bringing someone back into their body, getting comfortable with sensation again, and learning how their own capacity for breath and movement can positively impact their body and mind.
While our focus is on survivors of domestic and sexual violence, we encourage anyone curious about our classes to attend. Yoga is an ancient practice meant for everyone.
Our teachers are trained to be trauma informed. They are sensitive, and they all have their own way of teaching yoga in a kind and accessible way. The Practice Coalition is proud to partner with House of Flow to bring you the Yoga for Trauma series.
To learn more, please visit: www.thepracticecoalition.org
YOGA FOR TRAUMA SERIES
Class One: Creating Safety within the Body
SASHA SIEGEL | 36 MINUTES
This practice offers a release of overwhelming or anxious energy held in the body. Experiment with nervous system regulation techniques and asana as we slowly move towards rest. Practice noticing moments of feeling “safe enough,” and moments of curiosity. This class involves standing, seated, and reclined postures.
Class Two: Steady
JOCELYN CASEY-WHITEMAN | 37 MINUTES
In this class, we practice building strength and stability through an asana practice of standing postures. Class includes a thorough warm-up and somatic tools to regulate your nervous system and increase physical endurance as we move towards rest and relaxation.
Class Thee: Awakening the Body
SASHA SIEGEL | 40 MINUTES
Created for moments of disconnection and low energy, this class awakens your body and helps you tune in to your environment. Nervous system regulation techniques will help you find stability and strength in your body. Learn how breath and mudras can generate a gentle upward flow of energy. This class involves standing and seated postures.
Class Four: Revolve and Release
JOCELYN CASEY-WHITEMAN | 38 MINUTES
After a complete warm-up, we practice asana postures that rotate the spine and build balance and ease. You’ll learn to regulate your nervous system through centering asanas, breathwork, restorative postures, and massage.
ABOUT SASHA SIEGEL
Sasha (she/her) is a white, queer, cis woman. She honors yoga as apathway to self healing + liberation, as well as collective transformation. She invites a deeper relationship to ourselves, communities, and the world through this practice. Sasha celebrates exploration and personalization of the practice, and honors the student as the expert on their own body. In addition to her personal relationship with trauma, she trained in yoga for trauma with The Trauma Center at JRI’s Trauma Sensitive Yoga program, and continues to learn through organizations like Accessible Yoga.
ABOUT JOCELYN CASEY-WHITEMAN
Jocelyn is a teacher and poet. Integrating yoga, creative movement, restorative techniques, and meditation, Jocelyn’s classes offer a space to explore mindfulness. Through pranayam, soft tissue massage, and introspection, you’ll learn to stabilize your nervous system and build strength and awareness. Her poems have appeared in Boston Review, Poetry Ireland, Verse Daily, and her chapbook Lure received a New York Chapbook Fellowship from the Poetry Society of America. She teaches writing at Parsons University and mindful movement at The Connective and The Practice Coalition.
