It is so seldom that I get out of town or have a vacation so when Alessandro and I decided to indulge in a few days away to take in the foliage, I resolved to have a mini-break from Yoga asana. That doesn’t mean I stopped practicing Yoga.
Taking a few days away from asana or on-the-mat practice, gently turns my focus to my practice off-the-mat: mindfulness, truthfulness, non-violence, non-attachment, self study, contentment.
It was a truly lovely, inspiring and restful few days. Follow the link to see the pictures and find out if I could truly refrain from asana for 3 days, hover on the photos to understand my thinking…. Continue reading “Pics from the Pocono’s”
I was pleased to read here that the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center has incorporated Yoga into their support services for survivors of sexual violence.
Survivors of sexual violence are often challenged to feel good in their bodies and sometimes experience damaged mind-body connection. Memories of violence can often be intrusive, making it difficult for survivors to be present and remain present in their daily lives. They are also challenged to connect with others and to trust again.
Many styles of Yoga, but Kripalu Yoga in particular, promotes a sense of well being, nurtures feelings of being ok in one’s own skin and enforces wholeness of body, mind and spirit.
Kripalu’s emphasis on meditation in motion, brings students into the present moment where the mind is not dwelling on painful or frightening memories.
Yoga brings students into a community of others who share a safe space, the experience of being present in the moment as well as a chance to tune into one self and one’s connection to the universe.
With an experienced, nurturing teacher survivors of sexual violence can find peace and healing through their practice. I hope that more trauma and crisis centers will explore Yoga as a supportive practice for survivors.
Om shantih.
