Practice
I noticed I felt quite unsettled before practice as my mind was full of racing thoughts. I had the urge to stand up, and it became clear that this was my body responding directly to my mind. I realised that, in the past, I would run or hike the longest and hardest routes to feel like I had “earned” rest - as if stillness had to be justified.
Learning
During the session, I appreciated being able to listen rather than speak, giving myself time to process what was being said and relating it. I was reminded how powerful it can be, as a facilitator, to name what I’m feeling. This also echoed something that came up in my class: reassurance that I am doing the right thing when I encourage others to trust the process, especially when they’re not sure why certain emotions arise.
Appreciating the reminder that sometimes we’re simply not able, or not ready, to make sense of what we’re feeling. It’s enough to notice the shift, even when it hasn’t fully formed. The body and brain aren’t quite connecting yet, as I felt before practice, and that’s okay. The practice is in listening to those parts of ourselves.
8 limbs of yoga
Showing up as your authentic self, even when you’re struggling. Bringing gentle awareness, mindfulness, and offering invitational language all support this.
Breath
Noting the following points about the breath: - The exhale communicates safety to the body. Instead of letting the mind dictate, allow the body to choose the cues. Let the breath find you. Notice when you’re inhaling, when you’re exhaling, and how your body responds.
What stood out to me the most about the movement practice in this session was its accessibility. Even for those with limited mobility, little energy to stand, or not much space to practice yoga, this session made it possible. I appreciated the reminders throughout the movement to check in with our bodies. The practice was trauma-informed and met me where I was mentally and physically. It highlighted the duality that yoga embodies, which I find truly beautiful. Thank you.
Since I’m a Pisces, I’ve always had a strong personal connection to the theme of water. I love seeing water, being in it, and hearing it, especially waves crashing. What stood out to me, though, was realizing that I was never intentional with the practice of drinking water lol.
When Jen talked about still having a “protest brain,” I immediately felt that. It resonated deeply, especially knowing that I helped organize the Toronto vigil on January 28 for ICE victims and against state violence. That connection between activism, nervous system activation, and practice felt very real for me.
Like Brit shared, there have been moments recently where I’ve been able to fully release, which made me appreciate Jen’s point that sometimes the body simply isn’t ready yet. What April shared especially resonated with me, as I also wasn’t always allowed to fully feel my emotions as a child, even though my parents meant well.
I appreciated how much accessibility was emphasized, including demonstrating the most accessible versions of postures without pressure to advance. I realized I was so used to competitive fitness environments that I never really thought about starting in a chair. Seeing that modeled, and how effective it was, really shifted my perspective into teacher mode.
Finally, the reflections on values and direction hit home. The concepts of saucha (purity as clarity), santosha (contentment not being the same as happiness), and svadhyaya (feel good about being you) felt grounding and applicable beyond the mat. ✨
What stood out to you about the way the movement practice was structured or offered?
I really love how the structure includes pauses (aka somatic pauses). As discussed in the lessons, it gives people the opportunity to check in with potential tense body sensations and monkey-mind thoughts. I also appreciate how it gives people the space (aka recovery period) to potentially notice or have some awareness and gratitude for potential positive somatic and cognitive shifts since the start of the practice. I also really loved the reminder to move with curiosity instead of expectation, which was the most awesome example of how the body movement of yoga informs or serves as lessons for yoga to be a way of life.
Did anything shift in your understanding of trauma-informed or healing-centered yoga through this session?
From previous experience, I am aware choice and accessibility are key in any trauma-informed spaces; however, I so much appreciate being able to learn more and more examples of the countless opportunities to offer choice and create accessibility to create a welcoming space.
What connections did you notice between the philosophical discussion (Eight Limbs) and the practical movement experience?
I really appreciated Lisa’s inquiry about having a “yoga voice” while facilitating movement practice, and it was top of mind as we transitioned to philosophical discussion. It was great to hear the answer to response, meaning it’s important to be our authentic self, and to celebrate and not minimize ourselves. It made me think about non-harm to self by not expecting ourselves to be different, and it also had me thinking being ourselves in each moment is also truth in action. It also seems to be a form of surrender.
What stood out to you about the way the movement practice was structured or offered?
With the pauses I was able to recognize how far away from my body I was. I was very much living inside my head. I noticed my anxiety. The class was well structured and I appreciated the moments to rest hands on belly and heart. I often forget to breath. I was able to find the space to be aware with this sequence. The pracrice was easy enough for a person like myself who is finding difficulty connecting to my body. By the end I was able to feel a bit of healing and less resistance. I was then full of gratitude.
Did anything shift in your understanding of trauma-informed or healing-centered yoga through this session?
Due to my bodies own resistance I was able to see and relate how accessibilty from a physical and an emotional space is crucial to the class. Feeling safe and free from judgement makes my own judgement of myself easier to work through. I see how traumas can inhibit someone from being able to participate in a traditional practice and I am grateful for this approach. This type of yoga is for EVERY BODY!
What connections did you notice between the philosophical discussion (Eight Limbs) and the practical movement experience?
Having the moments in between to touch base with myself and breath allowed me to see my TRUTH. I was able to give myself credit for being present while seeing my own limitations as to not cause harm to myself physically or emotionally with judgement. I was able to create an opportunity to continue healing and not rob myself by say I can't or I won't because the practice was simple enough while still providing movement that allowed me to keep pace and not find a reason to talk myself out of it. I have been struggling a lot to connect and get back into my body so having the philosophical discussion let me see my pratice and why I am continuing to push through my resistance.
I would just like to say how totally grateful I am to be able to miss a session, watch the recording and respond in place of attendance. One of my biggest fears with starting this program was the inability to commit to every Thursday. I missed this week's zoom because of planned travel and then I had to miss the next week's because of an unexpected memorial service. While I prefer to be on the zoom the recordings are a great way to stay afloat.
In watching and participating in the chair supported movement practice I realized that this way of practicing is very new for me but also very familiar at the same time. I have never done yoga in a chair before, however, I do normally start yoga sitting on my mat. I normally start with simple stretching or twists so this part was familiar. I've done many different kinds of yoga and I am beginning to see now that there is not any one way that is better than the other. I believe the main goal is to feel into your body, to feel your human bodily self. I have really begun to appreciate all different types of yoga and what they have to offer. I really appreciate the pauses and time to reflect on one's feelings within their bodies. I have done yoga before where there is savasana in between each posture, which is similar to taking time to pause and catch one's breath and check in with their bodies.
I love learning about the philosophical side of yoga! I'm familiar with the 8 limbs of yoga and ready to take a deeper dive.
Something I am so, so excited about is learning the principles of yoga. I have been practicing for nearly 15 years, but I’ve never done a deep dive into the theory behind it. As we slowly unravel what the true practice of yoga is, I feel humbled. I’m realizing that I am really just a beginner and that there is still so much for me to learn.
When I reflect on my personal practice, I can resonate with many of the teachings of yoga, even though I didn’t always have a name for them. It feels meaningful to now connect language to experiences I’ve already been having. This feels like such an exciting time in my life.
Something that really stood out to me today was our discussion of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, especially when Samadhi came up. The idea that Samadhi may never be accessible as a permanent state, but that we can experience small glimmers of it throughout our day. I think that might be the beauty of life, finding those small, deeply joyful moments: the first sip of coffee in the morning, the smell of the air after rainfall, or a song that comes on just at the right moment 🙂