6/27/24 Live Session Recording

What has been resonating with me since beginning this training is something I believe Jen said in the first session, apologies if it was someone else (and please correct me) is that all individuals have the right to feel safe in their mind and body. For me, this directly relates to samscaras and trauma altering our own reality and the reality of those we serve. Considering the samscaras and experiences of all individuals is essential in creating a space where all folks can feel safe to practice and this can be really difficult in institutions where folks are in survival mode. From my experience working in a forensic hospital, I try to create a welcoming and safe environment through all programs that I hold, while understanding as a white woman others may view me as unsafe, and hopefully throughout this training I will learn more ways to create this environment as I am asking folks to move their body to a mat, if they are able. 

In regards to life balance, I feel creating a space where folks can experiment with yoga is essential for returning to the community. There are so many systemic barriers folks experience while being incarcerated and upon release, that providing a tool for them to practice independently may allow them a safe space to return to when life becomes overwhelming. 

I really got a lot out of the energy part of the session. It's important to want to put out the energy that you hope to get from others. The breathing exercise that was shown to use in a stressful situation I feel could be helpful for myself and any situation I find myself in where I could help others to use this as support. I didn't realize how much having a balance in life can impact anyone. There is so much more to it the I ever thought to look at. I especially enjoyed how you spoke on being authentic. I have always felt like I have needed to be whatever everyone else wanted me to be when I have just wanted to be myself around the people I care for and that I want to let in my life. This lesson has just made me think more about why I want to help people and what I can do to support myself and others. 

I have a tremendous appreciation for the approach of this style of facilitation and body movement, with the central focus being healing, empowerment and individual expression. I've been in classes where the instructor shamed you for taking modifications, or for doing something different than what they cued and I remember always thinking to myself "you are not in my body, you have no clue how this is or is not suiting me today." I've been in classes where the instructor placed hands on me to offer support or help and while sometimes the physical moving of my body led to a deeper sense of relaxation or connection to my body, I never felt truly comfortable with it - the feeling of someone being in my physical space without consent left me uneasy. The other component of this lesson that landed really well for me, is around what it means to be of true service to others. I have been in the helping field for many years, and it has taken me a long time to develop a better relationship with what it means to be of service to others. I used to have tendencies to rescue others, to "save them" and as mentioned in the online module learning, this really does more harm via disempowerment than anything. I still have moments when I want to rescue, but I can catch them and redirect quicker. Had I tried to be a yoga instructor 5+ years ago, I could easily see myself being the one to offer modifications or enter someone's space without permission. My goal is create an inclusive, healing centered space, for myself and others - the concepts in both the live discussion and online learning really help set the foundation for my learning in how to authentically and intentionally do this! 

I have always thought of yoga as exercise and so far I am realizing that it is more than that.  There are so many tidbits that I got from this session.  Being in the helping profession, I am a physician assistant, focuses so much on helping others that many times we forget about ourselves leading to burnout.  What resonated with me is slowing down and noticing what is my body is trying to tell me. Connecting with myself is going to help other get connected with their authentic selves. It is nice to know that I am not an expert but a facilitator...I am guide and I am equal to you. not about having the best shape or posture.  its about how does it feel to you.   I am excited to see how yoga can help others re associate the mind and body awareness (developing muscle memory) being in the present moment. loved the visualizing activity as well.

I appreciated learning about samskaras because these scars that alter our perceptions are so impactful on how we move through the world. I also really appreciated the discussion of the hierarchy of power that exists in our world and can be replicated in the "yoga world" through concepts like "guru." A few months ago I learned a lot about Yogi Bhajan's harmful actions and it really opened my eyes to see how many of the gurus acted how he did and yet many people try to brush away their actions by saying something along the lines of "that was more common back then" etc. Ultimately, no one knows you better than you know yourself and it takes time to understand yourself and tune in to what your body needs, but it is a beautiful endless process to get to know your ever-changing form.