about manna

When the enslaved people of Israel fled out of Egypt and into the desert, their collective story entered a new chapter. No longer were they bound to chains, whips, and oppressive rule. They sang for joy and the hope of a new future. And yet, they were still far from the Promised Land. They didn’t know that it would be forty more years of displacement and rediscovery of their cultural and personal identity. Forty more years of wandering, sometimes without aim or end in sight.

However, throughout their journey, they were sustained. Every day, manna was provided for them. This was a sign that their story was far from over. That they were worthy of life, of nourishment, and of care. Throughout it all, they were always beloved.

We too, undergo our own version of trauma and exile. Mindful movement is one form of manna for us - -it is something small that can sustain us for great lengths. Reconnecting with our bodies after trauma and suffering can be a slow and wandering process, but can ultimately lead us to a restored sense of self and purpose. Trauma-informed yoga is one little yet powerful miracle that can help us rediscover who we have always been. You are worthy of this journey!

about elianah

Hi there!

My name is Elianah and I am passionate about embodied living. To me this means honoring the body for its inherent value, being present to our internal and external experiences, and integrating the body into journeys of healing and spirituality. I am a trained trauma-informed yoga facilitator, with a love for yoga for mental health, embodied prayer, and adaptive/chair yoga. I also hold a BA in psychology and am currently pursuing my master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Mindful movement has played an instrumental role in my own mental and spiritual health, and I am excited to share this with others. The western world of the 21st century is slowly catching back up to ancient knowledge of the body’s capacity to bring about a restored life. The inherent wisdom within us is often diminished in our society that over-emphasizes productivity, rationalism, and technological advancement. I am grateful to learn from other cultures and parts of history that embrace the gentle power of embodied living. All of our bodies are gifts, regardless of their shape, ability, color, or past experiences. I am excited to cultivate spaces where we can explore this together. I hope you join us!

The Roots of Yoga

The word “Yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “Yuj”, which means union. Ultimately, the practice guides us toward deeper connection with ourselves and with nature. Many shapes (asanas) are named after nature and animals, such as cat pose, eagle pose, or mountain pose.

The practice of yoga began in northern India around 5,000 years ago as a way to transform human suffering. Like many other things, the human spirit knew that such mindful movement promotes inner healing centuries before we had the science to back it up.

Around 200 BC, the scholar Patanjali developed the Yoga Sutras, an organized system of the practice. They emphasize abstinence, ethical living, breath control, postures, meditation, and contemplation.

Yoga was introduced to the west in the 19th century by Swami Vivekananda (Swami is a title given to Hindu ascetics). Vivekananda also contributed to creating a culture of religious tolerance in the United States and Britain.

In the western world today, yoga is most often practiced for physical health and has become largely secularized.

References:

Mark, Joshua J. 2020. Indus Valley Civilization. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Indus_Valley_Civilization/

Singhdeo, Arunima. “History of Yoga | Ancient Roots of Yoga.” www.shvasa.com, www.shvasa.com/yoga-blog/history-of-yoga.

‌“Vivekananda | Biography, Teachings, & Influence.” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/biography/Vivekananda.

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Trauma-Informed Yoga

What’s So Special About It?

Trauma is stored in the body. Our nervous system, in addition to other parts of the body (depending on the trauma) are impacted by unprocessed and unintegrated events. This means that the parts of our brain and the cranial nerves responsible for keeping us safe and calming us down are misaligned. This is what causes symptomology of PTSD and other mental health conditions.

While talk therapy is also incredibly helpful, it tends not to comprehensively address the ways that our bodies are impacted by trauma. That’s where trauma-informed yoga comes in… movement tailored to one’s specific vasanas (emotional imprints of trauma held in the body) and chakras (energy centers in the body that play a role in mental and emotional wellbeing) can help soothe your nervous system. This makes for a holistic approach to reclaiming your life after psychological injury.

Here’s how some participants describe it:

  • “My emotions feel more powerful. Maybe its just that I can recognize and feel them now.”

  • “I can express my feelings more because I can recognize them more. I feel them in my body, recognize them, and I address them.”

  • “I now see choices, multiple paths. I can decide and I can choose my life, it doesn’t have to be repeated or experienced like a child.”

  • “I was able to move my body and be in my body in a safe place and without hurting myself/getting hurt.”

Taken from The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

“People who feel safe in their bodies can begin to translate the memories that previously overwhelmed them into language.”
— Bessel Van Der Kolk