A global pandemic. Horrific acts of violence. Political upheaval. The climate crisis. The opioid epidemic. School shootings. The list is long and seems to never end. We are living in an age of trauma. 

Stone Wave is offering a 5-day, 4-night immersive Trauma Sensitive Yoga training program in the Hudson Valley (75 miles from Manhattan, 40 minutes from Poughkeepsie). Learn how trauma impacts our bodies, and how yoga can heal this July 18-22, 2022

The training will be held at Awosting Reserve and Club; a private oasis with waterfalls, hiking trails, locally sourced food and eco dome lodging facilities. 

As a trauma survivor, I can truly say that yoga has brought me awareness, healing, and strengthened my faith. When I opened Stone Wave five years ago, the invitation was “come as you are.” Today, this invitation is increasingly important, as traumatized events increase and suffering is systemic. There is a need for purpose and peace.

What is causing this great trauma? To name a few, the pandemic, a rise in violence, over-consumerism, disregard for life, and increasing political divides are wreaking havoc on our nervous systems; leaving us in a perpetual state of fear, numbness and dis-ease. Social media plays on our emotions, causing underlying distress, inferiority complex and disillusionment.  

I have been studying the offering of Trauma Sensitive Yoga for many years now, and have seen the power of this modality. It is a critical time for each of us to do the heart work and heal our own traumas, and also help others heal. We do not need to be whole before we reach out to others. Reaching out is part of the healing cycle. So courage and an expanded 'healing community' is needed.

What is trauma? 

Most of us are familiar with the diagnosis of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), which continues to be on the rise. The scope of trauma is much wider, as defined by Psychology Today, "Trauma is a person’s emotional response to a distressing experience."  

Today, we see an increase in the results of trauma. For example, Chronic Trauma is impacting relationships and shattering relational power dynamics - domestic violence cases have increased 20%. Complex Trauma, which comes from many different sources, is showing up with increasing reports of depression and anxiety (over 25% increase since the onset of COVID). Developmental Trauma Disorder is also prevalent today, stunting our growth and freedom. Shame and guilt keep us suppressed and broken. Fear of further isolation keeps us frozen. 

Who can benefit from this YTT?

Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY) is designed to support the trauma survivor on the journey back to self-empowerment and emotional freedom through interoception-based work. This is the foundation of TSY and is a form of adapted mindfulness suited for a wider variety of people who have suffered trauma. Especially children, who can benefit by developing healthy practices of how to tune into their body and emotions.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Training is for yoga teachers, educators, therapists, healthcare workers, and other wellness practitioners, or anyone working with trauma survivors, such as those in ministry, community centers, family care and restorative environments, to name a few. All are welcome.

What is unique about a trauma sensitive YTT?

Trauma Sensitive Yoga is an interoception-based work model. We will address the impact of complex trauma (and complex stress) and explore ways to help survivors retrain their brain through the practice of interoception to have a more consistent relationship with their own bodies. The body is the key fundamental core of the experience of being alive. If we are numb or desentized, we question our existence and cannot function in our full capacity.   

TSY is an offering for trauma survivors to practice reconnection with their own bodies, build autonomy, and learn to live in the reality of the present. You will learn the importance of language, relationship building, practice making choices, sharing authentic experiences, yoga forms, breathwork, inspirations for guiding, use of sound, grounding techniques, and non-coercive support strategies. 

How can someone prepare for this?

This four-night, five-day intensive training will alter the way you approach trauma in your own life and the lives of those in your sphere. The best way to prepare is to do some reflection about the trauma in your own life (and those around you), write down your vision and desire to help others and come with an open heart and students mind. We recommend reading Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel A. van der Kolk. 

Is a YTT only for someone who wants to become a teacher? Can anyone join?

This is a program designed for anyone interested in this topic. An application is asked to be filled out in advance of accepted enrollment, so that we can get to know you better. Please feel free to set up an information session to learn more by contacting liz@stonewaveyoga.com