Dear Yogis,
Bessel A. van der Kolk said physical self-awareness is the first step in releasing the tyranny of the past.
Moments in our past imprint themselves in not just how we think about our lives now, but also how we move and feel in our bodies.
Recent psycho-somatic research shows that pain in the body, eventual injuries, tightness and discomfort can often times be traced back to unprocessed emotions getting “stuck” in our tissues (fascia).
In the yoga classes I’ve taught over the years, I’ve seen profound changes in my students. They may seem on the surface a change of mind, but often what isn’t realized is that yoga Asana (the physical practice of yoga) and pranayama (breath work practices that move energy through the nervous system) actually help to dislodge stuck emotions by the simplicity of getting back into feeling the body again.
By cultivating a physical self awareness, where we are able to tune into the minutiae of movement, we learn to feel again. This way a deep healing and release happens.
Have you ever been in a yoga class and a big (seemingly random) emotion overtook you? Maybe you burst into tears, or broke out in unstoppable laughter? Maybe deep frustration or anger rose up in you, but by the end of class, a deep all abiding peace overtook you. This is a good sign of inner healing happening. You are getting unstuck.
Yoga heals the body, in one way, by giving us the opportunity to rewire the brain and nervous system in how they relate to the present moment. By shining the light of awareness on what’s uncomfortable, we can finally let it go and deepen our healing. It’s simple, yet so profound.
I encourage you to establish a steady and consistent yoga practice for yourself as you journey on your path to inner healing. We offer plenty of options to stay consistent- in studio, online, or archived so you can keep up with your practice. So you can give yourself space to emerge as the best version of you.
Yoga is truly a gift that benefits all of humanity in this way. And I speak for our whole team when I say it is an honor to provide space for your journey.
See you on your mats!
Peace and Love,
Amanda and the good folks at Revolution Yoga
Originally shared in our November 2023 newsletter.