TRAUMA INFORMED YIN.

What is yin yoga?

“Most forms of yoga today are dynamic, active practices designed to work only half of our body, the muscular half, the ‘yang‘ tissues. Yin yoga allows us to work the other half, the deeper ‘yin’ tissues of our ligaments, joints, deep facial networks and even our bones. All our tissues are important and need to be exercised so that we can achieve optimal health and vitality.”

Clark, Bernie. The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga Philosophy and Practice. Second edition, printed in the

US, 2019.

A yin yoga class usually consists of a series passive shapes held for up to five minutes or longer. The physical benefits of yin yoga are numerous and well documented. From a neuropsychological perspective, and over time, yin yoga can also help people:

  • regulate their nervous system

  • reduce and better manage anxiety

  • improve body awareness and tolerance for physical sensations

  • increase psychological flexibility.

What is trauma-informed yin yoga?

“The single most important issue for traumatised people is to find a sense of safety in their own bodies.” Bessel van der Kolk

Trauma-informed yin yoga acknowledges the neurological impacts of trauma (physical, psychological, emotional, complex), and the high instances of survivors experiencing disconnection from their physical bodies. This approach is people-centred and explorative. The focus is on what is felt, noticing the sensations (interoception), and learning to make choices that begin to rebuild trust between body and mind.

Trauma-informed yin yoga also holds the possibility that slowing down and/or stillness might not feel safe. As such:

  • language is invitational (rather than instructional) reminding people they have agency over their experience

  • choices are offered, people are free to participate with eyes open or closed, people can leave a yin yoga shape at any point or move into a different shape that may be more useful for their body, they are not stuck

  • people can change their minds at any point, take a break or leave

  • using adjectives like comfortable, easy, softly, quietly, kindly to describe shapes or movement is avoided as they may not match peoples’ felt sensations, and therefore may be coercive.

How will a Trauma Informed Yoga class be structured?

• Classes start with an explanation of what to expect from the space and the class. Anything that might be out of the ordinary will be highlighted

• Language is invitational rather than instructional

• Embodied and paced cuing is used to build neuroception without overwhelming the nervous system

• There is a strong focus on mind-body connection

• Different options are offered for every stage of the class, people are also advised of what’s coming next

• People can choose how they participate and whatever they choose is correct. They can also change their minds at any point or leave

• No hands-on assists are provided.

The details;

When: Weekly class on Wednesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Where: Good Folk Yoga, 138 Myers Street, Geelong, Victoria

Cost: $29 per Casual Class | $130 5 Class Pass

(class numbers will be capped at 10 people)

Booking instructions:

Pre booking is required. This can be done either on the Mindbody app or directly through the Good Folk Yoga website. Select which Thursday Trauma Informed Yoga class you would like to book, then:

NDIS participants: please book your spot with the $0.00 pricing option and we will then be in touch to arrange invoicing with yourself/your plan manager.

Non - NDIS participants: please book your spot by selecting either the $29 Casual Pass or the 5 Class Pass option.

**Please ensure you cancel your spot via the same avenue as you booked if you can no longer attend (booking cancellations will not be accepted via social media)

Website bookings:

Visit www.goodfolkyoga.com.au/timetable, select which Thursday Trauma Informed Yoga class you would like to book. Create yourself a Mindbody login if you haven’t already got one.

Mindbody app bookings:

Download the Mindbody app from your phone’s app store. Search for Good Folk Yoga and select the ‘Schedule’ button. Scroll through to the Thursday Trauma Informed Yoga class you would like to book and reserve your spot.

Please contact Kathy Taylor with any queries you may have (other than booking);

Mobile: 0407 911 788

Email: ktaylor1@bigpond.com

Please contact Good Folk Yoga for any booking queries you may have;

Mobile: 0406 037 793

Email: hello@goodfolkyoga.com.au