Episode 8: Addressing Trauma in Yoga Practices

Triggers & Spiritual Medicine

Welcome to Episode 8 of Triggers and Spiritual Medicine podcast with host, Laura Bonetzky-Joseph and guest trauma educator, Melanie Brown
TOPIC: Addressing Trauma in Yoga Practices
In this episode, Melanie shares her experiences as a trauma survivor, yogi, and trauma educator when she went to a yoga class in the Boston area that was NOT only as advertised - which created harm - but when the class actually triggered Melanie, the yoga instructor was dismissive of the harm the class had which created a secondary harm. We talk about white washing sacred practices and the various unintentional harms committed by westerners
Melanie shares 3 tips for yoga instructors and studio owners on how to improve so unintentional harm is NOT perpetrated, and she share 3 tips for anyone looking for a yoga class on how to find one that is more trauma informed.
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ABOUT MELANIE:
Embeing’s® Melanie Lynn Brown holds an MA Ed. in Mindful Education and Trauma Studies from Lesley University and a BA in Government from Smith. She has spent 20 years working in Education with trauma survivors and in political advocacy. She formed Embeing®, a consultancy, to teach and promote both macro and micro trauma education, trauma-informed policies and compassionate systems analysis. She takes on a limited number of personal clients, primarily under 18 years, to support nervous system regulation and holistic wellness. Her clients include trauma survivors and autistic young people. Her approach is best described as “empowerment through education." You can reach Melanie at: www.embeingempowered.com
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
1) The Wisdom of Trauma by Dr. Gabor Mate: https://thewisdomoftrauma.com
2) The Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI: https://jri.org/services/behavioral-health-and-trauma/center-for-trauma-and-embodiment
3) This Yoga International Magazine article on how to avoid cultural appropriation:
https://yogainternational.com/article/view/how-we-can-work-together-to-avoid-cultural-appropriation-in-yoga/
4) How The Burning Times of Witches Influence White Women Culture Today https://youtu.be/8EtUM-rjrfE
5) CDC ACE Study: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html
6) The Relation Between

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Real talk. Let's address the elephant in the room to the growing "sickness" in our society, address root issues and provide sustainable solutions.

We hope by addressing the intersectionality and connect the dots like a web of many of society’s challenges, we can help others understand the trauma infection that impacts all areas of life – addiction, domestic violence, racism, homelessness, sexual abuse, chronic health issues, cancer, environmental issues, climate change and more.

In this NEW collaborative program, we hope by highlighting these infected areas and what they share in common, a new perspective of solutions, healing, and resolutions can be birthed.

Each episode addresses a certain trigger while offering the spiritual medicine with at least 3 tips or actionable steps our listeners can take and implement.

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