In 2014, I experienced a year of heartache that was followed by the devastating loss of my brother in 2015. I was in desperate need of support and turned to yoga as a source of healing. I had been attending yoga classes and began working with a mentor who introduced me to yoga therapy. During my darkest moments, I was searching for a connection to something greater than myself and embarked on my own Hero's Journey. My mentor was teaching Transformational Yoga Coaching at SWIHA and an instructor at her studio recommended that I sign up. Learning that I had signed up for Transformational Yoga Coaching (TYC), my mentor suggested that I take my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training to support me during this difficult time. In January 2016, I took the leap and enrolled, which marked the beginning of my healing journey.
Yoga Therapy is a holistic approach to healing that combines the ancient practice of yoga with modern medicine. As someone who has always been interested in alternative forms of healing, I was excited to enroll in a yoga therapy program. In this blog, I will share my experience in the program, including the benefits I gained from practicing yoga therapy.
The program included Yoga Sutras, and covered the philosophy of yoga and its principles. We learned about the eight limbs of yoga, which include moral disciplines and observances, physical postures, breath control, and meditation. We also learned about the chakras, or energy centers in the body, and how they relate to our physical and emotional health. This supported me in gaining a foundation for balancing my energy bodies.
The program also included I Am Yoga Body Psychology, which is designed to not only treat the physical symptoms present in the body, it addresses the subtler energies of the body. Using props and long holds of the posture utilizing the power of gravity allows the student/client to access long-held energies in the body. By connecting the student/client with the sensation in the body and bringing awareness to these areas, the body is able to let go of previously stuffed-down experiences. The best part of this practice is that you don't have to talk about the story or relive it in order to heal from it. I learned that while the body may keep the score, the Spirit is always victorious!
Through Ayurveda, the science of life, I learned how early signs of disharmony in my body can be seen and treated using ancient and simple processes. I learned about my Doshas and my mind was opened to a whole new way of interacting with myself and the world that surrounds me.
Integral Breath Therapy supported me in transforming my experience and deep grief from my brother’s death. I was able to breathe and with the support of the instructor and my classmates, integrated the experience in a whole new way. This brought me so much peace and healing in my grief process. I use this practice in my private practice with my clients and small groups and see great benefits.
As the program progressed one of the most significant benefits was the opportunity to practice Yoga Therapy with experienced instructors. We learned how to modify traditional yoga poses to meet the needs of individuals with specific health conditions, such as back pain, anxiety, and depression. We also learned how to use props, such as blocks and extenders, to support our bodies in the poses.
Through regular practice, I noticed a significant improvement in my physical and emotional health. I had been struggling with low back & hip pain off and on for years, and the yoga therapy program helped me to strengthen my core muscles and improve my posture. I became pain-free. I also noticed a reduction in my anxiety levels and an overall sense of calm and well-being. I am now able to respond to life's ups and downs vs. react. I feel so much lighter and happier overall in life and am always working towards contentment in each moment.
Another benefit of the program was the sense of community that developed among the students. We were all there to learn and support each other, and we formed strong bonds through our shared experiences. The space of non-judgment that was held by instructors and students created this profound sense of connection, confidentiality, and sacredness that is needed in these modern times. Even in the final pieces of the program through the Amrit Institute with everything being online, there was a sense of community and shared energy. I know now that I have friends for life after completing my Yoga Therapy Program.
We also had the opportunity to attend workshops and retreats together, which deepened our understanding of yoga therapy and its benefits. Another Yogi and I in the program traveled to Florida together to attend Part B of Integral Breath Therapy. Several of us traveled recently to Florida to be part of a sacred ceremony with Amrit Desai and partake in Darshan. As he walked into the room there was a palpable shift of energy, a profound sense of love for myself, Amrit, and others filled the air as tears filled my eyes. There was so much love and it was beautiful. Our friends who were there from our online program gathered for a photo and hugs. Meeting in the perfect place for an even deeper connection to grow. We had lunch and it felt as though we were old friends. There was so much love shared and a sense of comradery.
In conclusion, my experience in the yoga therapy program was extremely transformative. To be fully honest, some days it was tough. I promised myself that I would show up and do my best, whatever that looked like that day. I gained a deeper understanding of the principles of yoga and how they can be applied to promote healing and well-being, first for myself and then for others. Through SWIHA and the Integrative Amrit Method of I Am Yoga Therapy, I also gained practical skills that I can use to help others on their healing journeys. I gained a sense of connection to a community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for holistic healing, peace, and love. Most importantly, I gained back my Spirit, my mind, my joy, and my freedom to shape and create my life.
I am now a certified I Am Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists and have my own private practice, Agape In Action, where I work with clients to help them heal and find balance in their lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experience and knowledge with others and to continue on my own healing journey. I Am Yoga Therapy has truly been a gift in my life and I am excited to see how it will continue to transform me and those around me. I encourage anyone who is struggling with physical or emotional pain to consider Yoga Therapy as a form of healing. It has the power to transform your life in ways you never thought possible.
