Rediscover the healing power of your body and mind
Four weeks | 1 hour | live online
What is this course about?
These sessions offer a special kind of movement practice designed to be safe and supportive through actively regulating and toning the nervous system. We will lead you through a trauma-sensitive therapeutic movement practice that includes gentle movements and postures. We offer three kinds of movement forms for you:
- Gentle Yoga - with Amara Saraswati
- Feldenkrais Movement - with Di Shaw
- Stronger Stretches - with Caroline Friend
Why is movement important in mental health?
Deliberate movement practice with awareness cultivates a more present and steady state of mind. It is now being recognised as an integral part of healing and recovery for those who have experienced traumatic stress. This short course draws on the ground-breaking research into Trauma Sensitive Yoga, by the Trauma and Embodiment Centre, Boston USA.
Who can enrol?
You can enrol in this short course, whether or not you have participated in a foundation course of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. This short course may inspire you to dive more deeply into the exploration of your inner life that MSBR provides,
What you will need
- a mat of some kind, and some pillows
- loose comfortable clothing
- an upright chair
- an internet connection and the ability to join a Zoom class.
- PLEASE ARRIVE 10 MINS EARLY (in the Zoom room) SO WE CAN START ON TIME.
Do be in touch if you need help with this.
Pricing and Scholarship places
- Standard Rate $88
- And we are delighted to offer discounted places for those who need financial support to come along.
If you have access to some financial security: through income, assets (savings, shares, property) and/or superannuation income we ask you to pay the full fee (or do a payment plan) as we need your support!
"Sometimes quieting our minds helps us to quiet our bodies; sometimes we must quiet our bodies first before we can find the way to a really quiet mind. Each individual must judge for herself as to the best way of reaching the quiet."
Annie Payson Call, from Nerves and Common Sense (1909)
Participants on trauma-sensitive movement practice ~
- “It sometimes feels like my brain is using a map of my body from back when I was eight and not the one from now. Every time after I go to yoga class I feel better - more presence, more confidence, more secure in my body.”
- “Just inhabiting my own skin is a major step forward. It allows me to be in my life now….. like be attentive as I'm driving, to be present with my family, like in lots of different ways. Things feel more connected. I'm more real. I feel less like I have to put one face on for the outside world and that's not really who I am. The okay -ness is from within.”
- “Sometimes when I felt triggered, it was like somebody else used this body and it doesn't feel good, and I will never feel good. And now I can stretch and feel good. That can be really helpful…..instead of feeling like my mind and body are aliens to each other. Who would have thought that possible? I feel like I have more ownership of my body and feel more of a part of it.”
(Rhodes, 2015)
The research on somatic practices
Somatic practices, which focus on body awareness, have been shown to enhance both mental and physical health effectively. Research highlights that techniques such as grounding, centering, and body-based mindfulness can lead to reduced stress, improved mental well-being, and better physical health. These practices boost interoceptive awareness, crucial for managing emotions and stress, and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression (Mehling et al., 2009; Farb et al., 2013; Kabat-Zinn, 1990; Grossman et al., 2004). They also foster mindfulness and presence, which are linked to improved mood and less rumination (Grossman et al., 2004). Moreover, somatic practices are associated with lower levels of physiological stress markers, such as cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure, leading to overall stress reduction (Maté, 2011). By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, these practices enhance relaxation and counteract the body's stress response (Porges, 2011). They are also beneficial for managing chronic pain by increasing body awareness and altering pain perception, and they contribute to better sleep quality by reducing stress and encouraging relaxation (Mehling et al., 2011; Morin et al., 2009; Ogden et al., 2006).
Amara began practicing mindfulness yoga and meditation in 1977. On noticing how effective the practices were in supporting her physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and with a heartfelt longing to be able to support others, she immersed herself in study and practice. From 1987-2008 she was manager and senior teacher at the Manly Yoga and Meditation centre, a not for profit organisation. During her 35 years of teaching experience she has taught mindfulness yoga and meditation in private consultation, schools, work places, community groups, retreat centres and to inpatients at both Manly and Royal North Shore Hospital drug and alcohol rehabilitation units. From 2017-2018 she taught 4 classes a week to inpatients in the acute mental health wards at Manly Hospital.
As well as working as Openground's Programs Coordinator, Caroline has been teaching yoga since 2017. She is extremely interested in how physical yoga practice combined with a regular meditation practice can improve mental and physical health and wellbeing.