For the past couple of years I’ve been reading about and working with trauma, my own in particular. I discovered that healing from my wounds took more than cognitive awareness. This discovery was the impetus that drew me to yoga and body work. My greatest ache has been a disconnection from myself.
One of the people who helped me during my inquiry has been Gabor Maté. His books When the Body Says No and In the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts scared me and gave me useful insights all at once.
A couple of weeks ago, Maribel and I watched The Wisdom of Trauma, a documentary film focusing on personal and social trauma. The film was beautifully sequenced and provided a general audience with some powerful insights. I am currently taking an online course with Dr. Maté titled “Returning to Wholeness.” As I started to take notes, I realized that these might be helpful to others, so I’ve decided to post these periodically. Although they lack discursive connectors and context at times, I believe they may be useful for anyone who may be looking.
The material from the course aligns with the movement practice I share on Mondays and Thursdays. Yoga for me is not so much about getting flexible but more about healing and coming back to my body. It is one of the modalities I’ve learned and practice to walk back to my heart.
Let me know if you have any questions as you read. I tried making my handwriting as legible as possible.
