Last week’s group practice focused on ‘Joy.’ What does that have to do with trauma, you might wonder? We all have experienced situations where we have felt frightened about something that potentially can bring us much joy. Our body tenses up, the breath shortens. Our ears might be ringing or the palms of our hands become sweaty. Once the body has created this reaction in a particular case, it remembers it. This response is on ‘stand by’ to be repeated whenever we have the slightest sense of fear or just nervous wonder. For many of us, releasing fear and finding joy can be a chore. In Yoga Nidra, we deeply connect with our body through a body scan, creating a deep level of consciousness. In that state, there is the opportunity to release the fear rooted in the body and mind and welcome joy with ease. And the best thing, it is a super relaxing practice!

Want to learn more? The body keeps the Score by trauma researcher Bessel van der Kolk is an excellent resource.