It’s simply that yoga teacher trainings don’t cover the effects of trauma and the potential for frightening and overwhelming experiences brought about by yoga that are hard to make sense of.
What’s interesting about healing is that it doesn’t run in a straight line. It’s more of a helter skelter, a slow bloom and an onion being peeled of its layers (all rolled into one weird metaphor!)
“Post-traumatic growth” is a term used to describe the positive transformation and personal growth that can happen following trauma. Growth that can include a newfound appreciation for life, changes in relationships, new interests and passions, a desire for service, new possibilities and spiritual change.
Though generally positive, these changes also need time - and ideally, professional therapeutic support - to settle and integrate because for some, they can be just as life-changing and shape-shifting as the changes brought about by trauma.
Too much change and rapid expansion can be dangerous and in some cases can lead to psychosis, or at the very least a destabilised sense of self.
I know because I had a Kundalini awakening following my 200hr training.
And while it was profoundly beautiful and full of wisdom, it was also deeply unsettling and scary. My nervous system just wasn’t prepped for that much expansion and being thrust into the outer layers of the cosmos wasn’t what I needed at that time.
Because it was ineffable, I had no way of putting it into words or explaining the vast new perspective I had without sounding like I’d lost my mind. No one had warned me of the possibility of it so I didn’t even know it was a thing. It was extremely isolating and lonely, and I suffered badly for it.
It took seeing a handful of different therapists to integrate the knowledge of that time, as well as the comfort and support from small pockets of people and research groups who’d been through similar ego-cracking experiences. One thing I know for sure is that while the journey it took me on was out of this world - 4th dimension stuff that blew my mind - I wish I’d had support integrating it safely.
I’ve often said that I think yoga mats should carry warning labels - and have been grateful when other practitioners have agreed because it’s made me feel less alone. It’s true what they say about a spiritual awakening both enlivening your life and ruining it.
When it comes to teaching yoga, it’s absolutely vital that a trauma-informed approach is used, otherwise it carries a high risk of re-traumatisation or unmanageable expansion.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Understand what your role is and therefore what you are and are not qualified for
2. Know how to mitigate against experiences that re-traumatise or expand people’s consciousness too quickly
3. Learn how to settle, soothe or refer students on to someone who can support the integration process
4. Understand that yoga isn’t for everyone and that healing comes in all shapes and sizes
What’s needed in every space that yoga is offered is an approach to teaching that takes steady, safe care of people whose nervous systems have been shot to bits by trauma, and is grounded, science-based and earthy.
Bit by bit the more airy, ethereal and mystical elements of yoga might be introduced - but only by titration and in a gentle manner, if pertinent to the individual.
It’s simply not safe otherwise.
All trees must be rooted in order to grow tall.
I’m so curious to know if you’ve been through something similar or have thoughts you want to share on this? I feel so strongly that more conversation needs to be had on the risks and dangers that come with yoga if we’re not mindful and educated.
If you're ready to step on the path to being a confident trauma-informed yoga teacher who gets paid to do work you love, I'd love to invite you to apply.
5 spaces are available next month.
Much love,
Ellie X