How To Use Yoga To Release Trauma And Feel Better

This week I’ve been paying attention to some old memories that aren’t helping me and I’m working on forgiving and letting go. You see I’ve used yoga to release trauma in the past & I’m doing that again with these memories.  I’m finding it’s time to let go of those memories that are holding me back and keeping me from being a better version of me.  This is a process and I’ll be working on these memories for awhile, but the goal is for these memories to have less power over my current life.

The many layers of memories

As I think about these memories, I’m reminded that you have many layers to our memories. There are the ones that we easily recall. They might be good memories or memories that bring us sadness but they are on the surface. Then there are the memories that we try to bury or forget. Sometimes we do seem to forget them, but then something in life might bring the memory back to the surface.  These are the ones that continue to have a hold on us and affect how we live our lives. Because it’s often painful, you usually resist bringing back or even deny these types of memories.

Without even being aware of it, these deep memories can change your daily behavior. Maybe they unknowingly formed a habit that you continue to this day.  Or maybe, they stop you from taking certain actions even though you don’t realize why.

They can also change how you physically feel. If you have a memory that is trying to come back, it will keep making itself known in some way until you deal with it. Often, this ends up being an ache or pain in the body. It will keep happening until you acknowledge it and begin the process of letting it go. If you continue to ignore it, then it will get worse and worse until you have no chance of ignoring it.

Sometimes you need to practice forgiveness.

The letting go process often involves a bit of forgiveness. It might involve a discussion with someone else or even a different action.  For me this week, letting go took the form of writing down the memories/thoughts that weren’t serving me.  I had created patterns around these memories that I had just recently connected with in my current life.  After writing them down, I forgave the situation/person.  Finally, I burned the list.  While I still have the memories in my mind and body, I don’t feel quite the same attachment to them.  Instead, I feel lighter and like I’ve moved forward with my life.

Your body will tell you what you need to know.

The mind/body connection is amazing to me. The mind and body will work together to let you know that something is not working right in your life. The key is to listen so that you can begin to work on the issue/problem/ memory.

So, this week, I’m fortunate to have uncovered a few memories that I’m ready to release. You see, just identifying them is the first step. After identifying them, I can begin to process them and figure out what I need to do to move forward in a healthier way. I always think that it’s better to know what I’m dealing with than to wonder why I have an unexplained body ache or daily habit that’s not helping me.

Use yoga to release trauma.

Uncovering the memory/thought that might be causing an issue can come in many forms.  I’ve often uncovered memories during a yoga practice.  Unexpected tears have shown up in different yoga poses without an awareness of why I’m crying. I’ve also had memories spontaneously appear as I practiced yoga. Whether I am aware of the specific memory or not, when this happens, I’m using yoga to release trauma that my body has held onto for days, months or years.

I’ve definitely had the same type of ‘aha’ moments in a yoga therapy session. In fact, every yoga therapy session that I’ve ever received has brought me a new ‘aha’ moment.  This week’s ‘aha’ came from some self-inquiry that I’m doing.  The deeper awareness has helped me to release, let go & move forward.

No matter how you come to these memories that need to be processed, find a way to take care of yourself and let them go.  Old patterns and memories that are related to trauma often are not helping us.  They can keep us stuck and prevent us from moving forward in our lives.

Not sure if you have any past trauma showing up in your body right now?

Try this..

Take a moment to connect to your body.  Take a deep breath and notice what you’re feeling today.  Do you have any body aches that just can’t be explained?  A memory or thought just might be ready to come to light.  Be ready to listen and you just might discover something about yourself.

If you’d like to use yoga to release trauma or even just explore if this practice would be a good fit for you, then schedule a free 15 minute Discovery Call with me. You too deserve to live free of previous trauma.

And remember… it’s never too late to live healthier and happier!

Becky is a Yoga Therapist & has been teaching yoga since 2006. She loves to match people with a yoga practice that helps them to feel better every day & believes that there is a yoga practice for everyone. Click here to sign up for her mailing list & get all of the important news & tips first!