Save the Dates: Trauma-informed Yoga Series with Diane Smith

Happy Holidays, Everybody!

We are delighted to welcome Diane Smith back to Lotus Center for a yoga series which can help us heal an affliction that, to some degree, affects all of us . . .

“When we get into a state of defense, we disconnect from our bodies”

~Stephen Porges , MD

Porges created polyvagal theory (study of the vagus nerve) in the mid-1990’s.  His theory is based on the evolution of the nervous system and the ways in which we are wired to move between states of protection vs. connection.  In essence, our bodies are always scanning our environment to assess our level of safety.  And when our bodies are trying to tell us something we would do well to take heed and listen.

When we have experienced traumatic events, the brain/gut vagal connection can sometimes “misfire.”  In other words, we can “misread” situations moving us into defensive states without it even registering in our thought process.  While much of this happens below our conscious awareness, we can learn to read the signs that tell us which type of nervous system state we are in: shut-down, flight-flight or calm and grounded in the present moment.  As we become more familiar with these vagal states, we are better able to actively engage with them.

As a means for trauma recovery, yoga is an ideal practice for calming the nervous system while increasing self and body awareness.  This workshop offered by Diane Smith will combine some best practices integrating polyvagal theory with yoga asanas, pranayama, chanting, and other eclectic strategies for trauma recovery to help us become more attuned and adept and recognize our vagal/nervous system state.  Ideally, these tools can enable us to consciously shift into a place of feeling more grounded and safe in present-moment awareness.

Attend one, two, or all three classes. Everyone is welcome.

Trauma Informed Yoga for Vagal Connection
with Diane Smith
Three Consecutive Saturdays Beginning on January 25
1:00 — 2:15 PM
Cost: $12 Drop-in; $10 with a Lotus Class Card

Thank you for supporting our nonprofit, community-owned Lotus Center!

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TLC (“The Lotus Center”) in the Community . . .

Nonviolent Communication (“NVC”): In 2022 and 2023 Lotus Center partnered with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Silver City, and the Silver City Food Co-op, respectively, to provide weekend trainings in NVC, as presented in the text of the same title by author Marshall Rosenberg. For these trainings, each of which was attended by 35 people, a Truth or Consequences-based certified NVC instructor was retained. An outgrowth of those trainings is a weekly, ongoing NVC “Practice Group” which is offered at Lotus Center by donation with no one ever being turned away for lack of funds.