When I first stepped onto the Yoga mat even though I may not have realised it at the time. What I was really looking for was something to help me restore my hope in humanity.
Navigating the complexities of life, is one of the hidden benefits we chat about during our Yoga NRG & Mindfulness Teacher Training. We engage in discussions that illuminate the profound benefits of our practices, associated neuroscience & evidence base. This helps us all increase our understanding of why we or others may respond or react in a certain way. The yogis call this Satsang, Mindful discussions that can help reveal the transformative power of specific practices.
I’ve noticed many over the years have shared their experience using the word such as “solace,” which is defined as comfort in times of sorrow or distress. It maybe losing someone or a relationship challenge or change, or struggling with the very real feelings of losing hope in humanity.
Neuroscience supports the notion that when we experience solace, our brain undergoes significant changes. Feelings of comfort and safety can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and oxytocin, promoting feelings of happiness, connection, and trust. In contrast, stress hormones such as cortisol decrease, allowing us to shift from a state of anxiety to one of calm and resilience.
The Neuroscience of Trauma and Hope can help us understand the hidden benefits of Trauma Aware Mindfulness & Yoga Therapy.
Trauma is not merely the incident itself; it’s how we process and respond to it. When we experience trauma, the amygdala; the part of our brain responsible for emotional responses; is activated. This can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and hopelessness, often resulting in a cycle that feels impossible to escape. Some describe this as a feeling of “going down the plug hole, like I can’t get out”.
In contrast, hope engages the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that allows us to think critically and connect with others. It gives us greater capacity to broaden our perspective. Seeing a much bigger picture. Studies indicate that cultivating hope can lead to better mental health outcomes, resilience, and a stronger sense of community. In fact, research shows that individuals who have a hopeful outlook are more likely to recover from trauma and build supportive relationships.
By embracing Mindfulness & Yogic practices that foster solace, we can create a nurturing environment inside the brain which helps the body.
This has a valuable ripple effect for ourselves and others, helping to reshape our experiences and transform hopelessness into hope.
Personally I love to know why & how things work because it fascinates me on a good day (when my nervous system is in its rest & relax mode) On a challenging day when my nervous system is triggered it helps me learn little by little to accept both sides of the coin of human nature. The most important thing that the ongoing practice helps with is tipping the scales to the perspective that restores my hope. This helps me have a better life.
We are all worthy of that !
Namaste 🙏
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