Yoga is a powerful practice to improve the mind-body connection. In the case of trauma, there are so many lasting benefits. A trauma-informed yoga practice is centered around principles of creating a space that is safe, non-judgmental, and empowering for survivors. A Trauma-Informed yoga practice centers on the power of choice for the individual, since a lack of choice is inherent in any traumatic experience. By creating a space for a practice that is judgement free and provides the practitioner the space to make their own choices, they are able to feel in control of their bodies while engaging in the practice.

Did you know that the vast majority of our serotonin is generated in the gut? The gut is a vital component of brain health, and understanding the gut better can lead to increased mental health, executive functioning, and digestion. In the gut, there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. Weneed them both to create a balanced relationship in the body. However, too many bad bacteria can counteract the effects of the good. This looks like irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and stomach pain. A long-term imbalance of bad bacteria can even lead to health issues and illnesses.

A lot of our deepest fears are rooted in negative core beliefs that impact our self-concept and self-worth. When we grow up feeling insecure, “not good enough,” “less than” or as if we were a “bad child,” these beliefs are so pervasive that they can often interfere with relationships and our ability to make healthy lasting connections throughout our lives.

These are questions worth considering as you watch the film and even as you think about how you relate to others in your own life. If we can see the world in less “black and white” and more in full color, we will come to see that everyone has both “good and bad” inside of them, and recognize that our humanness and potential for love and acceptance is of far more importance than deeming whom or what is “right or wrong.”

Ultimately, coming together with a diverse group of people means you will inevitably encounter different view points. Try to be mindful of this when deciding on appropriate topics for discussion.

In real life, we all want relationships that go both ways. This means, a truly mutually beneficial relationship will take into consideration the needs and wants of both parties. And the support will be balanced with give and take. This is an ideal scenario, however, it is not always the case. In fact, many relationships go on with an imbalance for years.

Emotionally abusive relationship patterns are truly damaging to your core sense of self, safety, vulnerability and trust. They damage you from the inside out, and this means learning to recognize and undo a world of self-blame, shame, and mistrust of your own feelings. When you have been continuously labeled as “bad,” “wrong,” “ungrateful” or otherwise inferior, it takes a strong sense of inner-knowing to counteract these labels and begin to extricate them from who you truly are.