Welcome to Day 6 of Embody & Bloom: The Foundation Yoga Series, exploring
trauma-informed yoga for self compassion and nervous system support. This is part of my trauma-informed yoga series designed to gently support sexual trauma survivors in reconnecting with their bodies through safety, presence, and choice.
If you like, I welcome you to explore the full series overview and all seven practices here: Embody & Bloom: Foundation Yoga Series.
If you’d like to explore yesterday’s practice, I invite you to learn more about Day 5: Gentle Embodiment. We tune into our body’s gentle guidance and allow moments of rest, building body awareness.
You’ve come a long way in this series, so I wanted to dedicate a day to honoring self compassion. In order to send ourselves kindness, we must first be present, which we’ve been able to deepen presence over the previous five days.
Tending to ourselves and being our own supporter makes such a difference in healing. Self compassion is the voice that tells us it’s okay to rest, to replace endless hustle for softness, to honor our capacity. It embraces the unique pace of healing, giving us all the time in the world.
How to explore self-compassion in yoga
When we explore yoga, we might notice our thoughts drift, we start to judge ourselves, or maybe we feel an overall negativity within us. Self compassion isn’t about masking how we feel but about speaking to ourselves like someone we care about.
Self compassion is what reminds us::
- it’s okay to rest
- we are not behind
- our healing does not need to be rushed
- softness is allowed
When we embrace self compassion, we can feel more supported within our nervous systems because we release pressure on ourselves and allow presence. When we first arrive in a state of presence, we can allow this gentle voice to surface. I welcome you to take all the time you need as this voice starts to awaken, knowing that this too is part of the practice.
What to Expect in This Trauma-Informed Yoga Practice
This 20-minute trauma-informed yoga class is a gentle practice focused on self-compassion, rest, and nervous system support.
We’ll explore:
- Grounding (1:35)
We begin today seated with grounding, exploring a few moments of sending ourselves compassion. - Gentle Movement & Rest (4:10)
We’ll explore gentle movement including neck and shoulder rolls, a gentle self touch practice, reclined butterfly, knees to chest, and constructive rest pose. - Savasana (14:45)
We honor rest with a savasana and end with a few more moments of grounding. - Closing (20:10)
Who This Practice Is For
This practice is supportive if you:
- Wish to cultivate self-kindness and rest
- Feel emotionally or physically depleted
- Are ready to begin integrating earlier classes in the series
- Prefer slow, restful, trauma-informed yoga
This trauma-informed yoga practice is fully your choice, meaning you are welcome to move at your own pace, rest when you like, and choose what feels most supportive for your body and nervous system. No props are required, and this practice is suitable for all experience levels. There are no standing postures in this class.
Trauma-Informed Yoga for Self Compassion and Nervous System Support (Day 6 Class)
If you’re ready to begin, I invite you to practice with me on YouTube below, or explore this class in my free private platform if you prefer a more supported, calm, and contained space to move through the classes. This is a gentle space for you to return to your body at your own pace and in your own time.
If you’d like to continue, I invite you to join me for the final day of the series on Day 7: Rest & Honor Your Journey, where we’ll fully integrate the classes, honor our journeys, and make room for deep, supportive rest.
