Vitalize You Wellness

08/31/2026

I hope this reaches the right people today who need to read this.

In order to provide help to people, I have used myself in examples since the creation of this blog in…

08/31/2026

In ‘The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma’ Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk writes: ‘We have learned that trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body.’ For people affected by PTSD and C-PTSD to truly relearn how to inhabit their bodies, Van Der Kolk emphasizes the importance of becoming familiar with bodily sensations: ‘For real change to take place, the body needs to learn that the danger has passed and to live in the reality of the present… Yoga became a major cornerstone in our understanding that it is imperative to befriend one’s bodily sensations in order to overcome the imprint of trauma.” Yoga is an excellent way to learn to confront internal sensations and to learn that it is safe to have these feelings and sensations.

Why does yoga help people with PTSD and C-PTSD?

People with PTSD and C-PTSD often experience alexithymia, a technical term for not being able to identify what is going on in your body. Yoga is a vital practice that can help those with PTSD or C-PTSD reconnect their mind and brain to their body, and regain a sense of themselves in the world.

As Van Der Kolk also writes, those with PTSD and C-PTSD often find it challenging to control emotions and impulses, as the relationship between the regulating systems of the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex in the brain are typically off-balance in a traumatized body. Van Der Kolk identifies two ways of navigating this imbalance – either through top-down or bottom-up regulation. Top-down regulation involves strengthening the capacity of the medial prefrontal cortex to monitor bodily sensations. Yoga and meditative practice can help with this, equipping individuals with a better capacity to self-regulate and gain control of their own bodies.

08/27/2026

Important September update! The Wednesday night restorative class has been moved to 10:30a.m. at Pointe Wellness Center (PWC).

Mon and Thursday are the same time! Yoga at the Jewish Peninsula is also restorative and requires a pre-registration so ask me if you need help!

08/21/2026

Restorative yoga at the J for September!

Treat yourself to a peaceful mid-morning escape with our gentle restorative yoga series, designed specifically with comfort and accessibility in mind. MORE INFORMATION HERE

08/16/2026

Some thoughts today as I wait to see if a friend pulls through this week. 🙏

08/16/2026

Thank you CHATS for this beautiful opportunity to serve the community in this fundraiser!

08/14/2026

Emotional regulation: keeping your cool without going cold. The ability to manage and process emotional responses in a healthy way.

08/13/2026

The light in me sees and honors the light and the great gift that is my Jewish Peninsula community 💙 Shalom.

08/09/2026

See you 8/16 for this fabulous fundraiser!

Join us on 8/16 for another incredible fundraiser featuring our therapy horses, yoga (beginner friendly), and nature!