Trauma is an exposure to an incident or series of events which are emotionally disturbing or life-threatening. Many times trauma has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s mental, physical, emotional and social functioning. Most people have experienced different levels of trauma in their life and may be experiencing trauma responses such as fight, flight, freeze or fawn frequently throughout their life. Meditation can help to release physical, mental, and emotional pain in a safe manner, which can be transformational for a person with trauma. classes at Elevated Meditations are trauma-informed. We use anchoring techniques, self-regulation techniques, and breathwork to maintain balance, manage symptoms, and to feel safe in our bodies and with our thoughts and emotions.
Trauma leaves an imprint on our physical, mental, and emotional selves that can feel impossible to heal from. However, researchers have found many ways to improve PTSD and trauma symptoms, including meditation and mindfulness.
Trauma has a way of cutting our psyche into two parts: Before and After. Meditation seeks to heal the divide trauma created by gently reminding ourselves that we are separate from the trauma—it was a thing that happened to us, not a thing we are—and by showing love to the parts of ourselves that may feel separate or alone. It reminds us that we are whole, loved, and worthy of life and goodness. This mindful approach can help release physical, mental, and emotional pain in a safe manner, which can be transformational for a person with trauma.
Classes at Elevated Meditations are trauma-informed. We use anchoring techniques, self-regulation techniques, and breathwork to maintain balance, manage symptoms, and to feel safe in our bodies and with our thoughts and emotions.
If you have experienced a trauma or are struggling with PTSD and are worried meditation might trigger you, our class leaders are trained in both trauma-informed care and meditation and can create a safe space for you to heal and recover. Talk to one of our class leaders before a class for more information or to ask them any questions.
Here are some examples of techniques used at Elevated Meditations that enable a trauma-informed meditation practice:
Meditation is a very spiritual process. It involves letting go of the physical body to venture into our thoughts, emotions, and inner self. That’s why anchoring is so important. Anchoring is intentionally paying attention to an external or internal sensation that grounds us in the here and now.
Anchoring is incredibly important when dealing with PTSD symptoms to prevent and pull back from flashbacks, memories, and deeply negative emotions. It reminds you that you are safe and in the present moment, which can allow meditation to continue its healing properties.
Anchoring techniques that our team uses during meditation classes in Colorado Springs include:
One of the benefits of meditation is increased self-regulation. Part of this is the natural healing benefits of meditation, and part of is through the practice we get from meditation.
As we meditate, it’s normal to experience uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or body sensations. While we are used to pulling away from these thoughts and numbing them with distractions, meditation provides us with the space to relax into the comfort and peace we have created. Then we can remind ourselves of the healing truth inside of us. We can do this through two different ways:
Breathwork is another way to ground ourselves and remind ourselves of our safety and power. Studies have even shown that breathwork in meditation is a powerful tool to decrease PTSD symptoms.
Breathwork is a foundation of meditation and can be especially helpful when dealing with trauma and PTSD symptoms. Some breathwork techniques our team at Elevated Meditations in Colorado Springs use include:
Meditation can help people dealing with trauma and PTSD. At Elevated Meditation we practice trauma-informed meditations, giving participants the best opportunity to achieve internal peace, growth, and healing.
If you are concerned about having a traumatic reaction during the experience, please let us know prior to the class. We can customize your experience and provide you with options to help you feel safe and secure with us.
