Yoga and Psychotherapy: Transformation Through Self-Discovery
Discovering the transformative power of yoga was a pivotal moment for me back in 2012, within the inviting walls of Purple Yoga in Long Beach. Previously, my attempts at yoga had been at a local LA Fitness, guided by a sweet and charming older Greek instructor. Despite her charm, the poses were a challenge. However, Purple Yoga sparked a newfound connection with my body, allowing me to create shapes I never imagined possible.
Amidst the whirlwind of a new relationship (with then BF, now husband), graduate school, and an internship at Pasadena's Peace Over Violence (a nonprofit aiding survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence), I committed to attending Purple Yoga three times a week. It was no easy feat with a part-time job in Seal Beach added to the mix.
In the beginning, the poses were a struggle. Warrior 2’s and the chair pose tested my endurance. Thighs shaking, I often found myself abandoning the pose prematurely. Yet, I remained committed, attending classes even on tired days, steadily pushing through.
With time, my practice deepened, and I observed a significant increase in my threshold for discomfort. The once unbearable burn became manageable. I celebrated each incremental progress, holding poses for seconds longer with each session.
Yoga, much like therapy, involves pushing through discomfort. In therapy, as clients confront past traumas, emotions surge, akin to the burn in a challenging yoga pose. The initial impulse is to escape, echoing my early struggles in yoga class. Yet, as capacity grows, emotional resilience develops, allowing clients to navigate the waves of emotions and unveil fresh insights.
Creating a safe space is crucial in both yoga and therapy. Purple Yoga provided an emotionally secure environment for me to explore my practice. Similarly, therapy necessitates a safe space for clients to play with self-discovery, take emotional risks, and verbalize unspoken thoughts.
If you're seeking a safe space for self-exploration, understanding, and building emotional resilience, consider reaching out through our website at nurtureandhealcounseling.com or call 424-209-8959 for a free consultation. Embark on your journey with a gentle guide and discover the transformative power of therapy. Also, don't miss out on our podcast, Kamalayan: Conversations To Self-Awareness, for valuable insights to help make living a little more interesting and meaningful.
