Embodiment Practices for TIC

Welcome to this TIC Embodiment offering! We look forward to exploring the grounding and regulation possible through internally attuned, intentional engagement that honors both the emotional and physical sensations of reorganizing and processing that may arise throughout this series.

Many of the movements and postures offered here, as well as the theoretical concepts that underlie them, are influenced by yogic science that originates from South Asia.

This offering was developed in partnership with T. Aisha Edwards, LMHC and Tara Sonali Miller from Radical Rest.

Foundations of Trauma Informed Embodiment: Trauma Informed Oregon and Radical Rest (workbook cover image)

Reflection Journal

This reflection journal is designed to accompany the videos below to support reflections on the foundations of embodiment. All questions and suggested activities are optional.

Embodiment and regulation are crucial for emergency management and disaster workers. These professionals are often exposed to acutely stressful, and sometimes traumatic, situations. Ongoing exposure to stress can impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the workforce. Stress activation can influence access to key skills to these professions, including decision-making, sensory input, impulse control, and empathy. This journal offers additional reflections to support these professionals. However, it is a useful tool for anyone invested in these embodiment practices.

square bulletMeet Your Healer-Facilitators!!!

T. Aisha Edwards, LMHC

T. Aisha Edwards, LMHC

Aisha (xe/she) is a somatic trauma therapist and educator based in Vancouver WA. Xe received xer Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University and has concentrated on socialized oppressions, interpersonal violence, abuse and neglect in marginalized populations throughout xer decade-plus career. Xe uniquely weaves Gestalt, Somatic Experiencing, Early Developmental Movement Therapies, NeuroEmotional Technique and concepts from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western and Indigenous Herbalism into a holistic approach to mental health that fosters the primary relationship with the body as the vehicle to wellness, wholeness and connection.

Tara Miller Healer-Facilitator Team Tara (they/she) is a yoga and movement teacher, facilitator, community educator, and writer

Tara Miller

Tara (they/she) is a yoga and movement teacher, facilitator, community educator, and writer. Tara co-owns and stewards The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center, where she also teaches yoga & movement classes and co-directs the SOMA School of Yoga and Somatics. They have extensive experience in managing programs in the fields of higher education, grant-making, government, healthcare, and housing. Her deepest love and passion is writing - this currents through all of their work, both creative and systemic.

square bulletPreparations & Precautions

T. Aisha Edwards, LMHC and Tara Sonali Miller initiate the Trauma Informed Embodiment series, offering an opportunity for participants to deepen their connection with their bodies. Given that embodiment work may be activating for some participants, Aisha and Tara begin their discussion by offering both preparations and precautions for moving through the series content with choicefulness and care.

The following considerations are encouraged when initiating an exploration of Trauma Informed Embodiment:

  • Open space, preferably that allows for free movement on the floor A sturdy chair without arms can be used to aid in the embodiment movements
  • Padding for floor exercises, such as a blanket, towel, or yoga mat

The activities and movements presented throughout this series are framed as suggestions and participants are encouraged to engage in a way that honors their bodies and needs. Embodiment work can bring up a breadth of experiences and sensations in the body as the vestibular system, which aids in orienting and organizing the body, becomes overwhelmed. Feelings of nausea and dizziness may be signs that it is time to pause. The activities and movements may be resumed once your body feels ready to continue. Embodiment work may also introduce an emotional impact and tearfulness as tension and stress is released. Participants are encouraged to pause and take a break if necessary. Panickiness may also manifest as the body reorganizes and processes, inviting another opportunity to take a moment and pause. A final consideration involves dissociation, which may be experienced through stiffness, a sensation of constriction, or disconnection from the body. Embodiment seeks to build connections within the body, and participants experiencing feelings of dissociation are encouraged to slow down and take a break if necessary.

These movements and activities are offered to aid in grounding the body during times of dissociation or emotional overwhelm:

  • Shaking the body vigorously to allow energy to diffuse
  • Pushing against the floor or wall with your hands
  • Twisting on the bodily midline, turning the upper body to one side to stretch the core
  • Giving yourself a hug, wrapping your arms around the upper body
  • Allowing emotions to flow through your body, paying attention to your needs and physical sensations
  • Laying in the fetal position or flat on your back, allowing yourself to experience the sensation of yielding into gravity and bodily support of the floor or chair
  • Somatic unwinding, or noticing what the body is wanting and allowing it to move in that way.

square bulletPresencing

This module introduces the practice of presencing, offering an opportunity to learn how to “arrive in our bodies” through using a wall to assist with stretching and movements. Participants are encouraged to use an open space on the floor or a chair if using the wall feels uncomfortable. Presencing begins with tracking sensations throughout the body, feeling the support of the wall, floor, or chair while visually exploring the immediate environment. Participants are then invited to turn their attention to the other senses, experiencing their body and surroundings through sound and smell. A series of exercises are then incorporated into the presencing process to establish an awareness of both external and internal sensations, maintaining a focus on intentional breathing and movement practices.

square bulletAwareness & Orientation

This module guides us through an exploration of organizing our attention and establishing a habitual practice of using this attention. This attention can then be used to track and arrive at areas that need attention within our bodies. As an awareness and orientation to the body and its sensations is practiced, this module welcomes you to participate in exercises on the floor. Similar to previous modules, you are welcome to use a chair or any modifications to these exercises that allow for comfortable engagement. At a point during the video, the practice of “hand-eye tracking” is introduced, afterwich those using exercise modifications are welcome to transition to a rest position or child’s pose [approximately minute 20:00]. This consideration is essential for those with spine, neck, or head injuries, as the final exercise involves a “head spiral” movement and may pose a risk of pain or further injury. Aisha will remind those following along to use the modified exercises at this point in the module. Upon concluding this module, you are encouraged to consider the changes in your body due to these practices, the quality of presence in the body, and where your attention is able to rest.

square bulletExcitation & Mobilization

This module moves us towards the phase of discharging and moving through the energy that may be trapped in the body in moments of toxic stress and trauma. Tara will demonstrate these exercises while lying in an open space on the floor, however, you are welcome to modify these movements by using a chair to ensure safe and comfortable participation. Those engaging while on the floor are encouraged to use a pillow or folded blanket to rest the head during these movements. Throughout this module, if you begin to experience signs of activation or emotional overwhelm, please feel free to return to a rest pose, modeled by both Tara and Aisha for those engaging from the floor or a seated position, or otherwise pause. Module One also offers an overview of trauma-informed practices for addressing activation through movement and somatic exercises.

square bulletAction

This module offers a practice centered around moving with and releasing your body’s energy. Participants are welcome to use an open space on the floor with a pillow or folded blanket for support, or engage in the exercises while seated in a chair. During the “bridge lift” movement, if for any reason this exercise does not work for your body, participants are encouraged to engage in a modified option through transitioning into a lunge-push position. Tara and Aisha will demonstrate these positions, and provide a reminder to pause or skip the movement at any point. Throughout the video, Aisha will be using a chair to complete some exercises, however, participants are encouraged to use a wall, or alternative modification, to complete these movements. As you conclude this module, consider how these actions support your ‘felt sense’, noticing any shifts or changes in the body along with places where energy may be opened or sticky.

square bulletContact & Discharge

This module offers a series of exercises that allow energy to be released from the body, and can be engaged in from an open space on the floor with a pillow or folded blanket for support, or a seated position in a chair. Additionally, Aisha and Tara will demonstrate modifications to certain exercises, such as using a wall to aid in supporting the body, to ensure a supported energy discharge practice. As you conclude this module, take a moment to notice any shifts that have occurred in your body through your practice, whether it is within your physical, emotional, or spiritual body, and stay in a rest position for as long as is comfortable.