Yoga. church. fire.

[ashdawn8287]

So I got brave and bought 3 yoga classes to see if I like it. I have never done yoga or around other people atleast. I am nervous about this whole leaving behind the past and trying new things. Does anyone else do yoga? If so, does it help? What is a beginners yoga class like? What should I know before I attend?

My best friend (16 years) has recently started going to therapy at a church because her mom passed away. When I was little I use to go to church every Sunday with my grandpa. I am more of a quiet faith. Anyways I haven't been in a few years and I'm starting at the church my friend goes to for therapy. Her therapist gave us a book and some pamphlets, we are going next Sunday. Again, I am nervous about this, but glad my friend is going with. Who attends church regularly? Does it help? So you talk to the priest? I don't know how to begin a relationship with a place of community. Any tips?

Yesterday I decided to write fake letters to everyone who has majorly traumatized me. When writing I felt like it didn't even matter. I guess that's sad because it doesn't relate to now it doesn't matter and I can't change what happened. Watching the letters burn chaotically made me feel better. It was a way to for me to symbolize moving on and letting go and actually "see" it. Is that weird?

Also, I wrote a letter to my inner child. It made me smile. After I finished all this I went to go find a book about forgiveness in my garage. When I picked up the foegivness book, a picture if me at 4 years old smiling really big next to the Mississippi river. It was the year I got molested and the place I got molested at. My smile was incredibly big in the photo and it all made me smile. Just thought it was weird the picture fell out when I was looking for the book and after I wrote to my inner child.

 

[Leah123]

Hi, ashdawn. I'm not currently doing yoga, but I did for several months not too long ago, and I still use a couple basic poses occasionally. I enjoyed the yoga a lot. It helped me feel very centered, be aware of and relax/control my breathing, and I enjoyed the energy of the group, working in unison. I appreciated, too, just taking that time to be mindful. Of course, it's also good for flexibility and can help with sleeping. I hope you enjoy it!

 

[lovenbliss]

I have done yoga in the past. It relaxes mind a lot and can also help lose a lot of fat. There are particular yoga postures for fighting particular ailments, if you have any. Yoga can be very powerful. You don't really need to know anything before you start. You'll easily learn everything.

I also don't know how to begin a relationship in a place of community.

I have read your other posts too. You raise very good points and ask very good questions. I hope that expressing yourself is helping you heal a lot faster.

 

[WaveLength]

I have not done yoga in years, but I do love to stretch and meditate and that helps me ground myself and feel centred. What I am really replying to is the picture you found as a young girl... just recently (last week) I put a picture of me on my iPhone as the 'wallpaper', so when I go to turn the phone on or wake it up etc... I always see 'me' and that huge smile when I was 8yrs old.

That was when my sexual abuse started and lasted about 3 years; and recently, with my horrible physical feelings of flashbacks as of late have really hindered me, I find looking at that picture of me smiling and looking so innocent helps. Not sure why... only thing I can understand is there is a part of me that wants to find/remember who she was and what she (me) was thinking that day or during that time of when the picture was taken.... I suppose to find my inner child I lost so long ago. Sounds so cliche', but that is what I think I am feeling.

Good luck with your yoga and church... I know returning to church lately in the last 2months has really helped me. Namaste :-)

 

[NIKI]

I do yoga at home by myself. I love it and it does help so much. I think it is great that you are venturing out of your comfort zone. :hug:

I think writing the letters and then burning them is a great idea. In fact, it is something I am going to do now.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I've found church/god/religion to be one of the most important parts of my healing. I think I got lucky that I found a church that fits me so well. I hear so many horror stories from other people; it's scary!

My priest is familiar with trauma, so that really helps. I don't know if I have any real words of advice for you, but I wish you luck and hope you find it helpful!

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

Hi AshDawn,

Yoga helps me a lot. My problem is staying consistent with it when I need it most. When my schedule gets so busy, I let the yoga slip -- self-sabotage big-time!

I'm spiritual but not religious. I was raised Christian, but, like many folks with abuse in their childhood, the family relied on distorted concepts of Christianity to justify certain behaviors. So, church is a major triggering mechanism. I consider myself more Buddhist than anything but not in any strict way, and I'm very influenced by a lot of indigenous and nature-oriented spiritual thought.

It saddens me, though, because I'm middle-aged and finding myself very isolated. Having a sense of community would be nice, and I know "church" and "congregation" can offer that. I live in a very traditional area so alternatives to the three major religions aren't really an option here.

I do hope this church you mention is a good fit for you. When people find a "people" they can be with, it's a very nourishing thing, and I wish you the best.

 

[Kiki lou]

I have done yoga on and off for many years. I find the stretching and less quiet classes are more my speed or even doing it alone in my own home. For me it's about finding some inner peace.

I also go to church, have not always been the most spiritual person but have found a small church that is very welcoming and understanding. The priest is so kind and the community really gets to know you. The best thing about it is, there is no fire and brimstone, it is an all inclusive church, where all are welcome. Not easy to find these days, especially when you you are not having a good day, but it seems to help me. Also helps to find peace, these days I'll take it where ever I can get it.

I have tried the letter writing and burning or shredding but so far has not seemed to help too much. my therapist says maybe I am not ready so I will again in a few months.

Good luck, I hope you can find what works well for you