What Yoga Teaches Us about Youth Overcoming Adversity. Mira Krishnan, PhD, ABPP

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1 What Yoga Teaches Us about Youth Overcoming Adversity Mira Krishnan, PhD, ABPP

2 Outline What do we know about yoga and traumatized populations? What is yoga, where did it come from, and how does modern practice compare to its history? How does yoga align with therapeutic techniques and goals for youth in residential care? How can yoga be integrated with different faith-based and secular philosophies? A look at youth and family perspectives

3 Yoga is of increasing interest in healthcare Yoga references in Pubmed (est)

4 Physical health benefits Improved glycemic control in T2DM (Thind et al., 2017) Reduction in blood pressure (Park & Han, 2017) Initial evidence for reducing waistline in metabolic syndrome (Cramer et al., 2016) Initial evidence for improving lipid management (Posadzki, 2016) Initial evidence for reducing side-effects of chemotherapy (Lin et al, 2018)

Mental health Cramer (2017) review of yoga effects on depression Data still limited Did not find a significant difference between yoga and other aerobic

5 Mental health Cramer (2017) review of yoga effects on depression Data still limited Did not find a significant difference between yoga and other aerobic exercise In the short term, yoga provided comparable benefits to antidepressant medication, but little research into using it as complementary instead of as alternative

Eight RCT s studying yoga in children Published between 2010-2016 with total of ~400 participants Studies ranged from 4 weeks long to 52 weeks long 7 of 8 studies showed some kind of positive finding

6 Eight RCT s studying yoga in children Published between with total of ~400 participants Studies ranged from 4 weeks long to 52 weeks long 7 of 8 studies showed some kind of positive finding Nanthakumar (2018) Review Sampling of benefits include reduced involuntary stress / improved stress tolerance / lower anger, reduction in rumination, depression, low mood or negative affect, lower cortisol levels

A little history (Bushak, 2015; Basavaraddi, 2015) Wikimedia The origin of the term yoga is around 1500 BC or earlier In Sanskrit yoga means something like a yoking In Vedic scripture sometimes used

7 A little history (Bushak, 2015; Basavaraddi, 2015) Wikimedia The origin of the term yoga is around 1500 BC or earlier In Sanskrit yoga means something like a yoking In Vedic scripture sometimes used to describe a hero transcending life and entering heaven Over time, became a set of practices and beliefs used particularly by monks their goal was to put themselves in a state that allowed them to pursue enlightenment The sage Patanjali compiled an understanding of yoga in a series of sutras (a kind of densely worded aphorism in Sanskrit, Nischala Joy Devi points out that sutra and the English word suture are related) around 400 AD

8 Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodhah Yoga calms the whirlpool of the thoughts

Fickr @Wonderlane Consider that, at the time of classical yoga, there was no clear distinction between secular and religious life The modern concept of schooling did not exist (the first university

9 Consider that, at the time of classical yoga, there was no clear distinction between secular and religious life The modern concept of schooling did not exist (the first university is thought to be Al-Karaouine in 859 AD) History On the other hand, the monks learning yoga were young people, in a phase of selfdiscovery and learning, pursuing education and a holistic sense of identity (seems familiar?)

10 We shrink when the mind shrinks and expand when the mind expands. -Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

11 Self-luminosity is the mind s innate attribute. It empowers the mind to discern, decide, and act...when directed outward, the mind unveils the mysteries pertaining to the external world: we become scientists -Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

12 Yoga doesn t create the sacred. It merely reveals it in many beautiful ways. -Monette Chilson

13 The greatest wisdom is the insights experienced in our own hearts. This is the wisdom we cannot deny. The more we trust and honor it, the more it guides us. -Nischala Joy Devi

14 Yamas (morality) Samadhi (Divine union) Niyamas (Observance) Dhyana (Meditation) Yoga Asanas (Posture) Dharana (Concentration) Pratyahara (Sense control) Pranayama (Breathing) The vast majority of modern yoga practice is here (so I won t spend as much time talking about it)

15 Yamas (reflection of our true nature) Ahimsa Non-violence or reverence for all Satya Not deceiving, or embracing truth and integrity Asteya Not stealing or showing generosity Brahmacharya Chastity or balance and moderation Aparigraha Lacking greed or cultivating an attitude of plenty

16 Sadhguru It has always seemed odd to me that the world does not realize the immensity of a state of I do not know. Those who destroy that state with beliefs and assumptions completely miss an enourmous possibility the possibility of knowing. They forget that I do not know is the doorway the only doorway to seeing and knowing.

17 Niyamas (evolution toward harmony) Saucha Simplicity, purity, and refinement Santosha Contentment, peace with oneself and others Tapas Igniting the purifying flame, developing selfdiscipline Swadhaya Sacred study of the Divine (introspection) Iswara Pranidhana Wholehearted devotion

18 Students are those who receive only a little light of truth. But disciples are those who follow completely and steadfastly, dedicated and devoted, until they have found their own freedom in God. -Paramahansa Yogananda

Wikimedia But Pops gave me the right type'a tools to think with Books to read, like X and stuff Cause the schools said the kids had dyslexia In art class I was a compulsive sketcher of Teachers in my

19 Wikimedia But Pops gave me the right type'a tools to think with Books to read, like X and stuff Cause the schools said the kids had dyslexia In art class I was a compulsive sketcher of Teachers in my homeroom, I drew pix to mess them up Cause none'a them would like my style Read more books than the curriculum profile Said, "Mr. Jones please come get your child Cause he's writin' mad poems and his verses are wild -NaS

These two together are sometimes also referred to as hatha yoga (hatha means sunmoon, it can be understood as a willful aspect of yoga, like the power of gravity, or as a balancing aspect of yoga,

20 These two together are sometimes also referred to as hatha yoga (hatha means sunmoon, it can be understood as a willful aspect of yoga, like the power of gravity, or as a balancing aspect of yoga, like the sharing of the sky by the sun and moon) Asana and Pranayama Includes familiar deep breathing but also other breathing techniques such as alternate nostril breathing, with an emphasis on mindfulness and even joy in breathing (e.g., anapanasati, the mindfulness of breathing)

enough the converse of this is the science of asanas.

21 To put it in the simplest way, just by observing the way some people sit, you can almost know what is happening with them, if you have known them long enough the converse of this is the science of asanas. If you consciously get your body into different postures, you can elevate your consciousness. -Sadhguru

Wikimedia Pratyahara, or sense control Prior to the yoga sutra, the Bhagavad Gita encapsulates many of the same concepts as the yoga sutra Here, an allegory is drawn between two parts

22 Wikimedia Pratyahara, or sense control Prior to the yoga sutra, the Bhagavad Gita encapsulates many of the same concepts as the yoga sutra Here, an allegory is drawn between two parts of a royal family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas Arjuna is fighting his own kin, but metaphorically, wisdom and enlightenment are fighting a sense army led by a blind (to wisdom) king

23 Cross-reference Here, think about sensory diets that we implement via occupational therapy, break access, fidgets, etc. Mastery of the senses lies not in denying that they exist but in refusing to be enslaved by them Pratyahara flows from asana and pranayama, which prime the brain and body to appreciate the senses (e.g., ecstatic joy from simply breathing vs. needing some external sensory stimulation)

That s exactly what I was doing when I consciously removed myself from my migraine pain as a child I walked out to the edge of a wooded area and listened, really listened.

24 That s exactly what I was doing when I consciously removed myself from my migraine pain as a child I walked out to the edge of a wooded area and listened, really listened. I closed my eyes and surrendered my sight. I didn t take note of the scents blowing toward me. I banished the to-do list that had been running through my head. The mocking voice saying, You ll never get it all done! vanished. I heard birds, unconcerned about Christmas cards or shopping lists, carrying on lively conversations. I imagined what they might be saying. I listened to the cold air rustling the grasses and trees. I heard larger animals racoons? rabbits? moving through the underbrush and squirrels scampering in the canopy above. The whole experience a simple pratyahara practice lasted less than five minutes, but it left me refreshed and ready to move through my day less frantically. -Monette Chilson

26 Dharana and Dhayana (contemplation & meditation) and Samadhi A fit with many things we do (neurofeedback, mindfulness training, thought labeling and stopping, etc.) In yoga a progression that distills awareness from specific thoughts or experiences

Not all forms of memory deter us from our inner quest. Only unwanted memories, which capture our mind and force it to drop the object of meditation, act as impediments.

27 Not all forms of memory deter us from our inner quest. Only unwanted memories, which capture our mind and force it to drop the object of meditation, act as impediments. Deleting memories or attempting to make the mind blank will not ensure that we reach samadhi. Instead, we must master the art of selecting only one train of thought, depositing that train of thought in our memory field, and staying focused on it so well that other memories have no opportunity to surface. This requires training our mind to attend to its meditative focus and refrain from engaging in thoughts that lie outside the domain of its current pursuit. - Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

28 20 sec. Oil produces little softening effect 2 min, Oil begins to absorb into the leather 30 min. Oil is completely absorbed, leaving leather soft and pliable, no residue Analogy between Dharana, Dhayana, and Samadi (N. J. Devi)

29 We will only just remember how it feels Little Wonders / Meet the Robinsons

30 Joy or Psychiatric Stability Most people think peace and joy are the goals of the spiritual life. This is a fallacy. Peace and joy are the basic requirements for a life of well-being when being peaceful, blissful, and joyous are not efforts anymore, you naturally start seeking, want to know the nature of life. -Sadhguru Self actualization Esteem Love / Belonging Safety Physiological Needs

31 Once you taste the joy of living in beauty and love, you no longer find anything captivating about suffering. -Nischala Joy Devi

32 Consider this experiential model within the frame of identity development (Pasupathi, 2014) Continuity Coherence Distinctiveness

33 As an outcome and also as a process (Adler, 2011) Reconstructed past, perceived present, anticipated future Narrative identity Sense of purpose, meaning, unity, and coherence

34 Yoga in its completeness is a way of life that allows for total transformation. But the physical postures, or asanas, can serve as an introduction to this distinguished wisdom tradition. Asanas reintroduce us to our bodies. Once we become friends with the physical, going inward to the spiritual becomes easier. Yoga in its completeness is a way of life that allows for total transformation. -Nischala Joy Devi

Re-thinking how we teach (or therapize) Unfortunately, we have forgotten the real meaning of the word. Guru literally means dispeller of darkness.

35 Re-thinking how we teach (or therapize) Unfortunately, we have forgotten the real meaning of the word. Guru literally means dispeller of darkness. The function of the guru, contrary to popular belief, is not to teach, indoctrinate, or convert. The guru is here to throw light on dimensions beyond your sensory perceptions and your psychological drama, dimensions that you are currently unable to perceive. The guru is here, fundamentally, to throw light on the very nature of your existence. Knowing this is yoga. One who embodies this is a yogi. One who guides you in this direction is a guru. -Sadhguru

36 Yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system or community; it has always been approached as a technology for inner wellbeing. Anyone who practices yoga with involvement can reap its benefits, irrespective of one s faith, ethnicity or culture. -Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi

37 Religious and secular beliefs: some overlap Religious practice Observance Prayer Scripture Spiritual practice Belief Meditation Mindfulness Secular practice Science emphasis Rationality Humanism

38 Pearce et al. (2015) Religious CBT Antecedent Behavior Consequence Disputing Activation of Beliefs / Resources Effective New Belief This could really be applied to religious, spiritual, or secular belief systems or resource networks

39 Yamas (morality) Samadhi (Divine union) Niyamas (Observance) Dhyana (Meditation) Yoga Asanas (Posture) Dharana (Concentration) Pranayama (Breathing) Pratyahara (Sense control)

40 Right intention Right view Right livelihood Right mindfulness Buddhism Right action Right concentration Right speech Right effort

41 Morals Joyfulness Ethics Mindfulness Secular model Physical activity Concentration Deep breathing Mastery of senses

Going wrong Yoga is probably about as good as any other flavor of the month, as far as flavors of the month go Because yoga is deeply experiential, setting firm time limits, goals, expectations can

42 Going wrong Yoga is probably about as good as any other flavor of the month, as far as flavors of the month go Because yoga is deeply experiential, setting firm time limits, goals, expectations can be counterproductive The discipline yoga calls for can conflict with problem focused, brief care models, especially, if the role is isolated to solving the immediate problem rather than supporting the youth towards their future

If I have not finished then I should finish and complete by my own count. From this practice, I also learn not to compete with other and understand myself more.

43 If I have not finished then I should finish and complete by my own count. From this practice, I also learn not to compete with other and understand myself more. I really like yoga, because it is like training but it is different, it is calm training. And my favorite pose is crow pose. Centering Youth Voices Rahmayani, 2015

Centering Youth Voices With yoga you think more clearly helps you not act irrationally more tolerant and open to different personalities and it s easier to cross paths with someone and become friends.

44 Centering Youth Voices With yoga you think more clearly helps you not act irrationally more tolerant and open to different personalities and it s easier to cross paths with someone and become friends. I like it (the yoga) I am a fast person, being loud yoga helps me step out of that and relax put my phone down and relax. You could be yourself... the one environment and are not graded on your ability to do something you are just doing something to better yourself. Wang & Hagins, 2015

45 Centering Youth Voices Yes, it was relaxing. Yoga is bomb! I am interested in mindfulness, but it takes space and time. That is not possible when you have a kid. Lillebo, 2017

46 Thank you!

Yoga Essentials WORKSHOP 1 8 LIMBS

Yoga Essentials WORKSHOP 1 8 LIMBS What is Yoga? Union - of the the body, breath & mind > union with the universe What happens when this is achieved - stillness, clarity, samadhi Yoga chitta vritti nirodha