An inspiring collection of essays that reveal the healing power of yoga,
Survivors on the Yoga Mat is an ideal companion for trauma survivors
and yoga teachers alike. Weaving together stories from her classes,
travels, and workshops, author Becky Thompson shows the brave and unique
ways that survivors approach yoga: the creative ways that they practice,
the challenges they face, and the transformative experiences they
discover. Thompson skillfully draws connections between yoga and
social-justice activism, demonstrating how a trauma-sensitive approach
to yoga makes room for all of us--across race, class, gender, religion
and nationality.
Survivors on the Yoga Mat offers stories, reflections, and meditations
for people who are healing from a wide range of traumas--sexual abuse,
accidents, child abuse, war, illnesses, incarceration, and other
injuries. The book consists of 90 true stories--alternately funny,
surprising, and irreverent--that together provide a roadmap for
survivors on their journey to wholeness. Organized into six sections,
the book explores the challenges of beginning a yoga practice; the
unique strengths of trauma survivors; the circuitous path of healing;
yoga's value as a lifelong practice; the special role of teachers; and
the potential of yoga as an avenue for activism. Also included is a
description of Pantajali's Eight Limbs of Yoga, a list of resources, an
appendix explaining the different styles of yoga, and a beautiful photo
glossary with over 100 photos of the yoga postures mentioned in the
book.
