Have you ever felt overwhelmed or overstimulated in a yoga class, or worried about even showing up in the first place? A lot of us have had experiences of feeling VERY uncomfortable and out of place in yoga. As the teacher paces around behind, you glance at the person next to you, trying to figure out where your feet are supposed to go next - (what was it that the teacher just said?) while feeling hyper aware of the fact that no one else is in child’s pose, though that seems like a really nice place to be at the moment…. thinking “I don’t feel great in this position but don’t really know what else to do and even if I did, then I would be the odd one out…. I thought I came here to relax, but I can’t get out of my head….”
If ANY of this sounds familiar, we hope this will be the place for you to develop a different relationship with yoga, or expand the relationship you already have!
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In a trauma-informed, low sensory hatha yoga class with Mercedes, you can expect to start with a grounding practice, shift into a gentle flow, and end with a breathing practice and savasana. There will be soft music playing, low lights, no scents or smells, and no hands-on assists. The class will always have an invitational nature to it - you can choose what forms you do, you might choose pause, or move a different way, and you’ll be offered lots of different options for forms and for movement or stillness. You’ll be invited to slow down and get curious about how different forms and different types of movement feel in your body, and invited to check-in with your emotional and physical experiences throughout the class. Yoga’s roots will be named and acknowledged throughout the class. There will be room for moments of levity, joy, and laughter, as well as moments of stillness and calm.
Mercedes’ intention is that you leave the class feeling even a little bit more connected with yourself, your body, and with others.
Yoga with Mercedes
Mercedes was trained in trauma-informed yoga through Yoga Outreach and has been teaching yoga for two years.
She has taught at women’s recovery centers and at complex care sites in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
She appreciates yoga’s roots and loves learning more about yoga’s history and its journey to how it is being practiced today. She believes that spending time with what feels good in our bodies and minds is just as important as focusing on what feels tense, sticky, or difficult - and she likes to highlight and resource what is feeling good for you throughout her class.
Mercedes is one of our Registered Clinical Counsellors - more about Mercedes and her work as a counsellor HERE.
FAQ
What does trauma informed and low sensory look like?
Anyone is welcome - this class still has all the good feels of a typical yoga class! Movement, breath, mindfulness and a solid relaxation at the end
LOTS of space for invitation and choice - this is the priority! Want to lay on the floor for an hour, or halfway through ? Come on in.
Soft music, and minimal/no scents
No hands on assists
How do i sign up?
Since we are a counselling clinic with no reception, things will be a little different than a regular studio! You can still sign up on Jane (as you do for counselling) - just find the date on our online calendar HERE and make sure you sign our informed consent and put a credit card on file before you come to class.
We are a small, cozy studio - registration is required to ensure everyone has a spot!
How do i cancel my class?
Your credit card will be charged 24 hrs before class, but you can cancel anytime before then by emailing our front desk (connect@newtides.ca)
Is this class beginner friendly? What if i have an injury?
This class is ABSOLUTELY beginner friendly, but has much to offer for experienced movers as well. If you have any questions or concerns about anything, including injuries, you can chat with Mercedes prior to class, or send us an email ahead of time at connect@newtides.ca
What do i bring?
Bring yourself, and a water bottle! If you have your own yoga mat, blocks, or bolsters (or even cozies/pillows/whatever makes you feel like comfy for relaxation at the end of the class!), bring them along! We have yoga mats available if needed, but no props, as we are a small, multi-functional space with no storage.
You are also welcome to bring a journal if you like to reflect during or at the end of class.