The Biography Becomes the Biology:

A Yoga Perspective on Somatic Healing-

Before I dive in too deeply on this topic - I need to express the joy I have in this work. When I choose my topics to write about, it is something I am working on or reading about, or practicing for myself of those around me. I know its power, its wisdom, and yet I am not without my human-ness of falling back. Often times when life tosses us around, the engrained old habits rear up. For me, I am quick to express anger, others retreat, and yet others disassociate. We have patterns, the point of it all is to see them and to witness them, and ultimately to choose if it is serving us or not. Then we make conscious choices, rather than rinse and repeat time and time again. The gift of this is to share it. And this is why I write, teach, lead, guide, reveal, choose honesty and share my ideas. One of my favorite teachers said "You cannot keep what you have, without giving some of it away".

The stories we carry shape us. Not just in how we perceive the world, but in how our bodies respond to it. From a yogic lens, this connection between our biography—our lived experiences—and our biology—the physical manifestations of those experiences—is undeniable. As yoga practitioners and teachers, we often explore the interplay of mind, body, and spirit, understanding that what we live through leaves imprints on all three layers.

The Subtle Body and the Samskaras

Yoga philosophy speaks of samskaras, the impressions or grooves left by our past actions, thoughts, and experiences. These impressions, though subtle, influence our behaviors and decisions. Over time, unresolved emotions or traumas can embed themselves deeply into our being. While modern science identifies chronic stress as a precursor to many illnesses, yoga reveals how these imprints manifest as disruptions in the flow of prana (life force), leading to dis-ease in the physical body.

One of my favorite authors and teachers, Dr. Peter Levine, a pioneer in somatic experiencing, echoes this understanding:"Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness."

When we are unable to process difficult emotions or experiences, they become locked within the body. Levine's work aligns with yogic principles, as it emphasizes the need to address these held energies through body-based practices to restore harmony.

The Wisdom of Gabor Maté

Dr. Gabor Maté, renowned for his work on trauma and addiction, adds another layer:"The body says no when the mind cannot."

Maté's insights reveal that suppressed emotions often lead to physical illness. This aligns with the yogic concept of kleshas—the mental afflictions or obstacles that cause suffering. When we deny our emotions or disconnect from our bodies, we allow these afflictions to deepen, resulting in stress-related conditions, chronic pain, or autoimmune disorders.

The Role of Somatic Healing in Yoga

In yoga, somatic healing is the bridge between biography and biology. Practices like breathwork (pranayama), mindful movement (asana), and meditation cultivate awareness, allowing us to notice where we hold tension or pain. These tools help release the physical and energetic blockages that our lived experiences have created.

For example, gentle hip-opening postures can help access stored emotions, as the hips are often called the "junk drawer" of the body. Twists and heart-opening poses encourage detoxification—not just physically, but emotionally as well. When approached with compassion and mindfulness, these practices invite us to rewrite the stories etched into our tissues. This is not to say simply by moving we are healing, it is the combination of intentions around the movement and diving into the inner work with it.

Embodied Awareness

Healing is not about erasing our past but learning to hold it with grace. Yoga teaches us to approach our bodies as sacred texts, reading the subtle signs of imbalance with curiosity and love. Through consistent practice, we can transform our pain into wisdom and our wounds into strength.

As Maté and Levine remind us, the body holds the key to healing. And yoga, in its profound simplicity, offers the tools to unlock it. By addressing the body with compassion and intentionality, we not only heal ourselves but reweave the stories of our lives into narratives of resilience and growth.

If you’re feeling called to explore this connection, start with gentle somatic yoga practices, journaling your experiences as you move. With time, the body will reveal the wisdom it holds—and guide you toward wholeness.

In January we will start a new group session over the course of 3 months, using Dr. Levine and Dr. Mates books as our guide to the inner work. These group sessions will meet 1 time a week online as a community - you will be reading/journaling indepentently throughout the course, with a schedule. Yoga & Meditation classes will be provided, and one on one sessions once a month- or as needed

Direct message me to enroll. January 12th is day 1.

Investment is 2 books and $222.