Childhood trauma is something that we may not think can affect us when we are no longer exposed to it—but often that is when the unraveling of how it has affected us begins. Surviving sexual abuse as a child while witnessing other forms of abuse that appeared normal to my family–paired with burnout as an adult—led me to many years of several kinds of therapy.
At one point, one of my many doctors recommended yoga which became my turning point toward holistic health and healing. No one ever connected any of my ailments to the abuses I witnessed and endured as a child. Still, through the practice of yoga, I discovered that my body is my most valuable asset and that just breathing consciously could be the first step to reconnecting with it.
I am not alone in this experience. We are a country and world that has become sick, overworked, traumatized, immobile, and overstressed. Since yoga saved my life over the last 30 years in every way I just mentioned, it is now my calling to introduce yoga in a friendly and welcoming manner so that others can decide if they want to choose it as a modality to decrease their symptoms.
Yoga’s Arc, an Arizona-based mobile yoga company, was born through my healing journey. I now spend my time serving yoga teachers and clients. I’m also known as the “Yoga Momma” who spends my time life coaching, mentoring, and serving to help others. Like me, most have had traumatic experiences. Part of my ongoing healing is to hold space for yoga teachers so they can become the best yoga teachers they can be.
I credit many things for bringing me to where I stand today—from following God to overcoming the trauma of sexual abuse, leading and educating at-risk kids in gangs, and counseling those in need—to nearly 30 years of teaching yoga.
Teaching yoga and witnessing others’ healing experiences through yoga is a deep part of my healing journey—a gift I give thanks to God for every day.
