Join us this weekend for a deeper dive into “What is Trauma Informed Mindfulness and Yoga?” and ways to apply it in your own life and in the community.
North Port Yoga + Wellness
2525 Bobcat Village Center Road, Suite 104
North Port, FL 3488
What does it look like to develop an integrative health and wellness program for your corporation, business or clinic?
Check out our Q1 2020 Service Offerings for client, Re3 Healing + Aesthetics in Sarasota, FL. VP of Wellness Initiatives, Jelisa Difo, is spearheading a year to remember including a staff retreat, weekly classes and therapeutic private sessions, monthly open house and ongoing workshops and trainings.
Stay tuned as our service offerings continue to grow!
Interested in hosting a staff retreat that incorporates mindfulness and meditation for the workplace?
Want to know more about trauma informed approach and how mindfulness can benefit productivity, focus, and overall health and morale of employees?
Reach out at: amy@ayearinyoga.com
In Yoga Consulting’s Founder, Amy Osborne, was honored to represent Loyola Marymount University’s Graduate Yoga Studies at Yoga Expo LA on January 4th.
Amy was able to share knowledge of Trauma Informed Mindfulness, namely how stress is stored in the body, during her course entitled, “Integrative Yoga for Healing.”
The term “Integrative” or “Integral Yoga” classically derives from Sri Aurobindo’s approach to yoga as a process of self-reflection and self-knowledge, aimed at understanding the Self through Nature.
Today, “Integrative Health” is a term commonly used in clinical settings to allude to the applied wisdom of both Eastern and Western modalities applied to best serve in the individual healing process.
Integrative Yoga for Healing with Amy Osborne, M.A. E-RYT
M.A. Yoga Studies Booth at Yoga Expo LA
On Friday, January 31st, I will have the honor of guiding Charlotte County social workers through an all day Keynote presentation highlighting the science and practice of trauma informed mindfulness. Attendees are social workers specifically assigned to working with mothers and children under the age of 5 who have/are engaged in heavy substance abuse.
In the morning, we’ll be reviewing evidence based research on Trauma, Mindfulness and Children, specifically focused on Dr. Bessel von der Kolk’s book, “The Body Keeps the Score.” Applying a trauma informed lens, we can perceive others’ behavior as a reflection of the present moment state of their nervous system. By working with the body’s system to re-regulate through mindfulness, meditation and yoga (asana) practices, both physical and mental health patterns can improve.
Learn more about Trauma, Mindfulness and Children in this NIH study.
In the afternoon, we will integrate what we’ve learned through mindfulness, meditation and yogasana practices, as well as reviewing Trauma Informed Ethics and Teaching Methodology. This is their time to play, relax, recharge – let go and receive.
I look forward to guiding Charlotte County’s social workers in a relaxing, educational and hopefully enlightening day of Trauma Informed Mindfulness study and practice.
Thank you to Diane Ramseyer and Sue Sorenson for giving me with this opportunity, as friends of our home studio North Port Yoga + Wellness.
Onward!
In Yoga,
Amy
Dear All,
It’s been a while since I’ve felt ready to sit down (or in my case, stand up) and write.
The focus has been on growth.
And with radical growth comes discomfort, mental/emotional fatigue, introversion and coping. It took me a while to realize, these are not moments to be shunned and shamed. These are as real as the joyful moments. They are part of me. And how I react is part of me. So who do I want to be? How do I want to show up for growth?
I recently (in September) moved back to Los Angeles to take on the role of Program Associate for Graduate Yoga Studies at Loyola Marymount University (big shoes to fill, from Sarah Herrington, founder of OM Schooled and author of Idiot’s Guide to Yoga). I am honored to be serving with my teacher, Dr. Christopher Key Chapple, for what I have deemed, ‘The White House of Yoga,’ a think tank for ‘next steps’ in the evolution of Yoga and Yoga Therapy in the States; supported and funded in part by Indian institutions and scholars. (Check out their ‘first of their kind programs in the nation’ here.)
However exciting, jumping into a new academic year with three days to “settle in,” growth inevitably occurred. I increased my time management and task efficiency, and was challenged to more clearly define my work life boundaries. When does work end? At the beginning of a new chapter, what type of life do I want to create? What do I want to leave more space for? And the perennial: How do I balance it all?
Growth. Because of growth – namely in this instance, the support, dedication and kindness of a community of Yoga aspirants in North Port, FL – “the studio” North Port Yoga + Wellness is moving into a 33% larger space on January 1st. Tangible growth.
When Angel + Matt Loflin joined as co-owners, we dreamed of this space. We named two conjoined spaces – one dedicated to massage therapy, acupuncture and energy healing work (“Wellness”) and one dedicated to classes and trainings in Yoga tradition (Not fitness, but exclusively highlighting Eastern, Western, and Oriental Yoga methodology, including Tai Chi, Qi Gong, in a modern context). We dreamed we would create a safe space for healing and self-discovery for the community to come together. We would become known for our high quality teachers and trainings. We would use Yoga as our ethics, as our business mentor. We would give of ourselves whenever possible in awareness of the law of karma and our imminent abundance in exchange for selfless service (Seva). We would give, give, give to this space so it had a chance to thrive. We knew if we did it right by staying grounded in Yoga, we had no choice but to succeed.
So far so good.
How does Yoga really tie in here? (No, Yoga’s not magic – or a religion.)
Re: Bhagavad Gita (reportedly on the night stand of the greatest paradigm shifters of our time: Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Caser Chavez):
“To action alone you have a right and never to its fruits. Let not your motive be the fruits of action; nor let there be in you any attachment to inaction.
Fixed in yoga, O winner of wealth, do your work, renouncing attachment and remaining even-minded in both success and failure. This equanimity of mind is called Yoga” (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, verses 47-48, Murthy 1995).
It’s one thing to read it and another to live it.
Now try living it in business…”even-minded in both success and failure.”
I am so thankful to have been gifted partners in business and in life who are similarly guided by a spiritual life; meaning for me here: a sense of greater purpose. We share an excitement for our individual paths (preferred methods and modalities) and shared dharma (to provide a center for healing, to heal ourselves, and to help provide healing for others) which time and time again, puts gas in the tank.
We know we will be rewarded because as long as we have trusted and shown up to do the work, we have always had enough.
It’s both the reason for and the process of my and the studio’s growth.
I am grateful for the synchronicities that have allowed for my personal and professional evolution this year (thanks to the patience of Angel and Matt Loflin).
I am grateful for the struggle and discomfort of growth for making me who I am and who I am becoming.
I am grateful for our community (meaning here, the NPYW tribe) who’s willingness to meet me in authenticity allowed me to live into my Self for the first time.
I am grateful for the growth that comes from the unknown, and all that’s still to unfold in the coming year…
I am grateful.
This is growth in Yoga.
I see you, Growth.
In gratitude for the In Yoga community – both newcomers and those who have followed along for years – thank you for seeing me and being champions of this wild journey in Yoga.
All One,
Amy
In Yoga Consulting’s Founder, Amy Osborne, and her faithful pup, Shakti, were honored to spend the day with international yoga photographer, Robert Sturman on November 23rd. Although the photoshoot was intended to highlight meditative asana, Shakti had other plans and wouldn’t leave her Mama’s side. Protector and ultimate ham…
We are grateful for the outcome and to share the gift of these images with you all.
Happy Holidays!
Love,
Amy + Shakti
Special thanks to friend in Yoga, Robert Sturman, for the gift of his time and talent.
In Yoga Consulting in collaboration with North Port Yoga + Wellness is excited to welcome the launch of a new wellness initiative at Charlotte County Jail, including yoga, mindfulness and meditation practice for prisoners.
Learn more about the vast physical and mental benefits of yoga practice among prisoners in a National Institute of Health study here.
We are grateful for the support of Charlotte Behavioral Health Care in providing this opportunity to share, particularly CEO Victoria Scanlon.
NPYW Studio Director/Co-Owner, Angel Loflin E-RYT, met with Captain Turney and Lieutenant Long on November 26, 2019 to tour the facility, exchange information and discuss the next steps.
We appreciate your encouragement and enthusiasm as we pursue new and exciting ways to bring healing to the broader community.
The Charlotte County Jail wellness program will be managed and implemented by North Port Yoga + Wellness’ Studio Director + Co-Owner, Angel Loflin.
A special welcome + thanks to
In Yoga Consulting’s newest client!
Re3 Healing Aesthetics and Wellness’ mission statement parallels our own, to “to improve wellness both inside and out.” In partnership, we aim to offer a wide variety of holistic practices to help nourish the mind, body, and soul to improve the quality of life of Re3’s clients. We acknowledge that each patient is different and requires a thoughtful and dedicated approach to healing.
Re3 and In Yoga’s comprehensive Wellness Program “leads with the leak,” addressing dis-ease as its source. By educating clients on the science and physiology of the body and promoting techniques for self-regulation, In Yoga instructors provide the ‘missing link’ in holistic wellness through a mentally and physically embodied approach.
Following recent discussions on Re3 Healing’s needs related to Wellness Center development, we have agreed to focus on the following areas:
We look forward to all still to unfold as we kick of the new year with this new opportunity and the same goal: to provide alternative methods of healing to all.
Stay tuned as we expand our offerings at Re3 Healing and throughout the community in Sarasota, FL, Los Angeles, CA and beyond!
Love + Light,
Amy and Jelisa
I am honored to welcome Jelisa Difo, E-RYT and Reiki Healer, to the team as Vice President for Wellness Initiatives, based in SWFL. Jelisa brings a wealth of experience in community organizing and individual healing, with an emphasis on Trauma Informed methodology. Many dreams and schemes are being birthed through our collaboration.
Hello All,
I hope this finds you well and you’re preparing for a joyful, relaxing holiday break.
You will notice changes in the coming weeks and months as In Yoga Coaching + Consulting broadens its reach.
First off, I am honored to welcome Jelisa Difo, E-RYT and Reiki Healer, to the team as Vice President for Wellness Initiatives, based in SWFL. Jelisa brings a wealth of experience in community organizing and individual healing, with an emphasis on Trauma Informed methodology. Many dreams and schemes are being birthed through our collaboration. I am truly grateful to have Jelisa on board.
(Learn more about Jelisa, bio below.)
Jelisa Difo, In Yoga Consulting’s VP of Wellness InitiativesJelisa and I were thrilled to welcome our newest client, Re3 Healing Neuro Institute based in Sarasota, FL, in October 2019. As In Yoga Consulting, we have developed and are implementing a clinical therapeutic wellness program including Chair Yoga, Mindfulness Meditation, Integrative Health courses, and weekly private sessions.
Shout out to our skilled instructors (including several NPYW 200 hour training graduates): Pallavi Lowery, Carl Eisen, Lynne Zahumeny, Jelisa Difo and Chris Palladino. We look forward to all that 2020 has in store!
January 6, 2020 (Online Series Begins)
Kick off the new year with self-discovery through an immersion in traditional Yogic texts.
Samkhya Karika (1/06 – 2/07)
For registration questions, please contact: extension@lmu.edu
January 31st, 2020 (All Day)
I am honored to serve as Keynote Presenter for the Kids Thrive Conference hosted by Drug Free Charlotte County. I will be presenting on the science and methodology of childhood trauma and trauma informed mindfulness practices, primarily based on the research of Bessel von Der Kolk, M.D. in “The Body Keeps the Score.”
March 7 + 8, 2020 (9am – 6pm, daily)
Join me at the studio, North Port Yoga + Wellness, for an intensive weekend immersion in Trauma Conscious Yoga, also referred to as Trauma Informed Mindfulness. Details and registration information below.
Pre-register: $199 / Drop In: $249
Pre-register at www.northportyoga.org,
email info@northportyoga.org
or call: 941.423.5409
Questions? Give me a shout at: amy@ayearinyoga.com
Trauma Conscious Weekend Training
March 7 + 8, 2020 at North Port Yoga + Wellness, FL
What is Trauma Conscious Yoga, also referred to as Trauma Informed Mindfulness?
Did you know that stress is stored in the body, within our muscles, fascia and nervous system? The many health benefits of yoga practice derive from the body’s capacity to release stored stress or trauma through asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathwork) and meditation. In this training, you will learn the “how” and “why” of stress stored in the body, practices to release or “self-regulate,” as well as techniques to promote wellness in your everyday life.
Topics covered include:
Open and applicable to yoga students and teachers, caregivers, counselors, health professionals and all.
16 Continuing Education Hours available for Yoga Alliance members.
Jelisa Difo, E-RYT, Reiki Healer
Vice President for Wellness Initiatives
With a background in education and public service, Jelisa’s various roles are aimed at helping humanity grow. She has worked in the non-profit sector as a community organizer and event planner, and most recently as an international wellness retreat coordinator. While serving as Community Liaison in Springfield, MA and for the Board of Education in NYC, Jelisa gained experience working with diverse demographics to reach a common goal.
In 2015, Jelisa’s life took a turn for the best. It was in St. Thomas where she found her first yoga teacher and embarked on a journey of transformation. After completing her 200-hour teacher training and four years of traveling the world, she learned that yoga and meditation are best when integrated into daily life, off the mat or cushion. Whether she is practicing daily meditation, yoga, Reiki or leading a retreat, Jelisa leads with curiosity and an open heart.
Schedule private session here or e-mail: info@ayearinyoga.com
Get Away Weekend, In Mindfulness
In Yoga Collective: Trauma Conscious Community 