Each of us is drawn to the practice of yoga for different reasons, and our paths may not always be so linear. Marie Belle took her first yoga class in college as a sort of exploratory experience, but it wasn't until graduate school that she sought out the yoga mat for a different reason.

In April 2007, a shooter took the campus of Virginia Tech hostage, killing 32 people before taking his own life. Marie Belle survived that event but was left to pick up the pieces of what came next. Although she was studying for a doctorate in psychology, there is no way to predict or prepare oneself for trauma or for the healing that comes after. Trauma can manifest in many ways, and Marie shares her experience with post-traumatic stress and the mentors who guided her along her yoga path.

Taking a trauma-informed perspective to yoga practice can enhance not only the way you personally practice yoga but also in how you teach it. Marie never had any intention of becoming a yoga teacher when she took her first teaching classes. She initially took these classes to build her own practice and ultimately rebuild her relationship with herself and her body. Trauma can pull us out of our bodies, and yoga creates a safe space to bring all the pieces of yourself back together.

Marie takes a positive psychology approach when she discusses her own trauma, and she shares how that perspective continues to influence her yoga practice and how she teaches yoga today. Yoga showed her a different path, one of growth, acceptance, and peace. There is a way to integrate your experiences into your whole authentic self. It takes time, as all healing does, but Marie reminds us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Listen now to hear more from Marie Belle, and join Marie Belle's Handstand, Flexibility, and Recovery clinic LIVE on Omstars on July 18th at 12 pm EST. Not a member yet? Sign up now and get your free 30-day membership with code: PODCAST.

Remember - this month I'm challenging each of you to get upside-down! Join the Handstands for Everyone challenge from July 1st thru 31st and start practicing. And don't forget to share your stories with me at [email protected]. You could be invited to guest spot on The Yoga Inspiration Podcast.

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