Trauma not only shapes how we perceive the world but also profoundly influences the bodily reactions that linger long after the initial event. While mental processing can offer some relief, much of this trauma remains suppressed in the body, manifesting as resistance to beneficial activities and urges toward harmful ones. It distorts our "map" of reality, leading to misaligned responses in daily life and habitual over- or under-reactions. This can disrupt our work, health, relationships, self-esteem, and even how we connect with our own body. Releasing stored trauma requires more than mental effort—it demands a profound reconnection with the body.

Growing up on the rough streets of East London, I endured the three main forms of trauma and spent years working to heal and reclaim my birthright to wellness. Despite significant progress in emotional regulation, productivity, reversing diabetes, enjoying life, and achieving financial success, my body seemed to lag behind. When I turned to yoga, I was surprised to find it particularly challenging. My traumatized body perceived yoga as something to avoid. Activities like cycling distracted my mind with navigation, but yoga—rooted in stillness—brought an overwhelming flood of discomfort disproportionate to the activity itself. Holding a pose while a teacher counted and then got distracted felt like abandonment, and the uncertainty of class pacing triggered feelings of being trapped. Over time, I realized these were stored emotions replaying the imprints of my past. Even though I often felt better after a session, my body clung to the negative, leaving me resistant to return.

This resistance inspired me to pair yoga with Emotional Allowing—a practice I developed to fully meet and release emotions, especially for those carrying deep trauma (which, in truth, includes all of us). Together, these practices began unlocking yoga’s profound potential for somatic liberation. Emotional Allowing has helped me unglue emotions from bodily sensations, dissolving trauma patterns rather than letting them persist. While it’s still early days for me, the transformation is undeniable: my body is becoming a safe and welcoming space, both on the yoga mat and in life.

My non-dual awakening gave me deep insight into the nature of suffering, liberating me even while appearances of suffering persisted. However, this practice goes further by dissolving suffering altogether. That’s why I call it Awake AND Heal—it integrates insight and embodiment, offering complete healing.

Although I envisioned sharing this practice, I knew my limitations. With only a 200-hour yoga certificate and no teaching experience, I didn’t feel ready to lead alone. Then, unexpectedly, Lizzy Bee returned to Chiang Mai. Lizzy is an incredible trauma-informed yoga specialist, and together, we realized our shared vision. Lizzy joined me in refining and developing the Somatic Liberation Yoga Circle.

This one- or two-month journey combines Emotional Allowing with yoga to release trauma stored in the body, fostering emotional freedom and creating a sustainable connection with movement. The focus isn’t just on “doing yoga” but on healing the body and uncovering a deep love for movement. This practice doesn’t just manage trauma patterns—it dissolves them, creating a liberated experience of being fully present in your body.

For years, I thought I was alone in this struggle. Yoga conversations often center around those who have already accessed its benefits. But trauma’s greatest lie is isolation. Many people feel the same resistance I once felt, unable to attend large classes or establish a practice despite longing for the freedom yoga can bring. A simple note about this program has already filled two of the eight available spots, and we can take six more. To make this accessible for our Chiang Mai community, we’ve set a price that’s affordable yet meaningful enough to attract those truly ready to heal.

This journey will foster a close-knit family. Each session includes an open circle and a closing circle, clearing emotions like anger, sadness, and fear, and leaving participants grounded in self-love and empowerment.

Joe