What is Yoga Therapy: The Answer Might Surprise You
I’m often asked to clarify the difference between yoga and yoga therapy and truthfully, I have a hard time answering the question.
The official definition developed by the International Association of Yoga Therapy is: Yoga therapy may be defined as the application of Yogic principles to a particular person with the objective of achieving a particular spiritual, psychological, or physiological goal.
This definition makes a distinction between a more generalized yoga experience versus an individualized experience centered around a specific goal or intention. And some version of that is what I often give as my rote answer.
However, the truer answer for me has always been closer to Rilke’s words: Go inside yourself.
This is what Rilke says to Kappus in their correspondence, found in the book “Letters to a Young Poet”. Kappus is asking Rilke for advice and Rilke says that he is asking the wrong person. That he must go within to find the real answers.
We all know how difficult that can be, given how noisy the world both outside and inside can be. Enter yoga therapy. In both individual and group experiences, I offer tools to go within, primarily the five Somatic Spiral pillars: nervous system regulation, self-compassion, deep listening, somatic parts work and deep imagery. These are the most powerful tools I’ve found to ask the questions and find the answers within myself.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate advice and mentorship - I absolutely do. I appreciate the inspiration and gathering of information that comes from opening to the world around me. But when I actually want to make a decision, when I am looking for clarity, the place to go is inside, where I can sift through what I’ve learned and then listen to my own voice for guidance.
And the place I start is with nervous system regulation because that’s the foundation. That’s what creates the conditions for deep listening. Getting regulated is how we find our ground, turn down the noise, and ready ourselves to listen.
But the destination is in the hearing - hearing an authentic voice clearly that helps us know ourselves, and align our actions with our values.
We begin with nervous system regulation and then we lean into the other four pillars in order to uncover what we don’t yet understand about ourselves - in order to answer questions, gain clarity, make good decisions, - everything that leads to a more engaged and fulfilling life.
In Letters to a Young Poet, Kappus asks Rilke for advice about becoming a poet. In the translation by Joanna Macy and Anita Burrows, Rilke responds,
“No one can advise and help you… Go into yourself. Ask yourself why…Above all, ask yourself in the stillest hour of the night, Must I do this?”
I love the line, in the stillest hour of the night. These are the yoga therapy moments that are most breathtaking. What many people describe as the aha moment, for me, feels more like a moment of stillness where the truth is suddenly obvious - where you can both hear and feel the voice inside of you.
Sometimes the truth comes as an “I must do ....", or an, “it’s time to….”, or an, “I finally understand why I…”. But always, it comes from a voice inside. As the facilitator, I’m offering prompts, listening for cues, following threads. What I’m not doing is offering advice, or telling you which direction to go. My intention is always to simply assist you in going inside yourself and finding your own answers.
This is what the Somatic Spiral is all about.
In this week’s video I’ll offer a guided practice to help you ask a question and then go inside of yourself and listen to the inner response.
This fall, I'll be offering another round of both the Somatic Immersion and the Somatic Immersion Facilitator Training for wellness professionals. In both experiences we'll use discussion, meditation, breathwork, asana, and reflection to explore the spiral together.
Put your name on the waitlists and you'll be the first to know when registration opens in September!
Thanks for reading, watching and being a part of this community. I hope our paths cross soon.
And as always, I'd love to hear from you. Did you try “going inside”? Hit reply - I'd love to know how it went!
Sending so much love,
Rachel
P.S. Spain is calling your name!
March, 2027, I'll be leading a small group retreat where we'll take the Somatic Spiral somewhere unbelievable beautiful — olive groves, sweeping vistas, yoga and all five pillars under the Spanish sky. If you've ever wanted to take your practice somewhere extraordinary, this is your chance. Space is limited! Reply or click below to learn more or register.
Yoga + Nature + Culture, Retreat in Southern Spain, March 14-20, 2027. Register now to save your spot - space is limited.
Other ways to work with me...
Yoga Therapy Sessions, Courses and Trainings
Work with me one-on-one. I offer yoga therapy, yoga instruction and personal and professional mentoring. Reply to this email if you'd like to chat about whether this is the right time and fit for you.
The next Somatic Immersion Yoga Therapy Journey starts in September. Join the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens.
The next Somatic Immersion Yoga Therapy Training for facilitators begins in September. Join the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness Classes
If you like practicing online, join the Your Yoga community! We meet on zoom for yoga and meditation 4 times a week and you'll have access to 100's of recorded classes in the Your Yoga library. Register here to start your free 7-day trial.
And if you prefer self-study, choose from a variety of pre-recorded mindfulness workshops and courses and explore at your own pace.