Yoga and Meditation: A Compassionate Path to Well Being

Schrott, Susan

Sunday, March 25, 2012: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Opal One (The Charleston Marriott)

Through the consistent use of compassionate yoga and meditation we learn the art of accepting ourselves just as we are. This traditional practice has been shown to decrease anxiety and depression and supports the treatment of eating disorders and symptom reduction utilizing gentle postures and breathing techniques.

a) Introduction: Why everyone can practice and benefit from yoga and meditation.

This presentation will be both didactic and experiential including movement, meditation, breathing, sound and journaling.

b) Explain how and why yoga is suitable for all settings including: individual psychotherapy, group and residential settings.

c) Elucidate the benefits of yoga and meditation including:

Lowers blood pressure

Reduces levels of cortisol

Encourages relaxation and decreases anxiety and depression

Supports a trusting relationship with self and others

Builds a sense of community

Inspires confidence and self esteem

Builds increased affect regulation

Tolerate and sustain a range of feelings

Increases the parasympathetic nervous system

Decreases sympathetic nervous system response (fight or flight)

d) Teach and practice Pranayama/Breathing Techniques and Meditation:

Breathing Techniques to facilitate the reduction of depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and Eating Disorders.

Pranayama:

Increases concentration

Enhances introversion

Oxygenates the blood

Releases abdominal and chest tension

Promotes deeper experience of sustaining postures

Increases breath control

Activates the parasympathetic nervous system

Increases calm and mental alertness

Facilitates an full exchange of oxygen in the lungs

Releases tension in torso and abdomen

Supports the ability to disengage and let go of negative thoughts, feelings and emotions associated with anxiety and depression

Disrupts obsessive compulsive thoughts associates with OCD

e) Teach and practice Pratapana: Warm Up Movements.

Lubricates the joints

Raises body temperature

Increases pulse

Oxygenates supportive tissues

Awakens neurological signals to the muscles

Decrease stress

Alleviate anxiety

f) Teach and practice elementary Asana: Yoga Postures

Increase ability to tolerate tension and regulate affect

Increase coordination and balance

Develop self-awareness

Build strength

Cultivate connection to self and others

Increase the ability focus

Build concentration

Learn to experience non-judgmental “witness consciousness”

Build resilience

Cultivate confidence

Support being in the present moment

Increase flexibility

Massage Internal organs

Improve digestion

Stretches and strengthens spine

g) The discussion of Chakras and Mudras will include:

The seven energy points in the body that are traditionally identified to receive and transmit energy in the body to enhance overall well being.

Hand gestures or positions that locks and guides energy flow and reflexes to the brain increasing calm and balance.

The ancient art and science of yoga uses traditional methods of breathing techniques, yoga postures, chakras, mudras and sound to inspire and teach us in the practice of accepting this moment and ourselves just as we are. The consistent theme of "witness consciousness" and the non-judgemental awareness of self and others is key to the restorative and healing practice of yoga. Yoga offers a range of poses, which flow from one to the next routinely encouraging one to hold a pose to better develop the ability to tolerate stillness of mind and body while increasing the ability be at home in one's body. Yoga has been shown to decrease anxiety, increase stamina, enhance creativity, and develop an overall and genuine sense of well being. Yoga and meditation lower blood pressure, reduce levels of cortisol and encourage relaxation, all which may aid in the reduction of anxiety and depression. Yogic breathing known as pranayama, emphasizes slow and deep abdominal breathing, which facilitates a sense of calm and an increased ability to tolerate a range of feelings. The goal of this presentation is to learn and implement the use of a compassionate approach to the consistent use of yoga and meditation. By utilizing movement, breath, imagery and meaningful intention, thoughts and feelings are accessible allowing one to reframe and witness their responses to people, events and stressful situations without needing to react impulsively or self destructively. There is an increase in self-esteem, self awareness and the ability to "notice" without judging oneself or others with confidence and insight.

Primary Presenter:

Susan Schrott, LCSW, CEDS, CKYT, LFYP

Susan Schrott LCSW, CEDS, CKYT, LFYP – is a licensed clinical social worker and certified eating disorder specialist with over twenty years experience, certified Kripalu yoga teacher, Lifeforce® Yoga Practitioner and artist. She has worked as a psychotherapist for both the Renfrew Center of New York City and Cedar Associates in Westchester, NY. Currently she has a private practice, Susan Schrott Therapy, in Hartsdale, NY where she treats clients with a unique multidisciplinary approach including insight oriented psychotherapy, CBT, yoga, meditation and art therapies.

See more of: Proposals

<< Previous Proposal | Next Proposal >>