This post was written by Kierstin von Frangenberg certified yoga therapist and RYT500hr

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Part II Yoga Therapy and Recovery

In Party I discussed 2 frameworks that I utilize as well as other yoga therapists when determining where to start with a client. Those are the Kosha and Dosha which are rooted in yoga philosophy and Ayurvedic wisdom.

In this article I want to build further on the Kosha’s which are our “layers of self”. You may be wondering how connecting to these layers can offer support in recovery. I find that oftentimes, when individuals start to connect to multiple layers of self a sense of trust and understanding is created. The more time you spend getting to know yourself, the more you believe you know yourself. 

The Annamaya  Kosha is a great tool to remind individuals there are multiple ways to connect to your body. Sometimes,someone with an eating disorder is seeking out the feeling of control and will fall into the same habits, behaviors, and routines. This doesn’t offer much time for curiosity and exploration when it comes to an individual’s body. This rigidity around this topic is why movement can feel like a sticky subject in recovery. However, if we are open to connecting to the physical body we begin to discover a few life changing things:

1. My body is not just about appearance, My body holds wisdom. Interoception is our body’s form of communication. The more we connect to our body, the easier it is to hear its messages. 
2. My body can move in many different ways. Oftentimes behaviors ask us to move our body in one way, or not move our body, to carry out ED’s goal. When we connect to interoception and listen to our bodies we begin to recognize there are many forms of movement, and how my body needs to move today may not be how it needs to move tomorrow.
3. My body is offering me support each and every day without me having to ask. Temperature regulation, heart beating, breath flowing, all of this is happening behind the scenes. The more we connect to our body, the easier it is to have appreciation or neutrality around it. 
4. My body is going to change! During a movement practice you begin to notice change happens and it happens often. Maybe one day you feel more flexible on the right side of your body and weeks later you feel more flexible on the left.

The Pranamaya Kosha: This layer of self is full of coping skills and learning to trust. Have you ever walked into a room and felt energized and excited? Or perhaps you recall the opposite happening and when you walked into that room you felt drained. The fact you can sometimes feel the energy of a room is a great reminder you can feel the energy behind thoughts and actions. What you might gain from a connection to this Kosha:

1. Was that thought mine or ED’s? Learning the energy behind your voice and ED’s voice can support you in recognizing the difference 
2. My breath can energize me AND my breath can relax me. When exploring different breathwork techniques you can notice how they feel to you. Once you have that knowledge, breath can serve as a wellness tool you use anywhere and anytime!

The Manomaya Kosha: This layer of self is where our beliefs, emotions, and thoughts live. This layer offers the opportunity to be mindful and continue to explore YOUR voice vs ED’s voice. If you are open to connect to this Kosha you might find:

1. Just because it’s what I’ve known doesn’t mean it’s correct, or I’m aligned with it anymore! We only know what we know, and sometimes we become rigid and think everything has to stay the same. Your yoga therapist might share yoga philosophy, education, poetry, or other ideas to support you in being curious. 
2. My voice matters! Say something in your mind and then repeat it out loud. Did it feel different? Try it with something else… was it the same? Your yoga therapist could introduce you to mantras and chants to remind of the power of your voice. This is a great reminder (and practice)  to speak up when you’re in need of support.

The Vijnanamaya Kosha: Balancing this layer of self is the constant reminder “I am not my thoughts”. In this Kosha lives not only our wisdom, but also our samskaras (traumas and wounds). When working with this Kosha the goal is to ease as much suffering as possible.

1. Meditation is a great tool to check in. Meditation offers us the time and space to get to know ourselves and how we truly feel in the moment. Sometimes these meditations are full of floating thoughts, and other times we are able to dive past the thoughts. When we are open to our meditation practice looking like whatever it needs to look like in the moment, we learn to not attach or hold onto every thought. This can be a great practice to ease suffering.
2. Recovery is not linear! As we begin to open our mind we are reminded recovery is not linear- hopefully this reminder eases suffering if and when change arises.

The Anandamaya Kosha: Eating Disorders can feel lonely and isolating. The Anandamaya Kosha is connecting. The Anandamaya Kosha is our connection to our soul, heart, and spirituality (if that’s something you feel open to). This Kosha is a great reminder we are so much more than we see, and we are never alone.  Connecting to this Kosha can teach:

1. I am worthy of time, space, and energy! Your Yoga Therapist will work with you to create a routine, ritual, or self devotion practice that reminds you of your heart and soul!
2. I am never alone! These practices can also be a reminder that support is always around

Recovery is work, but that work doesn’t have to be alone. Interested in adding a Yoga Therapist to your treatment team: https://angelaprior.com/yoga

Looking for a support group? Join the Support circle in February: https://angelaprior.com/class-series