Deepening our embodied practices outside of therapy

This article was previously published at buddhistpsychotherapyny.com by Alison Pepper.

More and more people are talking about the ways we work with and heal trauma in the therapeutic setting. As the understanding and culture around trauma has shifted so to have the practices. Body work, somatic work, and embodied work are all things you might hear people talking about today. A main way to access this work is of course one on one in the therapeutic relationship but there are also a number of other ways to work with the body and heal.

Mudra Space Awareness

Mudra is a practice originally taught by Tibetan Buddhist master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to students in the 1970s. The practice invites students to deepen into their bodies and the present moment through poses called intensifications and activities called clinics. These intensifications and clinics cut through ego and discursive mind stabilizing one’s experience of the present moment. Mudra could be seen as a powerful training, one that helps the practitioner grow more familiar with the unfamiliar groundlessness of now.

Mudra is done in groups, usually in person but for the last 6 months some of us have been exploring more and more how to use zoom and technology to find news ways to connect and deepen. Unlike meditation practice that can be still and quiet, mudra also includes movement, muscular intensity, sound, and play.

Photo by Tai Pimputkar

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Written by Alison Pepper, LCSW

Alison Pepper is a NYC Therapist, Meditation Instructor & a Neurofeedback Trainer working with adults, families and children dealing with mental health issues; with an emphasis on trauma informed work. She’s a bilingual therapist for over 8 years (fluent in both English and Spanish), SIFI certified, & a meditation teacher. She recently became a Certified NeurOptimal Neurofeedback Trainer at Neurofeedback Training Co. in New York City. 

“I believe all people have the tools to heal ourselves; grow, learn, and reach our full potential. No matter what your age or life circumstances therapy is a safe space to do that work.”