Trauma-Informed looks like…
Part #3 – Mindfulness

You don’t have to look very hard to find the benefits of mindfulness. Researchers are continuing to gather data that states some bold and encouraging claims that mindfulness can improve heart disease, decrease cognitive decline, improve immune function, and reduce myriad symptoms of psychological pain and distress. (Suttie, 2018)

Amazing, right?

When we talk about trauma-informed mindfulness, we understand that everyone has the capacity to benefit from mindfulness, but also that these practices may be activating for someone who has experienced trauma. Mindfulness’s goal is to cultivate a sense of calm and awareness while also creating a sense of safety for those who have experienced trauma.

It’s important to keep in mind that some cues often used during mindfulness activities (e.g. closed eyes, a quiet, darkened room, scents) have the potential to be triggers for those that have experienced trauma.

As a yoga and meditation/mindfulness teacher for almost 20 years, I’ve had many opportunities to learn. I recall burning incense as part of meditation practice early in my career. Growing up in a church that used incense, that scent has always been comforting and calming for me, and I wanted to share that with my students.

I’m thankful I had a trusting relationship with one student who shared with me later that incense was used by her abuser, and it was an extreme trigger for her. Was it my responsibility to know the triggers of every participant? No, but was it my responsibility to ask before using scents or touch and offer choice? Absolutely. It was a great lesson for me that for those who’ve experienced trauma, triggers are always a possibility. The intention is not to avoid everything that may cause stress, but to offer choices and tools to support individuals and an increased awareness that our experience is not everyone’s experience.

Kara Grafft

Suttie, Jill. “5 Science-Backed Reasons Mindfulness Meditation Is Good for Your Health.” Mindful, Mindful Communications & Such, PBC, 29 Oct. 2018, https://www.mindful.org/five-ways-mindfulness-meditation-is-good-for-your-health/.

Additional Resources
How Teachers Can Use Trauma Informed Mindfulness to Support Their Students
3 Trauma Sensitive Practices for Your Classroom

We look forward to collaborating with you as we work together to support students’ academic success. Contact Education Director Megan Isenberg at misenberg@janeboyd.org or 319-366-1408 ext. 1305 to book our education services today!