Written by Joy Miyatake

I began practicing yoga in 2002. I fell in love with it, and by 2008, I was a teacher. But as much as I loved yoga, it was yoga therapy that would, eventually, change my life.

During the 2000s, I suffered trauma, and I didn’t have the tools necessary to heal. I didn’t realize that I was spiraling for years. That changed when I took a course entitled “Healing Trauma Through Yoga.” It was as if all of the lights turned on—I wasn’t the addict I thought I was. Rather, I had unresolved trauma—and with yoga therapy, I began to find new tools to move forward.

I realized that, in lieu of healing, I had been finding ways to numb the pain. I realized I had been running from pain for so long—and I was exhausted. I had all the symptoms of unresolved trauma—and I had gone undiagnosed for over a decade.

Here are three tools I learned that helped me:

1. Create a future vision of myself.
2. Ask for what I want—in a kind way.
3. Various techniques for regulating my nervous system so that I could focus and move forward in a more relaxed manner.

The first step in my yoga therapy was to create a realistic, personal vision. I began to visualize—and then formulate—a new reality.  I meditated on gratitude. I allowed myself to request space when I needed it. I even healed my strained relationship with my father.

I was able to communicate better with my friends and family, to chase what I really wanted in life. I began working with genocide survivors, and in 2019, I hosted my first retreat in Cambodia. That was when I discovered my love of retreats.

Most recently, I hosted a series of adventure-retreats in Tulum, Mexico, and I’m currently enrolled in a free-diving instructor course.

I’m grateful for every challenge I’ve had in my life, because they’ve made me who I am. I feel compassion for the people around me, and I am grateful for every day that I can continue pursuing my goals.

I currently work as a yoga therapist, helping others work through unresolved trauma.  I’ve had amazing success with my clients healing the body mind connection.  If you’d like to reach out to me about booking a session.  https://JoyRikaYogaSignUp.as.me/quickchat