By: Maria Williams
Yoga teacher Farah Nazarali is part of Yoga Outreach, which provides trauma-informed yoga classes and empowers individuals to make life-affirming choices related to their health and wellbeing.
Trauma leads to disconnection from one’s body and often results in alienation and shame. A trauma-informed yoga class provides a safe environment for reconnecting with one’s body. Farah Nazarali, the Chair of the Board of Directors for Yoga Outreach, has seen firsthand the power of trauma-informed yoga for those healing from abuse, violence or in recovery. Yoga Outreach is a charitable organization delivering trauma-informed yoga to people who need it most.
Farah’s journey with Yoga Outreach began with a deep-seated belief in yoga’s transformative power. Initially volunteering her time, she eventually became involved in the organization’s certification program, training individuals in trauma-informed yoga—a specialized approach designed to address the unique needs of those who have experienced trauma. Her passion and dedication led her to join the Board of Directors, where she navigated the organization through significant adversity.
One of the core principles guiding Yoga Outreach’s approach is trauma-informed care. Unlike traditional yoga settings where teachers may dictate movements, trauma-informed yoga empowers individuals to make choices about their bodies, recognizing that past trauma can create a disconnect between mind and body. This approach emphasizes agency, eschewing hierarchical structures that may trigger feelings of powerlessness – a particularly poignant consideration for those who have experienced violence at the hands of authority figures.
Farah knows that feeling validated, accepted, and connected to one’s body is part of healing and recovery. She adds, “Yoga Outreach has been delivering yoga programs before trauma-informed practices become popularized. Our work has been informed by the clients we serve and continues to be shaped by them.”
Central to trauma-informed yoga is radical acceptance—the idea that individuals are welcomed exactly as they are, without judgment or expectation. This approach creates a safe space for individuals to explore their bodies and emotions. Yoga Outreach enables participants to reclaim agency over their own wellbeing by fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
The impact of Yoga Outreach’s work extends beyond individual sessions, with long-term relationships formed with partnering facilities serving as a testament to its efficacy. Farah emphasizes the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement, acknowledging the need to evolve their programming to better meet the changing needs of their clients. This evolution includes plans to expand beyond drop-in yoga classes to more comprehensive trauma-informed programs, integrating additional modalities such as writing, journaling, and group discussions to provide holistic support.
“As we look to the future, we are hoping to expand our programming to include restorative retreats for frontline workers (therapists, councilors, social workers and health care professionals) that provide rest, relaxation and trauma-informed practices. With increasing levels of violence and intergenerational trauma, the need for trauma-informed yoga and practices is becoming more urgent. I hope Yoga Outreach can respond to this need and make a positive difference.”
Media Contact
Name: Farah Nazarali
Email: drishtifarah@gmail.com
Published by: Holy Minoza
