How Mindful Movement Can Heal Trauma
Today, you’re in for a treat! I’m bringing my friend, Koula Callahan—master yoga instructor and speaker for the Self Care Workshop—onto the blog to share why movement, especially yoga, is such a powerful practice for healing and everyday life.
If you’ve ever wondered what the fuss is about or why yoga is so effective, today you’ll get answers.
Let’s dive into my chat with Koula!
1) How does movement help regulate and process emotions?
Koula: Movement is a critical part of the healing journey. So many of us forget to listen to our bodies when we’re processing emotions or hardships—and we wonder why we feel stuck.
Here’s the truth: our life’s story is stored in our cells and body tissues. Each part of the body actually shares responsibility for memory with the brain. In fact, our bodies hold more information than our minds do.
So when we only process emotions with our brains, we miss a huge reservoir of wisdom stored in the body. Movement helps us access that “data” and creates a more integrated way of healing.
2) Why yoga? What’s all the fuss?
Koula: Yoga is helpful for so many reasons. Yes, it’s a fantastic workout (hello, long lean muscles!), but it’s also the only movement practice that prioritizes presence and awareness first.
A lot of people think they “aren’t good at yoga” because they’re not flexible. That’s not true at all. Yoga isn’t about touching your toes, being strong, or mastering poses—it’s about connecting with yourself and uniting your mind, body, and spirit.
The practice becomes a moving meditation. And while that can be challenging—you’re forced to face what’s really going on within you—it’s also deeply healing. Plus, yes, you’ll build strong abs and triceps along the way.
3) Why should we be practicing yoga?
Koula: The benefits of yoga are endless. It reduces anxiety and stress, improves sleep, balances hormones, detoxifies organs, and boosts the immune system.
But here’s what I really love about it: yoga grounds you. In a chaotic world, it’s a simple and practical tool that anyone can use to stay calm, centered, and steady.
4) Why is yoga so important to you personally?
Koula: Yoga has been the throughline of my adult life. It’s the tool I rely on most to regulate my emotions, no matter what’s happening around me.
When I step onto my mat, I’m reminded to get present and simplify the things I’ve overcomplicated. In hard seasons, my mat becomes a sanctuary where I can pay attention to how I feel and give myself what I need.
And honestly—I notice when I skip it. My sleep suffers, I’m more irritable, and I’m less kind to myself.
I also love teaching because of what I learn from my students. Their willingness to show up fully inspires me. The connection a yoga class creates is beautiful and life-giving. To be a good teacher, I have to be a student first—and I’m grateful for what each of my students teaches me.
Thank you, Koula! Your passion and wisdom have enriched my life and the lives of so many others.
If you’re ready to start moving with us and experience the healing benefits of yoga for yourself, join us at the Self Care Workshop on October 11. You’ll experience yoga with Koula firsthand, alongside writing, reflection, and space to simply breathe.
With love & gratitude,
Katie
