ABERDEEN–Using yoga as a tool to help empower trauma survivors, the non-profit organization 7Seeds Yoga has been offering classes for two years.
“7Seeds Yoga is a diverse collaborative of yoga instructors, clinicians, recovering folks, substance abuse counselors, trauma survivors and devoted members passionate about educating, engaging and empowering others through yoga. The 7Seeds Yoga mission is to nurture awareness and healing of the total being,” founder Pam Nickisher said.
The organization’s yoga instructors teach classes at various treatment facilities, professional conferences, wellness events, community spaces and yoga studios throughout Monmouth and Middlesex counties, according to Nickisher.
“7Seeds Yoga was created as a response to the public health crisis of addiction that is devastating our families, friends and communities. Our members educate the public about the intimate relationship of trauma to addiction and how yoga can be used as an effective coping tool within treatment and as a recovery support. In addition, 7Seeds Yoga was formed as an expression of gratitude,” Nickisher said.
Currently, the organization offers yoga classes at the Tula Yoga studio‘s Aberdeen location, which is located at 1212 Route 34, and the Long Branch location that is located at 444 Ocean Blvd.
The organization offers safe and professional delivery of trauma-informed yoga and meditation; dynamic educational programming regarding the intimate links between trauma and substance use disorders to raise awareness and reduce their impact on local communities; and clinical consultation, peer support and programming specifically tailored to clients’ needs, according to information provided by the organization.
Nickisher, as well as co-founders Zulema Mortman and Marla Sprock, founded the organization two-and-a-half years ago, according to Nickisher.
“Trauma survivors have a very difficult [time] connecting with their bodies in a safe way. Increased reactivity, dissociation and disconnection are direct by-products or symptoms of trauma,” Nickisher said. “Yoga is an incredibly powerful healing tool that helps to regulate the nervous system, builds internal emotional and muscular strength and calms the mind. 7Seeds Yoga’s specifically teaches trauma-informed yoga, which places a special emphasis on environmental factors, language and empowerment.”
According to Nickisher, the organization is all volunteers at this time, the majority of which have been with the organization from its inception. Nickisher and the volunteers have been building the organization and endeavoring to fulfill the organization’s mission for two-and-a-half years.
The organization will begin its third year in September, according to Nickisher.
“As a new non-profit, it is vital at this time that we direct the bulk of our resources to fulfilling the 7Seeds Yoga mission. Ultimately, we hope to open a studio in either Middlesex or Monmouth,” Nickisher said.
Yoga Clinical Assistant Annie Lynn Russo has been with the organization for two years, according to Russo.
Russo said that yoga has changed her life in so many ways.
“I am a trauma survivor, and yoga has brought me in touch with my body in ways I never knew. It has changed who I am and who I thought I could be. With this personal background, 7Seeds Yoga seemed like an amazing opportunity to share what I have gained and continue to gain from the practice. It helps reduce my anxiety daily,” Russo said.
Russo said yoga assists her in becoming more mindful to her vices and self-destructive behaviors.
“My pattern of self-destruction was something I had never attended to until my awareness increased and my body aligned with a consciousness that supported non-harming. Like so many trauma survivors, I was stuck. 7Seeds Yoga is an organization that consciously strives to ‘change minds, one body at a time.’ This is a mission I just needed to be a part of,” Russo said.
For more information about 7Seeds Yoga, visit www.7seedsyoga.org/about-7seeds.html or visit the organization’s Facebook page.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].