This section offers you means of continuing this journey through yoga, creativity, and personal healing/growth. First, what to do when your brain/heart/soul breaks open—it’s not always pretty. Next, prudent things to consider when finding an art/yoga class, yoga therapist, psychotherapist/counselor, or body worker. Finally, a list of recommended reading will follow. May you receive all that you require on this journey.
Getting Help: Reach Out
If memories, bodily reactions, stirred-up emotions, or any uncomfortable experience starts to feel like too much, it’s okay to reach out for help right away. I used to not call crisis lines because I didn’t want to waste their time. As a former crisis line worker, let me assure you that no issue is too small to reach out about. If you are genuinely experiencing something you need support with: reach out.
If your call isn’t appropriate for the line you called, the person at the other end will make sure of at least two things before they end the call. First, they will ensure you have the correct numbers to call. Second, they will make sure you are safe to wrap up and end the current call.
You can find local crisis line numbers through a simple web search: your town, province/state, and the phrase “twenty-four–hour crisis line.” For example, “Springfield Kentucky 24 hour crisis line” will give you a list of options if you live near there. You can even search internationally, as some countries have 1-800 numbers staffed continually for a variety of specific issues.
The first few pages of the telephone book typically list local crisis lines. Some of them may be specific to issues that you do not identify as your own. Call them anyway and they will be able to support you or point you to someone who can. I do not recommend calling 911 unless you are in imminent mortal danger.
While crisis line calls may be time-limited and not offer the resources to go deeply, they are highly beneficial in helping you remain safe and connected. Under the best of circumstances, they reconnect you to your inner resources, where your answers and well-being are continually vital.
Finding a Yoga Therapist
There are many schools of yoga and approaches to this vast tradition. That diversity is evident in the realm of yoga therapy as well. Some questions you may wish to ask a potential yoga therapist are:
You may also share a short, simple intention with potential yoga therapists to hear how their approach may align with your personal vision. The following sections offer you more salient questions.
Finding a Yoga/Art Class That’s Right for You
The ongoing education, practice, and community associated with taking classes is invaluable in supporting our growth and daily practice. Here are some factors to consider:
Finding a Psychotherapist, Body
Worker, or Other Professional Support
Similar to the inspiration, motivation, and help offered by classes, one-on-one healing experiences are key to our development and well-being. In a healthy life, it is wise to procure a personal wellness team. In addition to the questions considered when finding a class, ask the following:
(Those two questions are asking very different things. For example, although physician support is safe based on evidence, individual physicians may not be trustworthy. This is true for all professions.)
As you continue building a team on your own behalf, you will come to discover other questions that are also relevant and meaningful to you. Be sure to add those to the list, too.