Trauma Informed Yoga for Nurturing Global Graduates

Outline

1. Introduction to Trauma-Informed Yoga and HRV (10 minutes)
Content:

Definition and importance of trauma-informed yoga in education.
Overview of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and its role in emotional regulation.
The connection between HRV, trauma, and student performance.
Engagement:

Start with a brief icebreaker: “Stand up if you’ve ever felt stress before entering your classroom.”
Quick audience poll on stress and resilience using a show of hands.
Process:

Interactive discussion through Q&A, allowing the audience to share their experiences and knowledge of trauma’s impact on students.
2. Science Behind HRV and Its Role in Learning (15 minutes)
Content:

Scientific explanation of HRV and how it influences emotional regulation, focus, and resilience.
How trauma affects HRV and the overall stress response in students and teachers.
Engagement:

Audience will practice a 2-minute guided HRV-focused breathing exercise to understand how HRV awareness feels.
Process:

Device-based activity: Audience members will track their heart rates (optional), showing the physical effects of breathwork and relaxation techniques.
Peer-to-peer sharing: How did the breathing exercise impact them?
3. Trauma-Informed Yoga Techniques for the Classroom (20 minutes)
Content:

Introduction of three basic trauma-informed yoga techniques: breathwork, seated poses, and grounding exercises that can be integrated into any classroom.
How to create safe, trauma-sensitive environments for students.
Engagement:

Hands-on group participation: Audience will practice simple chair yoga poses and grounding exercises designed for a classroom setting.
Process:

Interactive yoga demonstration: Audience follows along, practicing the poses and techniques.
Reflection: In small groups, participants share how they envision applying these techniques in their classrooms.
4. Cultivating Belonging and Equity Through HRV Awareness (10 minutes)
Content:

How HRV tools and trauma-informed practices promote inclusion, reduce behavioral issues, and support equity in classrooms.
Case studies: Real-world examples of how these practices transformed school cultures.
Engagement:

Group discussion on how trauma-informed yoga can support diverse learners, especially those facing emotional or socio-economic challenges.
Process:

Small group activity: Participants collaborate to brainstorm ways to integrate trauma-informed practices into their school’s existing systems and share their strategies with the larger group.
5. Conclusion and Takeaways (5 minutes)
Content:

Recap of key points: HRV, trauma-informed yoga, and their link to fostering resilient, emotionally balanced global graduates.
Practical takeaways for implementing trauma-sensitive approaches in daily school routines.
Engagement:

Quick reflective journaling: “What’s one HRV tool you’ll use tomorrow?”
Open Q&A for any remaining questions.
Process:

Participants write down and share their key takeaways in pairs.
Closing gratitude practice: Guided 30-second breathing exercise to end the session on a reflective note.
Time Allocation Summary:
Introduction & Icebreaker: 10 minutes
HRV Science & Breathing Exercise: 15 minutes
Yoga Techniques & Practice: 20 minutes
Equity & Inclusion Discussion: 10 minutes
Conclusion & Takeaways: 5 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

This outline ensures audience engagement through interactive activities, peer discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, making the session informative, practical, and participatory.

Supporting research

1. The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation" by Stephen Porges
- Porges’ research provides the theoretical basis for understanding how HRV is linked to the autonomic nervous system and how trauma can dysregulate these processes.
- Link: [Polyvagal Theory Overview](https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/)

2. "Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in Therapy: Bringing the Body into Treatment" by David Emerson
- This book explores the science behind trauma-sensitive yoga and how it can help students and individuals with trauma histories.
- Link: [Trauma-Sensitive Yoga](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29909098-trauma-sensitive-yoga-in-therapy)

3. "The HeartMath Solution: The Institute of HeartMath's Revolutionary Program for Engaging the Power of the Heart's Intelligence" by Doc Childre and Howard Martin
- This book discusses HRV and how heart-brain coherence can improve emotional regulation and resilience. It is foundational for HRV practices in educational and professional settings.
- Link: [HeartMath Solution](https://www.heartmath.com/science/)

4. "Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety"** by CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning)
- CASEL has documented how SEL practices, including mindfulness and body awareness, positively affect student outcomes. These are the basis for trauma-informed yoga’s impact on fostering belonging and reducing trauma responses in students.
- Link: [CASEL Resource](https://casel.org/resources/)

5. Effects of Yoga on HRV and Stress" – Research study published in the *Journal of Clinical Psychology*
- This article reviews the empirical evidence linking yoga practices, specifically HRV regulation, with reductions in stress and improved emotional resilience in participants, including educators.
- Link: [Journal of Clinical Psychology Article](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jclp.22637)

6. "Breath as a Fundamental Practice in Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation" – American Psychological Association (APA)
- This article explains the importance of mindful breathing, which is central to HRV regulation, as a tool for emotional balance and resilience in educational settings.
- Link: [APA Mindful Breathing](https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/01/mindful-breathing)

These sources offer a well-rounded scientific and practical foundation for the session, highlighting the efficacy of trauma-informed yoga and HRV awareness for supporting resilience and equity in educational environments.