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A Free and Natural Remedy for Trauma Recovery

Venture outward to find peace inward.
Picture of Joanne Varni

Joanne Varni

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Misty morning scene of Lacu Rosu lake. Foggy summer sunrise in Harghita County, Romania, Europe. Beauty of nature concept background.

A long time ago, when I was going through a challenging period, someone told me to make sure that I do something I love every day. At the time, I had to think about not only what I loved to do, but also what would recharge me. (Being a high energy person, some of the things I love to do can be depleting.)

I discovered very quickly that being in nature helped me. I felt more relaxed, yet more energized. My mind became clear, and my overall well-being enhanced. Nature improved my mood and health. It didn’t take long for me to recommend my students do something in nature during their recovery. So, what is it about being in nature that is so beneficial for those in recovery?

Engaging in something physical can offer a sense of accomplishment, compared with sitting at home and staring at a screen, which can actually agitate the nervous system. Getting some good old vitamin D also enhances our immune system, meaning we will be healthier and feel better. Movement is known for helping with depression and promoting sound sleeping patterns; rest is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When we are in nature, stress is processed differently and we are in the perfect setting to cultivate present-moment awareness. 

Here are some things to consider while being in nature:

  1. Walk on natural surfaces. Natural surfaces give us direct contact with the earth, allowing us to feel grounded and absorb the natural energy it offers.
  2. Find locations in nature where there are minimal cars and noise, allowing for a more peaceful setting.
  3. Take in the sounds of nature. Use the opportunity of being outside to listen to the soothing sounds of nature. Pay attention to birds chirping, breezes blowing through trees, water babbling in a nearby creek, or the ocean waves.
  4. Take in the smells of nature, be it the scents of trees, water, or even the natural smell of the earth.
  5. Be a witness to the sky above as the clouds and birds do their dance, presenting a rhythm that can be beautiful to witness.
  6. Take in the colors. Have you ever noticed that colors in nature never clash? It’s true, and colors can affect our mood, change our heart rate, and affect blood pressure and respiration. Colors in nature tend to be warm or calming, evoking feelings of happiness, optimism, or relaxation.
  7. Express gratitude for the beauty, awe, and calmness that being outside promotes within.

Being in nature can be the perfect remedy to move energy, release stagnation, and get us back on track to healing. Nature offers for less suffering and cultivating more joy. The more joy we encounter, the better our chances are for success on our journey to recovery.

Picture of Joanne Varni

Joanne Varni

Joanne's philosophy as a yoga teacher is to help people who seek personal empowerment feel connected to their bodies, quiet their mind, stimulate a healthy nervous system, and release tension in the body caused by stress, anxiety, or trauma. Her teaching technique uses a combination of breath work, meditation, gentle asanas, somatic yoga, and neurogenic tremoring. Additionally, Joanne specializes in helping those with trauma (including PTSD) and has attended and completed her Level II certification in TRE (Trauma/tension release exercises) with Dr. David Bercelli. She is also certified as TSY teacher (Trauma Sensitive Yoga) under the renowned guidance of trauma researcher and pioneer Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (The Trauma Center at JRI). Joanne teaches classes, workshops, teacher trainings, as well as running retreats locally and internationally. She also teaches Yoga for Trauma Recovery at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose, California and has voluntarily taught yoga to women incarcerated at the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas and the Center for Survivors of Torture in San Jose. Joanne is an ERYT500 and earned her 200 hour and 500 hour YA certification through Jennifer Prugh’s YA certified “JOY of Yoga” teacher training. She completed her Therapeutic Yoga teacher training with Cheri Clampett and Arturo Peal and her Yin Yoga Teacher training under Paul and Suzy Grilley. A twenty-year resident of Los Gatos, she enjoys spending time with her husband John, and children, Anthony, Steven, and Nicole.

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