PSOAS: THE SOUL Muscle

​There are a pair of muscles around the hips that hug the sides of your lumbar spine. It’s the main muscle that’s activated in fight-or-flight, during mental and emotional stress. In yoga theory, emotional trauma is stored at the hips ~ with a mindful movement practice, practitioners learn how to release energy that have already served its purpose by letting go of tension being held in the body. If you experience emotional sensitivity, reactivity, or an autonomic trauma response, it's a suggestion to ease the mind by lengthening and strengthening the psoas while using the breath as a guide for self-regulation. Engage in deep hip openers and active practices that ground the body and center the mind. The words, 'seated' and 'grounded,' can have unique meanings for each individual. When you settle into the psoas muscle with yoga postures (such as child’s pose or frog) and mindful breathing, you get to explore the concept of what it means to be truly grounded in the sanctuary of your body.

​The soul muscle, your psoas, is a connection to your roots, where you've been, your emotional history and ancestral energy (the strengths and shortcomings of one's ancestors). You’re not defined by your ancestors though and you get to reauthor the story of your life because you have the gift of being alive.

​You are unconditionally supported when you learn how to make peace with the energy you were born from, the family you were born into, and the body you have. Although you cannot change what or who you were born with, you have options on how to move and approach circumstances. Are you moving with self-trust and feeling secure or are you drifting by, not sure of your place in the world? Spend quality time stretching and strengthening your soul muscle, the psoas, breathe into the hips, get in touch with your emotions, and notice if any insights or reflections surface. Awareness is key.

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