Yoga Solutions Episode 9:
Identify and Belonging with Somatics and Yoga

with Raina LaGrand

Identity and Belonging with Somatics and Yoga with Raina LaGrand

Welcome back to another episode of the Yoga Solutions Podcast. For today's episode, I had the pleasure of connecting with Raina LeGrand, a remarkable trauma therapist and yoga teacher who specializes in somatic approaches to psychotherapy. Raina is passionate about helping people, particularly those who are multiracial or multicultural, find a sense of belonging in their bodies and identities. Her work bridges the worlds of therapy and yoga, creating a space where healing can happen from the inside out and the outside in. 

We explore a wide range of topics in this episode, from the transformative impact of somatic practices in both therapy and yoga to the crucial importance of belonging and identity. We discuss how embracing a strong sense of self, particularly for mixed-race individuals, can be a powerful catalyst for healing and personal growth.

What You'll Learn from This Episode:

  • [01:02] Guided Somatics Practice

  • [05:50] Raina’s Journey to Belonging and Identity

  • [09:53] Exploring the Intersection of Yoga and Therapy

  • [14:14] The Importance of Community and Connection

  • [16:20] Somatics and the Wisdom of the Body

  • [24:42] Research Insights on Mixed Race Identity

Quotes to Remember:

“We become less creative, less curious, less experimental when trauma is present. But yoga, when honored in its roots, allows for experimentation, curiosity, and play.” 

“Yoga is a reciprocal process of doing the work inside and also doing the work outside for the betterment of humanity.”

Listen to the Full Episode:

Medical Disclaimer:

Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.

Enjoying the Show?

Don’t miss an episode, follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and Amazon Music/Audible.

Leave us a review in Apple Podcasts.

Yoke Yoga

This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠ Yoke Yoga, the only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.

Yoke Yoga Social

@YokeYogaSocial

Meet the Voices Behind this Podcast Episode

Get to Know Our Dynamic Host and Guests 
Experts in Yoga, Social Change, Health and Wellness

Raina LaGrand

Somatic Trauma Therapist

Raina LaGrand (she/her) is a somatic therapist, coach, yoga teacher, and educator whose expertise lands at the intersection of trauma, racial identity, and belonging. In her practice, Root to Rise Somatics, she specializes in supporting people with developmental and relational trauma, and offers additional services catered to the needs of mixed race adults and interracial couples. She also provides embodiment-based workshops and trainings for companies invested in emotional intelligence and social justice. Raina lives with her dog on occupied Anishinaabe land (Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA).

Morbi leo risus porta ac consectetur ac vestibulum at eros curabitur blandit tempus porttitor nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo duis mollis est non commodo luctus.

Susanna Barkataki

Host, Yoga Solutions Podcast & Founder, Yoke Yoga

Susanna Barkataki (she/her) has been called “a trailblazing yoga leader and visionary for our times.” An Indian teacher building bridges in the West, she is known for her work in decolonizing and embracing the roots of yoga. She is the tech founder of Yoke Yoga, a free yoga app of micro practices for more peace in seconds. Bringing yoga socially to all people to help solve everyday problems at YokeYoga.com

Listen to More Episodes

Episode #13: Yoga for Grief with Daniel Chandranayagam

Episode #13: Yoga for Grief with Daniel Chandranayagam

In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I speak with Daniel Chandranayagam, a deeply compassionate yoga teacher, writer, and fitness professional who specializes in bringing yoga’s grounding presence to those facing significant life challenges. With a background spanning personal training and extensive yoga instruction, Daniel has devoted much of his life to teaching yoga as a means of support, especially to vulnerable communities like the visually impaired, at-risk youth, and survivors of human trafficking.

Episode #12: Mind Body Tools for Anxiety with Alysia Makhani

Episode #12: Mind Body Tools for Anxiety with Alysia Makhani

In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I have the pleasure of connecting with Alysia Makhani, a compassionate and skilled integrative health nurse, therapeutic yoga teacher, and the visionary founder of Flor Verde Healing. With a deep commitment to holistic wellness, Alysia draws from her expertise in health and therapeutic practices to guide patients and clients alike toward greater balance and healing. As a creator on Yoke Yoga, she offers tools for individuals to connect body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing mindful…

Episode #11: Yoga for Election Anxiety: Rooting into Presence, Social Justice and Collective Action

Episode #11: Yoga for Election Anxiety: Rooting into Presence, Social Justice and Collective Action

In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I guide you through practical yoga techniques to help manage election anxiety and related stress. Whether you’re feeling tightness in your chest, struggling with sleeplessness, or simply overwhelmed by the weight of the world, this episode is here to remind you that you are not alone. These physical and emotional signs of anxiety reflect the imbalance in the world around us. Together, we acknowledge the added burden on marginalized communities during election cycles and…

DOWNLOAD THE YOKE YOGA APP
Wellness for a Changing World
RELAX AND RECHARGE NOW

© 2023 Yoke Yoga | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms | Community Agreements | Copyright Dispute