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What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses various forms of art as a means of self-expression and therapeutic intervention. It is a tool used by therapists to help others interpret, express, and resolve their emotions. This form of therapy has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of various mental health issues […]

The Benefits of Trauma-Informed Yoga

Trauma-informed yoga is a mindfulness-based approach that recognizes the individuality and specific needs of a student who has experienced trauma in their life. Trauma-informed yoga is a safe and effective way for individuals living with trauma to develop a mindful awareness of their bodies, which can lead to deeper healing and resilience.  The Purpose of […]

Let’s Talk Meditative Movement

Let’s talk meditative movement. Three types include yoga, tai chi, and qigong. These are sometimes referred to as “meditative movement” practices because they include both meditative elements (such as breath awareness) and physical ones. Yoga, a discipline originating in India thousands of years ago and practiced widely throughout the world today, has been shown to […]

The Aerie Real Foundation™ Supports Young Women in Bold Heart Yoga

Montgomery County, MD – February 23, 2023 – Vikara Village is pleased to announce we have received a Community Grant from The Aerie Real Foundation™ to aid our Bold Heart Yoga program to support young women. The Aerie Real Foundation™ works to build confidence in women, foster an inclusive community, and protect our planet to […]

5 Benefits of Yoga

Transitioning into the new year, many people have set health goals. Why not try something that can help manage stress and mental health, as well as improve your physical health? 5 Benefits of practicing yoga include: Yoga can help increase muscle strength and flexibility. It can also be a form of cardio, improving circulatory health, […]

Protecting the Mental Health of Adolescents

One in five adolescents have, or will have, a serious mental illness. 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Beginning mental health and self-care practices early can help promote better mental health in young people. Many adults who experience mental health struggles showed symptoms as children that were not addressed, […]

Can Yoga Help with Symptoms of Depression?

It’s no secret that exercising can be good for not just your physical health, but also your mental health. There is more to yoga than just stretching your body or getting strong.  You’ve heard of yoga providing physical benefits, but what about the mental side? According to the Harvard Mental Health Letter, studies have suggested […]

What does it mean to have whole person health? The emotional side of maintaining your health

“Whole person health” Having whole person health means taking into account more than one aspect of the body and lifestyle. It can mean considering what promotes or depletes mental and physical health. Not only does whole person health include looking at more than just one specific disease or area of the body but it includes […]

What is Toxic Stress?

What is toxic stress? Toxic stress begins with an incident that causes an emotional reaction. Reactions in the body, such as a racing heart or suppressed appetite are meant to protect you and keep you alive. However, finding ourselves in these states frequently may be a result of unhealed toxic stress or trauma stored in […]

The Problem with Perfectionism

It may start out as a thought, “If only I could be perfect, then my life would be better.” A small thought, with the potential to grow into a disastrous spiral of consuming thoughts and worry. Smarter, faster, stronger, flawless, perfect. For example, some students strive for straight A’s, to be class president, or to […]