Stop making strength the only language you speak. Build support with TVA.

We often feel the pressure to appear strong, to hold ourselves together even when everything inside feels like it’s breaking. This strength is not just a mental or emotional state, it’s something we physically carry, often in the tightness of our abdomen. In yoga and many healing traditions, the belly is seen as the place where unspoken emotions go to hide. When we suppress feelings like grief, resentment, sadness, or fear, our bodies respond in ways that can affect our health deeply. Understanding this connection helps us listen to our bodies and find a path toward healing and wholeness.

The abdomen is where our emotions go to hide

How We Hold Emotions in Our Bodies

Many people don’t realize how much emotional stress they carry physically. The abdomen, often called the "second brain," is a common place where emotions get trapped. This is not just a metaphor. Scientific studies show that the gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve, influencing mood and stress levels.

When we try to appear strong, we may unconsciously tighten our stomach muscles and hold it together. Over the last weeks we have been training the TVA. The deep corset, not for appearance but for support. The transverse abdomens act as a containment with softness. This allows for the superficial core to relax and breathe freely. The psoas stops gripping. The emotional center in the Manipura Chakra or solar plexus finally gets space. If that fire center burns too long you know the ending, instead think of being able to stoke the fire. When moving in this way, in this support, you can breathe fuller, your posture aligns, emotional flow improves. The contrary is tension that can cause discomfort, pain, or even digestive issues. Over time, the body’s effort to keep these feelings hidden can lead to more serious health problems. Maybe IBD, maybe my emotional holdings finally exploding appearing as Crohn's Disease.

Resentment as the Soul’s Protest

Resentment is more than just a feeling; it is the soul’s way of protesting when we abandon ourselves. When we ignore our needs or deny our feelings, resentment builds up inside. While these conditions have complex causes, maybe emotional health does plays a significant role in physical well-being. We are integrated beings and sometimes science can't prove everything.

The body acts as a communication system. It sends signals through pain, fatigue, or sickness to alert us that something is wrong beneath the surface. Ignoring your needs is not healthy. Love yourself.

Practical Ways to Listen to Your Body and Release Hidden Emotions

Recognizing the signals your body sends is the first step toward healing. Here are some practical ways to start:

• Practice mindful breathing: Focus on deep breaths into your abdomen. This can help release tension and bring awareness to trapped emotions.

• Yoga,moving, stretching: Movements that open the belly area can encourage emotional release.

• Catch emotions out of flow: Snapping is my body screaming for down time.

• Journal your feelings: Writing about what you’re holding inside can bring clarity and relief.

• Explore meditation or prayer: These practices can create a sense of connection and peace, helping you feel less alone in your struggles.

Class Highlight: THURSDAY'S YOGA STRONG:

The heart of the practice is a flowing sequence designed to help you work strength, move with your breath and to create energy in the body. Each class begins with dharma talk to welcome the class theme and you. Then warm up begins from ankles to wrists, using gentle mobility work before building heat with Sun A and Sun B. Modifications are made for all levels, Jen teaches a powerful class not by commanding but by suggesting so you can make it easier, harder, and most importantly your own. Props are available if you forget yours. Each class closes with a cool lavender cloth during savasana for deep rest and integration. Jen invites you to come breathe, flow, and recharge with the beach as your backdrop.

"After the summer hiatus and you return to Jen, you'll remember how good her class is." Jamie

Schedule December 7-14 Vanderbilt Beach 9am-10am & Parking Garage is open

No classes Tuesday until January

Sunday- Restorative with Alex

Monday-Vinyasa Flow with Alex

Wednesday- Hatha Flow with Lo

Thursday- Yoga Strong with Jen

Friday- Friyay Flow with Lo