ALYSSA BUMP
Special to The Leader
“Hello, I am Dark Yogi, but you can call me Dragonfly.”
This article will discuss some potentially triggering subject matters, therefore you may choose to not read further.
On Feb. 20, Dragonfly “Dark Yogi” Hooks came all the way to Fredonia from Dallas, T.X. to host a three hour workshop. Having worked with the Black Student Union (BSU), specifically the Events Coordinator Nelson Clark, Dark Yogi created a safe space where heavy topics could be openly discussed.
Dark Yogi specializes in helping others heal from childhood and sexual trauma through the use of yoga, meditation and mindfulness. She is a certified yoga instructor and has been for four and a half years now.
However, this event was focused on revealing and confronting trauma. Dark Yogi said, “This type of event allows me the opportunity to face myself through the eyes of others. The benefits are healing for myself while simultaneously assisting others with healing themselves.”
As soon as the event started, it was established that attendees were in a safe space meant for healing.
Dark Yogi was raw and unfiltered when she fearlessly discussed her own traumas and how she has struggled. Many people told their own personal stories as well. Although this event made many uncomfortable and even emotional, it made it known that nobody is alone.
Dark Yogi said, “It’s important to know that you are not alone in this dance with trauma. To me, group settings can be therapeutic because it helps alleviate the stress of feeling alienated as you’re processing through the motions of said event.”
Many survivors of trauma do not get the chance to learn healthy coping skills. This is why it is so important that Fredonia hosts events like this one that brings people together.
BSU gave Dark Yogi the ability to come to campus and therefore help many people that needed it. During the event, one person said, “Everything you have said tonight I just really needed to hear.”
Clark realized that an event like this was necessary for many Fredonia students. Many victims of trauma fail to understand what to do with said trauma and how to stop it from altering their life negatively.
One message Dark Yogi hopes to spread through her work is that, “trauma does not make you defective or any less worthy of inner peace.”
Some coping skills that were discussed including keeping a journal, seeing a certified therapist, mindful breathing and doing yoga. Doing simple tasks such as saying affirmations daily and learning how to breathe through the diaphragm can make a tremendous difference.
But most importantly, Dark Yogi stressed that we must keep our heads up. Having the courage to heal may be hard, but learning healthy coping skills and knowing that you’re not alone makes it a little easier.
24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-800-724-0461
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Call the Counseling Center located in LoGrasso Hall between 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at: 716-673-3424