EXTENDED NOTE ON HEALTH & TRAUMA

Taking part in a Journey can be challenging as well as rewarding. This note is intended to support you in considering and reflecting upon whether this experience is the right one for you at this time. It is not intended to cause you unnecessary concern.

Emotional Maturity

The Activities of Elaine Yonge are designed to awaken and work with strong medicines and energy in your body, awareness and emotions. This can be life-changing and potentially challenging, as we include and acknowledge strong energies when they arise in us as individuals and as a group. A high level of emotional maturity is required and expected from you as a participant. The space offers, acknowledges and includes some of the gifts of trauma-informed and transformational (Shamanic) models of healing and growth.

The shamanic approach involves connecting with the body and soul. Guided by a growth-centred view, this supports consciousness-raising. And for those exposed to trauma; to be agents in the creation of their own well-being, rather than solely being victims of traumatic events. Thus, overcoming images of themselves as being powerless and being able to take charge of their lives.

Not a replacement to therapy

Please consider if your mental health is ready and capable of undertaking such a journey at this time. This journey is not designed as a replacement or alternative to physical-, emotional-, mental-, nor medical therapy and is not focused on treating pathology.
While we, as the team of The Journeys, acknowledge that all of us have some degree of trauma and challenges in mind, body and emotions; this is a space where we intend to feel, move, express and integrate those experiences from the past.

If you suffer from significant unresolved/untreated/deep-seated trauma, significant mental health challenges, PTSD, an inability to down-regulate yourself or if you are taking medications for physical or psychological issues, please consult your GP/(Mental-) Health Professional first. If your Health Professional supports your decision to join the Activity, then contact the organiser of the Activity to make them aware of your conditions. It may or may not be possible to join the Activity. In some cases there will be a modified practice or another adaptation that will make the Activity suitable for you. Our aim is to be as inclusive as possible.

Please be aware that we say this for your own welfare, as there is always a risk that a process such as this could bring forward challenges that this space is not designed to hold. On that basis, the team of The Journeys, acknowledge and recognise our responsibility to offer you as a participant non-discriminatory care, a consent-focused space and appropriate support concerning the process as you navigate your journey.
If you doubt whether this journey is suitable for you and would like a reflection, please email the Organiser.

Alcohol & Drug free

Because of the nature of this Activity, it is required that you agree to abstain from the use of alcohol, recreational drugs including marijuana, Hap’e/Rap’e, psychedelic drugs, micro-dosing, cacao (unless the use of cacao is part of a group ceremony) or other mind-altering substances for the duration of the Activity. Please continue to take all your prescription medication.

Specifically for The Shamanic Breathwork Journey
Shamanic Breathwork is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, physical or psychological illnesses, challenges, sensitivities or in combination with the use of certain medications – whether occurred in the present or in the past.
An indication of these conditions are:

Cardio-vascular problems, heart conditions or arrhythmia
High blood pressure or low blood pressure with fainting
Epilepsy or seizures
Recent surgery or hospitalizations
Recent or current (possible-) pregnancy, history of delicate pregnancy
Lung disease
Glaucoma / detached retina
Severe Osteoporosis
Psychiatric treatment or hospitalisations
Psychosomatic conditions
Bi-polar disorder
Schizophrenia
Psychosis / Psychotic Events
PTSD
Severe Trauma
Sensitivity to loud noises or any other type of environmental factors
Dissociative conditions
Having involuntary thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Feeling disconnected from reality
Fear of / Preoccupation with having to protect yourself from persecution and attack from a specific person, a group or from unknown others
Hearing, seeing or feeling things that other people can’t sense
Flashbacks of previous events
Abuse of substances / Addiction
You are on the Autism spectrum - or suspect that you are - and this is causing challenges.

Should one of these (or similar) conditions apply to you and you would choose to be part of this Activity, please be aware that extra considerations should be taken:

If you have – or you suspect you have - any of these or similar medical conditions, physical or psychological illnesses, challenges, sensitivities or take medications, please consult your GP/Health Professional first. If your Health Professional supports your decision to join the Activity, then contact the organiser of the Activity to make them aware of your conditions. It may or may not be possible to join the Activity. In some cases there will be a modified breath practice or another adaptation that will make the Activity suitable. Our aim is to be as inclusive as possible.

When you apply for this Journey, we ask you to have read, understood, and agreed to the above and take responsibility for your decision to join this journey.