Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. First codified by the sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras around 400 C.E, the practice was in fact handed down from teacher to student long before this text arose. Traditionally, this was a one-to-one transmission, but since yoga became popular in the West in the 20th century, group classes have become the norm.
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to yoke,” or “to unite”. The practice aims to create union between body, mind and spirit, as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness. Such a union tends to neutralize ego-driven thoughts and behaviours, creating a sense of spiritual awakening.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and whilst many different interpretations and styles have been developed, most tend to agree that the ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve liberation from suffering. Although each school or tradition of yoga has its own emphasis and practices, most focus on bringing together body, mind and breath as a means of altering energy or shifting consciousness.
The Soft Body Method is Amanda J. Carnes’ signature approach to trauma-informed movement. It is not traditional yoga focused on perfect poses, flexibility, or pushing limits. Instead, it is a somatic practice rooted in safety, listening, and nervous system support.
It begins with safety — creating conditions where your body can feel secure enough to release tension naturally.
Emphasis on softness, subtle movement, and somatic awareness rather than force or achievement.
Practices include gentle, intuitive movement, mindful body awareness, breathwork, and elements of Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) for deep rest and integration.
Strength and resilience emerge naturally when the body feels safe — no chasing, forcing, or fixing required.
Focuses on rebuilding trust in your body’s signals, completing natural cycles of experience (movement, stillness, sensation), and cultivating self-compassion.
This method supports the nervous system first, allowing you to move at the pace your body needs — whether that’s rest, gentle motion, or quiet presence. It is movement that listens, where softness and strength coexist.
Our trauma-informed approach prioritizes your felt sense of safety above all else.
Trauma-informed yoga (via The Soft Body Method) uses invitational language, offers full choice in every moment, and avoids hands-on adjustments, mirrors, or performance pressure.
Trauma-informed meditation includes gentle guidance, body scans, breath awareness, and regulation tools that help you stay present without overwhelm.
The goal is to restore a sense of safety, agency, and homecoming in your own body.
Research and clinical experience show trauma-informed yoga and meditation (including practices like The Soft Body Method) can:
Significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Calm an overactive nervous system, lowering hyperarousal, hypervigilance, and chronic stress.
Improve emotional regulation and the ability to process feelings safely.
Rebuild body awareness and self-trust — many participants feel “back in their body” after years of disconnection.
Enhance sleep, concentration, mood, and overall resilience.
Complement counselling, physiotherapy, and other therapies for deeper, more integrated healing.
Participants often report a quieter mind, less rumination, greater self-compassion, and renewed balance.
Our services, grounded in The Soft Body Method, are especially effective for:
Survivors of any trauma (childhood, interpersonal, medical, accident-related, military, or complex trauma).
Individuals with PTSD, complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, or nervous system dysregulation.
Those who feel disconnected from their bodies or find conventional yoga/meditation triggering.
Clients already in care at Cobblestone who want to add gentle somatic practices.
Anyone seeking a compassionate, non-judgmental path to healing — no prior yoga experience or flexibility required.
We integrate The Soft Body Method and trauma-informed practices into our whole-person care model. Sessions take place in a calm, supportive environment at our Paris Hub and are available as:
One-on-one personalized sessions
Small-group programs (e.g., the 8-week NeuroEase series)
Seamless integration with your physiotherapy, psychotherapy, or medical care
Every session emphasizes choice, consent, nervous system tools you can use daily, and soft, intuitive movement that honours where you are.
Ready to Reconnect with Your Body?
Healing can be gentle, safe, and deeply supportive. Through The Soft Body Method and trauma-informed practices at Cobblestone, you can learn to feel safer in your body, calmer in your mind, and more empowered in your life.
Contact us today to learn more or book your first session. Our team is here to answer questions and support you — on your terms, at your pace.
Cobblestone Medicine and Rehab – Paris Hub 
Inside the Cowan Community Healthcare Hub, Paris, Ontario 
519-442-2237
You deserve to feel safe and at home in your body again. We’re here to support you.
Begin Where You Are
There is no perfect way to meditate—only your way. Whether you are new to the practice or returning after some time, we invite you to begin gently. Even a few quiet minutes a day can make a meaningful difference.
If you’d like to explore meditation as part of your wellness journey, we’re here to support you.
