|
|
Rise Above T1D Yoga Therapy ProgramTransforming Diabetes into the Source for Self-MasteryRise Above T1D is a 6-week interactive yoga therapy program for people with type 1 diabetes and LADA. It combines yoga asana, pranayama, meditation, and yoga nidra, with Ayurveda, yoga philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience into a stream-lined and innovative program to transform, empower and heal.
|
Meet Your Guide
C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, Founder and Author of Yoga Therapy for Diabetes
Hi, I am Evan. I am the founder of Soroka Yoga Therapy and the author of Yoga Therapy for Diabetes. I've been a T1D since 1998 when I was thirteen. As a Colorado native, I grew up in nature, have always been active and engaged in the outdoors. But diabetes threw me for a curveball.
You can ask my friends and family; it has not always been a comfortable journey for me. After all, no one gives us a manual for diabetes; we have to figure it out along the way. Through trial and error, we learn how to navigate diabetes. But we also acquire fears, negative beliefs and begin to see the world through a specific diabetes-colored lens.
My post-diagnosis years were anything but graceful. Angry and rebellious, I had a hard time navigating the highs and lows. Uncomfortable in my body, anxious and exhausted without an outlet, I was heading down a path that could have killed me. I needed something powerful to pull me out of a vicious cycle and remind me of my wholeness, something that would heal my relationship with diabetes and, most importantly, myself.
You can ask my friends and family; it has not always been a comfortable journey for me. After all, no one gives us a manual for diabetes; we have to figure it out along the way. Through trial and error, we learn how to navigate diabetes. But we also acquire fears, negative beliefs and begin to see the world through a specific diabetes-colored lens.
My post-diagnosis years were anything but graceful. Angry and rebellious, I had a hard time navigating the highs and lows. Uncomfortable in my body, anxious and exhausted without an outlet, I was heading down a path that could have killed me. I needed something powerful to pull me out of a vicious cycle and remind me of my wholeness, something that would heal my relationship with diabetes and, most importantly, myself.
I was lucky to have found yoga a few years after my diagnosis. Yoga quickly became my primary source of support for managing the everyday physical and emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness. I received some of the highest yoga pedagogy credentials, became a certified yoga therapist, opened a clinic, and authored Yoga Therapy for Diabetes.
My life's mission is to help others, like you, achieve their best life, not despite diabetes, but BECAUSE OF DIABETES. I genuinely believe that a diabetes diagnosis is a blessing to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling existence.
Diabetes is not static, and nor is life. We need to feel empowered to manage diabetes, knowing that no matter what happens, we have the tools and resources to handle it better. To have a practice that is always present when I need it empowers me to know that I have the tools to cope no matter what happens. Yoga therapy for diabetes is a life-long skillset applied as both an intervention and prevention strategy for diabetes.
Yoga Therapy has helped me:
My life's mission is to help others, like you, achieve their best life, not despite diabetes, but BECAUSE OF DIABETES. I genuinely believe that a diabetes diagnosis is a blessing to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling existence.
Diabetes is not static, and nor is life. We need to feel empowered to manage diabetes, knowing that no matter what happens, we have the tools and resources to handle it better. To have a practice that is always present when I need it empowers me to know that I have the tools to cope no matter what happens. Yoga therapy for diabetes is a life-long skillset applied as both an intervention and prevention strategy for diabetes.
Yoga Therapy has helped me:
- Lower my HbA1c to 6.0% without lows.
- Gracefully navigate daily ups, downs, and all over the place days.
- Recover faster from blood sugar swings and increase energy.
- Overcome my fear of lows.
- Manage my emotions with ease.
- Transcend body and self-image issues.
- See behavioral patterns and make adjustments.
- Develop self-discipline and self-awareness.
- Transform negative beliefs and patterns.
- Improve my attitude about diabetes.
- Cultivate self-compassion, forgive and learn from mistakes.
Although all yoga is potentially beneficial for diabetes, not all yoga addresses the unique needs and challenges of diabetes. Rise Above T1D is the only program of its kind to create programming specifically for diabetes, offering practices that will help you manage in-the-moment highs and lows, transform attitudes and perceptions while equipping you with life-long resilience tools to increase longevity.
The goal is not to focus on the numbers, diet, or fitness plan, but instead to improve health by creating a lifestyle conducive to healing. This year is the first time I will be offering this program alongside my recently released book: Yoga Therapy for Diabetes.
You have a choice.
You don't have to let diabetes win.
You can break free of the vicious cycle of highs and lows.
I am here today to show YOU how to do it for yourself.
No one can do this work, except for you!
This missing link in mastering diabetes is already alive within you. You have to AWAKEN it. You don't need anything other than yourself, an open mind, and dedication; the work will transform you if you let it.
Are you ready?
I would love to guide you there.
In Service,
The goal is not to focus on the numbers, diet, or fitness plan, but instead to improve health by creating a lifestyle conducive to healing. This year is the first time I will be offering this program alongside my recently released book: Yoga Therapy for Diabetes.
You have a choice.
You don't have to let diabetes win.
You can break free of the vicious cycle of highs and lows.
I am here today to show YOU how to do it for yourself.
No one can do this work, except for you!
This missing link in mastering diabetes is already alive within you. You have to AWAKEN it. You don't need anything other than yourself, an open mind, and dedication; the work will transform you if you let it.
Are you ready?
I would love to guide you there.
In Service,
|
|
|
|
Does This Sound Like You?
- You understand that diabetes is a constantly changing force. What worked yesterday might not work today - and you want to continually improve.
- Despite your best efforts to live a healthy life, you feel like there is room for improvement.
- You recognize that insulin, diet and exercise alone are not enough.
- It's hard to separate yourself from your disease – the highs and lows define you.
- You want to understand how to practice self-care for diabetes.
- You're easily tired, drained and have a hard time sleeping.
- You want to have more energy for the things that matter most –life, family, work, adventure, recreational activities –but diabetes gets in the way.
- You struggle to communicate what you need to others - often you feel frustrated - because they just don't get it.
- You have tried yoga or other holistic modalities but they do not have a lasting effect.
- You’ve been searching for the answers outside of yourself –and you are ready to find the answers within.
If you answered yes to ANY of these, then Rise Above T1D may be right for you!
Learn How To:
*Practice yoga therapy for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
*Identify, apply and integrate yoga therapy for diabetes needs.
*Optimize your energy, improve sleep and digestion.
*Reduce diabetes overwhelm, stress and exhaustion.
*Release negative emotions.
*Increase your natural ability to self-regulate, revitalize and heal from imbalances.
*Free your mind of unnecessary fear and burden.
*Trust your ability to make diabetes management adjustments.
*Improve your relationship with yourself, others, forgive your mistakes and move on!
*Create inner peace - at any time - anywhere - for your whole lifetime.
|
|
DAILY SCHEDULE
Over the course of 6 weeks you will learn the foundation of yoga therapy for type 1 diabetes.
Each week is specifically designed to help you maximize your understanding and absorption of the material.
Each week is specifically designed to help you maximize your understanding and absorption of the material.
How it Works:
Bite-Size LearningEvery Monday Evan will upload the content for the week's lectures in small, bite sized videos so you can learn throughout the week at your own pace. The goal is for you to absorb and integrate the material before Saturday's live experiential yoga practice. |
Live Weekly Practice on ZoomYoga therapy is gentle, focused on the major pain points people with T1D face starting with physical challenges, then moving into the mind, emotions and behavioral therapy. Each live practice focuses on the week's learning and helps you integrate it within your body and mind. |
Learn at Your Own PaceCan't make it to the live classes or need more time to learn? No problem! Rise Above is structured to learn at your own pace. While we recommend following the week-by-week pace, the program is available for 12 weeks. |
T1D Community & AccountabilityThis is a personal journey but you do not have to do it alone. This program provides a unique opportunity to connect with other like-minded type 1's and share your experiences in our private facebook group. Share your reflections, questions, insights and Ah-Ha moments! |
Guided Meditation + JournalingTheory and practice only go so far without self-reflection and application. My intention for you is that the practices and knowledge will begin to awaken your inner wisdom to transform your relationship to and with diabetes. Each week you will be guided through a special meditation or yoga nidra, prompted to reflect, write and integrate the lessons into your life. |
Live Office Hours with EvanIt is important that you feel supported along this journey. The people who get the most out of the program are the ones who ask questions. Meet with Evan live for an hour every Wednesday morning. Ask questions, receive answers and guidance. |
Experience the Power of Yoga Therapy for Diabetes
|
Recommended Reading: Yoga Therapy for Diabetes by Evan Soroka
Available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Good Reads. A stunner; a superlative resource. I unequivocally recommend this exceptional work." |
Bonus - Private Guidance with Evan
Standard Route30-Minute Mini-Yoga Therapy Private with Evan
*Must be scheduled within 3 months of start date. Special VIP Route90 Minute Yoga Therapy Private with Evan
Includes:
|
Week 1
The Foundations of Yoga Therapy for T1D
The role of yoga as diabetes self-care
Cultivating empowered diabetes resilience - the pillars of diabetes mastery and health
The how and why of practice - understanding intervention vs. prevention
Spinal movement and energetics as palette for healing
Breath-centric yoga - how to move and breathe for maximum benefit
Cultivating empowered diabetes resilience - the pillars of diabetes mastery and health
The how and why of practice - understanding intervention vs. prevention
Spinal movement and energetics as palette for healing
Breath-centric yoga - how to move and breathe for maximum benefit
Week 2
Ayurveda for Diabetes
Understand the oldest living medical science's view on type 1 diabetes
Sattvic living - a balanced approach to a holistic lifestyle
How and why to use Ayurveda as a model for self-care
Identifying imbalances and practicing to restore balance
Cultivating joy and longevity
How to actually cook Ayurvedic food for diabetes
Sattvic living - a balanced approach to a holistic lifestyle
How and why to use Ayurveda as a model for self-care
Identifying imbalances and practicing to restore balance
Cultivating joy and longevity
How to actually cook Ayurvedic food for diabetes
Week 3
Hyperglycemia
The biology of hyperglycemia
Types of hyperglycemia - and how to practice for them
Physical and emotional cost of highs
Improving insulin sensitivity
Strategies and techniques to stop hyperglycemia in its tracks
Types of hyperglycemia - and how to practice for them
Physical and emotional cost of highs
Improving insulin sensitivity
Strategies and techniques to stop hyperglycemia in its tracks
Week 4
Hypoglycemia
The science of hypoglycemia
Types and severity of hypoglycemia
Increasing hypoglycemia sensitivity
Strategies to reduce fear and energetics to recover faster
Practice for restoring balance after hypoglycemia
Types and severity of hypoglycemia
Increasing hypoglycemia sensitivity
Strategies to reduce fear and energetics to recover faster
Practice for restoring balance after hypoglycemia
Week 4
Mental Health
Stress and its impact on diabetes care
Rewiring the stress response
The vagus nerve - reticular activating system - breath training
Working with diabetes burnout and diabetes distress on your own
Practices to create calm, balance and train your nervous system to handle stress better
Rewiring the stress response
The vagus nerve - reticular activating system - breath training
Working with diabetes burnout and diabetes distress on your own
Practices to create calm, balance and train your nervous system to handle stress better
Week 6
Transformation
A yogic perspective: Looking deeper at the mind, the causes of attachment and suffering
The chakra system and yoga psychology
Reshaping habit and transforming beliefs
Setting intention, goals and implementation
Practices to build light, positivity and self-acceptance
Transcending illness with meditation
The chakra system and yoga psychology
Reshaping habit and transforming beliefs
Setting intention, goals and implementation
Practices to build light, positivity and self-acceptance
Transcending illness with meditation
Rise Above T1D Program
|
Testimonials
|
For the majority of my life, type 1 diabetes was something that I fought. I lived in denial of and resentment towards the disease. With Evan's program as a key component, in recent years, I have learned to accept and live with type 1 diabetes as a part of myself and my life. My life has transformed in ways I never knew were possible through breath, movement and meditation. Since working with Evan, my HbA1c has dropped from nearly 9 to 7.2 - something that I can honestly attribute to my newfound ability to manage stress and connect with my body on a higher plane. I cannot emphasize enough how strongly I recommend this program for other type 1 diabetics.
|
|
Evan’s devotion to serving others through yoga is exceptional. She masters yogic teachings and brings them to life through the day-to-day experience thriving with diabetes. In her course, Evan artfully presents potent practices with situational awareness that comes from self-study and personal experience with type 1 diabetes. I am more thoughtful in my daily actions and consequently, spend more time in my optimal blood glucose range after taking Evan’s course and living my yoga.
|
|
"I've had type 1 diabetes for almost 35 years and had the privilege of studying with Evan as part of the Rise Above Diabetes program. I learned that I am not a diabetic, but a person who has diabetes. Yoga and breath center and calm me, which helps manage my numbers.
|
|
As a newly diagnosed adult Type 1 diabetic, I have entered an entirely new world of health management. I’m a science and data driven person, and while carb counting is easy for me, I could not get my arms around how to manage to less measurable aspects of my health, such as stress. Evan taught me how to manage stress through breathing and Yoga, enabling me to get a grasp on the less tangible aspects of diabetes. I will be forever grateful to Evan for her wisdom and help.
|
|
Working with Evan was instrumental to my health as she reminded me to slow down. Like most, my life is busy and full, and most of the time I’m running from one thing to the next- often to the tune of high blood sugars and/or wild blood sugar swings. Evan worked with me on breathing and choosing more restorative yoga poses- and incorporating these into my daily ritual has helped to ease my stress and feel less rushed. Evan’s knowledge of yoga, breathing, and life with type 1 diabetes makes her a great ally to have! Sophie S. |
ABOUT YOUR GUIDE
|
Evan SorokaFounderEvan Soroka, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, is the founder of Soroka Yoga Therapy in Aspen, CO, and author of Yoga Therapy for Diabetes ( coming in 2021). She has been featured in Yoga Journal and is a regular contributor to Yoga International magazines for her work. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in adolescence, and degenerative disc disease, Evan has practiced yoga since her teens as an adjunct to health care. Yoga and, more specifically, breathing and meditation help her manage the physical and mental challenges of living with chronic illness and pain. Her firsthand experience makes her a uniquely skilled and compassionate guide for all seeking yoga as a heath providing tool. She has gone on to receive some of the highest credentials in holistic education, becoming an E-RYT 500 in 2013 and C-IAYT in 2015 from the prestigious American Viniyoga Institute. She is forever a student. |
F.A.Q.
What are the benefits of participating in Rise Above T1D?
The benefit of participating in Rise Above T1D is something Evan calls empowered diabetes resilience. Resilience is our power to bounce back, adapt, and grow stronger from experiences. Evan will teach you the missing pillars in diabetes management, increasing self-awareness, inspiring adaptation, and trust in your ability to be the healer. This positive reinforcement is not singular to a 6-week program but stays with a person throughout their lives.
I'm new to yoga. Will this course be too challenging for me?
Rise above T1D is not a physically demanding program. Little of our focus is on achieving postures but using the poses as a doorway to increase and redirect prana (our life-force) or consciousness. No matter where you are in your yoga journey, you will benefit from this program. Some of the concepts and words may be new to you but having a skilled and compassionate guide like Evan will ensure that you start on the right foot. We offer a weekly office hour where you can ask pertinent questions and connect with other students.
I've been practicing yoga for years. Will this course be too easy for me?
We often equate challenge with physicality. Most yoga practitioners begin with a physical practice, a helpful starting point as asana trains discipline, self-study, and non-attachment amid change. At a certain point, a practitioner yearns for a more profound understanding and must search past the body to experience it. This subtle searching is the real yoga advancement. Rise Above T1D does not focus on postures but instead uses yoga's tools, philosophy, and science to tailor deeply healing experiences for people with diabetes. If you are looking to perfect your handstand while also working on diabetes, this course will be too easy. But if you can set aside the goal-oriented work-out and see this as an invitation to take your yoga practice to new inner heights, there is no limit to the depth of your experience.
I have a busy schedule. If I run behind on the sessions will it be okay to jump into a class?
While we highly recommend setting aside the time to follow Rise Above T1D live, we are also realistic about how life can be. We've intentionally structured educational videos to be small so you can watch as you go throughout the week. Although the system is sequential, you can piece it together as you wish. The best recommendation is to honestly assess if you have time to dedicate to your health and learning. Try not to fill your plate with too many extracurriculars like multiple yoga classes a week so you can absorb this material.
How can I access the classes and recordings?
All recordings are uploaded to a member's only website. Live classes are on zoom. Once completed, the videos are uploaded to the member's website, accessible for three months.
How much support will I get?
Asking questions and showing up live is the best way to receive support. You have the opportunity to connect with Evan with a weekly office hour and the option to schedule a 30-minute private session.
When will this course be offered again?
It is uncertain when Rise Above T1D will be offered again this year. We may deliver it in the fall/early winter of 2021, but it is TBD.