The Refinery

01/11/2026

“Peace is born in how we walk each day

We bless the earth beneath our feet”

Step with intention, and extension of your prayers✨

01/08/2026

Totally geeking out on this!

Great info

Your muscles do more than move you; they communicate.

Here’s how this muscle–brain conversation works

1️⃣ Muscles Release Myokines When You Move

Every time you contract a muscle — whether walking, lifting, or cycling — your body releases myokines into the bloodstream.
These molecules travel to the brain, heart, liver, and other organs, fine-tuning metabolism, immune function, and repair.

🟢 Think of myokines as your muscles’ “text messages” to the rest of your body.

2️⃣ Myokines Protect and Energize the Brain

Different myokines perform specialized jobs:

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): Grows new neurons and strengthens existing connections — essential for learning and memory.

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1): Supports neuron survival and brain plasticity.

VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Builds new blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients.

Irisin: Regulates brain metabolism and reduces inflammation.

IL-6: Signals energy balance and helps modulate the immune system.

🟢 Example: Regular aerobic training increases BDNF, which correlates with improved memory and cognitive function.

3️⃣ Different Exercises Trigger Different Myokines

The type of exercise you do shapes your myokine profile:

Aerobic training (e.g., running, cycling): Broadly increases BDNF, VEGF, and CATB — boosting neuroplasticity and blood flow.

Resistance training: Elevates IGF-1 and IL-6 - improving muscle strength, insulin sensitivity, and energy regulation.

Combined or HIIT training: Merges both effects - supporting endurance, cognition, and metabolic health.

🟢 Example: 12 weeks of mixed aerobic and resistance training enhanced memory and energy metabolism in older adults.

4️⃣ Myokines Slow Aging from the Inside Out

With age, myokine release declines, contributing to weaker muscles and slower brain function.
Exercise restores this molecular communication - improving mitochondrial health, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting against neurodegenerative disease.

🟢 Studies show that consistent physical activity can delay Alzheimer’s- and Parkinson’s-related changes via myokine signaling.

5️⃣ Why It Matters

This science reframes muscle as more than a mechanical tissue — it’s an endocrine organ that speaks to the brain.
Through myokines like BDNF, IGF-1, and irisin, every workout sends signals that promote growth, repair, and longevity.

🟢 In simple terms: when you move your body, you literally feed your brain.

Exercise isn’t just about strength. It’s about communication.
Your muscles release molecular messengers that protect your brain, balance your metabolism, and slow the biological clock.
Movement isn’t just medicine; it’s messaging for longevity.

01/02/2026

The more you know

THE DIFFERENT “TYPES” OF PTSD (AND HOW YOU “CATCH” THEM)
By R. Trent Rose — The Writer

Let me break something down in a way people can actually feel.

PTSD isn’t just “one thing.”
It’s what happens when your nervous system learns a lesson the hard way:

“The world is not safe… stay ready.”

And depending on what you lived through, you can “catch” PTSD in different ways.

Not because you’re weak.
Because your alarm system did its job… and never turned off.

⸻

1) Single-Event PTSD

This is the one people think PTSD always is.

One major moment. One incident.
A wreck. A shooting. A robbery. An assault. A medical scare.

You “catch” it when your brain stamps that moment as:
LIFE THREAT. NEVER FORGET THIS.

Then you get:
• flashbacks
• nightmares
• jumpiness
• avoiding reminders

⸻

2) Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

This comes from repeated trauma, not one incident.

Years of:
• narcissistic abuse
• childhood chaos
• domestic violence
• coercive control
• emotional torture
• living in survival mode

You “catch” it when your nervous system never gets a real reset.
It learns:
Danger isn’t a moment… it’s a lifestyle.

Then you get:
• shame that feels like identity
• emotional swings or shutdown
• trust issues
• feeling “broken”
• difficulty bonding
• feeling like peace is unfamiliar

⸻

3) Fight/Flight PTSD (Hyperarousal)

This is the “wired” version.

Your body is always:
• ready to argue
• ready to run
• ready to react
• ready to defend

You “catch” this when you had to stay ready constantly.
Street life. Prison. War zones. Chaotic homes. Toxic relationships.

Your system learns:
If I relax, I get hurt.

Then you get:
• insomnia
• irritability
• racing heart
• panic attacks
• can’t sit still
• always scanning people

⸻

4) Freeze/Shut-Down PTSD (Hypoarousal)

This is the “numb” version.

You’re not panicking… you’re flat.

You “catch” this when fighting back didn’t work…
and escaping wasn’t possible.

Your system learns:
The safest move is to disappear inside myself.

Then you get:
• numbness
• exhaustion
• depression-like symptoms
• “I don’t feel real”
• disconnection from life
• low energy, low motivation

⸻

5) Dissociative PTSD

This is when you mentally “leave” your body during stress.

You “catch” it when the pain was too much to stay present for.
So your mind protects you by disconnecting.

Then you get:
• feeling outside your body
• time gaps
• “I watched it happen like a movie”
• things feel unreal

⸻

6) Relationship PTSD (Betrayal / Narcissistic Abuse PTSD)

This is the one people don’t take serious… but it can wreck your whole nervous system.

You “catch” it through:
• gaslighting
• hot/cold cycles
• cheating + lying
• silent treatment
• humiliation
• love bombing then devaluing

Your system learns:
The person I love is also the person who hurts me.

Then you get:
• voice tone triggers
• fear when the phone rings
• panic when they pull away
• trauma bond withdrawal
• paranoia and self-doubt
• walking on eggshells even after you leave

⸻

7) Secondary / Vicarious Trauma

This is trauma you absorb from being close to someone else’s trauma.

Caregivers. Nurses. Coaches. Therapists. Kids raised around chaos.
People who grew up with parents who were unstable.

You “catch” it by being near danger long enough that your body starts living like it’s yours.

⸻

The truth about “catching” PTSD

You don’t catch PTSD because you “couldn’t handle it.”

You catch it when:
• the danger felt real
• you felt powerless
• you didn’t get closure
• it lasted too long
• you didn’t have safety afterward

PTSD is your body remembering what your mouth stopped talking about.

⸻

The last thing I’m going to say

If you’re calm in real danger… but falling apart in quiet rooms…

That doesn’t mean you’re broken.

That means your nervous system knows how to survive chaos…

But it hasn’t learned safety yet.

And that can be healed.

Question for the comments:
Which one hits you the hardest — fight/flight, freeze/shutdown, or relationship PTSD?

R.Trent Rose- The Writer ✍🏾

If your spirit resonated with this message, go to the comments.
There’s something there that’ll sharpen your intuition and shift the way you see people. 🖤

👇 Check the comments

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!!!

Set intentions not resolutions✨

Let this be the year that you reclaim your life! Whether your are just starting your healing journey or ready for the next level, Radiant Soul Yoga School is WV first and only trauma informed yoga school. This is so much more then becoming a yoga teacher, in fact you may never teach yoga, you may have never even stepped on a mat!

This is a deep dive into yourSelf, learning holistic tools for regulation, growth, and healing. Bonus you will be certified to teach yoga IF you want.

Next session coming soon, secure your spot now! This is the best investment you will ever make in yourself💖

Your growth matters. Your healing matters. Your impact matters. Join us at Radiant Soul School of Yoga! Start your healing journey today.

11/01/2025

Join the Identity Blueprint Mastermind on November 2nd at 1pm!

Step into a transformative experience designed to help you uncover your authentic self. In this immersive mastermind, you'll engage in a guided meditation to explore your core values, gain insight into the science of neuroplasticity, and how it shapes your identity.

This class empowers you to:
- Set healthy boundaries with clarity and confidence
- Align your daily choices with your deepest values
- Cultivate a mindset of abundance and purpose

Discover what truly makes you tick—and find freedom in knowing yourself on a deeper, more intentional level. Your blueprint is waiting. Register now at radiantsoulguideyoga.com. Space is limited!

10/19/2025

Now that this first season of Radiant Soul School of Yoga is well underway we will be opening a portion of our in-person session to those wanting to take a deeper dive within themselves and their wellness practices and get a feel for what WV’s first trauma informed yoga school is all about!

We will be offering Mastermind Classes, for everyBODY; non yogis, beginners, and longtime practitioners, that will also provide CEU’s for those in need!

We are rolling out our first installment two weeks from today!

09/08/2025

Calling all Yogis, Wisdom Seekers, Changemakers, Therapists, and Healers looking to step into a transformative journey that blends ancient yogic wisdom with modern trauma-informed practices.

This training isn't just about teaching yoga--it's about becoming a compassionate guide for healing, resilience, and embodied presence!

The fall cohort begins on September 21st. You still have time to sign up at radiantsoulschoolofyoga.com. Flexible payment plans are available!

09/07/2025

Two weeks from today WV’s first trauma informed yoga school launches….and there is a few spaces open just for YOU! There is also room for someone who is looking for their next step of their healing journey, so be sure to share, because sharing is caring!

🧡Share this post
🩷Tag three friends in the comments
💛Invite your friends to like our page

Discover the authentic journey of yoga teacher training at Radiant Soul. Embrace transformation, community, and trauma-informed practices.

08/03/2025

Join our tribe✨

08/03/2025

Need a Daycation?

One week from today at St. Albans Yoga & Fitness Co-Op

Join Jessica Adkins for Next Level Yoga at noon, stay for Meet the Teachers Yoga Teacher Training Informational at 1:30, then Yoga and the Healing Journey Masterclass with Stephanie Brown Legg from 2-4! CEU’s are available for both yoga teachers and mental health professionals!

If you’re in need of self care, here’s your chance!

07/24/2025

Y’all ready?

You’re already on this page because you are interested in holistic, integrative approaches, and/or yoga students….its time to take the deeper dive✨🧡🧘🏼‍♀️🧡✨

07/23/2025

It’s official!! Our Founder and Lead Trainer here at The Refinery will be Lead Trainer of Radiant Soul School of Yoga

Here is your chance at a deeper find into Self discovery! Yoga Teacher Training has little to with becoming a yoga teacher and more to do with exploring all the facets of humanity and understanding how your experiences have both shaped and hindered you from becoming who you were created to be and reaching your fullest potential! The bonus is you will be certified at the end to teach yoga if you want!

Early bird pricing ends August 1, register now and remember staying is caring💧🧡🧘🏼‍♀️🧡💧