Trauma and anxiety plague so many people around the world causing physical and emotional symptoms that range in severity. I would argue that by adulthood most of us have suffered trauma to some degree. Some have suffered a much more severe trauma and their symptoms persist causing chronic stress and acute symptoms called Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, or P.T.S.D. Trauma is not only the occurrence of an event but an absence of love, safety, trust, and connection. You can heal by facing your fears, building your confidence and finding forgiveness. For me personally it took a combination of therapy, self help books, yoga, meditation, and walks alone in the woods.
It is important to recognize the physical and emotional cues of anxiety so that when you start to feel triggered you know how to respond. You can also start to question if what is happening is a memory or flashback from the past or if it is real. It is a good idea to check in with reality and be sure to practice grounding techniques so that you feel safe when you start to feel out of control. Please be patient with yourself. You may even think you have healed and then out of the blue you may have another flashback. This is all very normal and there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Practice positive affirmations such as, “I am safe.” “I am focusing on the things I can control.” “I am worthy of respect.” The more safety we can create for ourselves the better we will feel. Our thoughts create most of our reality after all. Journaling and support groups are also excellent help. Remember to practice good self care as you are healing and take the time to nurture yourself. Finally, set boundaries and protect your energy.
The fight or flight response was originally intended to keep us safe in the day of the cave man. But today, it serves a different purpose. Have you ever said something harsh in a heated moment that you wish you could later retract? If we practice the pause and respond rather than react we can often understand that our thoughts become distorted when our mind goes into that fight or flight stage and our brain actually begins to tell us lies trying to protect us and keep us safe. In reality that causes harm in more cases than not. In my upcoming workshop we will learn how to control and re-frame our negative thoughts into something more constructive.
Men often have a difficult time expressing emotions because society expects them to be macho and tough, but the truth is they are deep feeling people too.
When we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, we can actually slow our heart rate down which allows us to come down out of that fight of flight response into a more calm, clear thinking rational space. Modalities such as yoga, breathwork and meditation are great ways to connect the body and mind. More physicians are recommending these healing modalities for trauma because it allows the individual to go within and reconnect. It allows the individual to build confidence and trust within themselves and to quiet the chaos of the external world.
Just as the trees come back from winter and grow beautiful leaves each spring, we too are making our comeback. We have let go of those who weigh us down, and no longer serve us, and we are ready to rise like the lotus toward the light and share our beauty with the world. Spring represents rebirth and now is the time to come back stronger than ever. Find your voice and take your power back.
Hope Springs Eternal,
Libby
P.S. It’s official and I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! YOU can register today for my Overcoming Trauma & Anxiety Workshop to Create the Life you Love and Deserve: Pre-Launch Early Bird Special for $45! The five day course will begin online Monday March 29th. It will be a predominantly work on your own pace with one live zoom call each evening. The time will be determined once registration is closed. This is an unbelievable value, but I genuinely feel that the world needs healing more than ever so this is my small way of contributing.