Twenty years ago I can't imagine I would have used a word like “trauma” to describe any part of my life. That word was for people who had been violently assaulted or abused. That word was for tragic losses and unbelievable betrayals. That word was just too big for my small little life and trials. I left it for those with “real” troubles not understanding at the time that my body didn't know the difference. Big trauma, little trauma, it's all trauma and the body responds in the same way every time- it sounds the alarm. Each time, the alarm can go off in any number of ways (back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headache, stomach upset/diarrhea,hives,anxiety, depression, etc…) and over time (and with enough trauma) you will have a long list of symptoms and a medicine cabinet full of prescriptions that don't even seem to help. THIS is the way we are living today- battling a plethora of symptoms with pharmaceuticals, but still sick as hell.
I have been trying to feel well for a very long time and have tried ALL the things (including antidepressants) for much of the past 15 years. A little over two years ago, I came off all my meds and have been doing everything possible since to feel my best. It takes daily work and commitment to maintain a mindset of health and wellness and it is by no means easy. Most of us don't have a clue how to “regulate” ourselves and keep that alarm system from going off all the time. We have our ways of coping that we've always had and don't realize how harmful they can be. Sometimes we do know how harmful they are, but do it anyway. They say trauma is what leads most of us to addiction and I believe it.
WE MUST KNOW HOW TO MAKE OURSELVES FEEL SAFE IN WAYS THAT DON'T HARM US.
I have used many different practices to help myself heal. I do breathwork, write, read, pray, meditate, move, laugh, dream, create. I stand under the sky and sun and take in its glory. I've even spent years in therapy. Whatever it took, I did and will continue to do and, when it gets tough, I think of my girls and how I want each of them to know how to really be well in this world. I don't want them to suffer in the ways I have.
A friend posted this image on Facebook today. As I read through all the signs of trauma, I checked nearly all of them. I don't think this makes me special because I believe many of us are suffering in these ways. Yes, some to greater degrees, but we are all recovering from traumas, big and small.
I've known for years that helping others heal is my life's work and purpose. I have spent enough time teaching/practicing yoga to know how much we each need help in calming the heck down! We've got to learn to CHILLLLLLLL and I would love to help people do just that.
I offer private and group yoga sessions and my husband and I will be hosting Restful Retreats in the upcoming year. If you are struggling in any or many of these ways listed, I hope you realize right now YOU HAVE THE POWER TO HEAL YOURSELF and calm your nervous system down.
Today, if you are really “feeling” it, take a big long breath in. Hold for a few. Let it out. Do that as often as needed. It's a start and it DOES help.
Much Love Always,
Tammy
