Each day I focus on healing and releasing trauma. I use a combination of methods: herbalism, somatic practices, and mindfulness techniques. I have found yoga and exercise are very helpful for me. I start each day with a meditation. I use the app Insight Timer. I highly recommend it. It is free and helps you to effortlessly track your meditation practice. After I mediation I sometimes do a tapping session. EFT or tapping is a way to use the bodies meridians to release patterns that no longer serve you. This form of self-therapy is great for people who disassociate or don't feel connected to their bodies. After these sessions I like to do a 30 minute workout on my Strider (Gazelle) exercise machine. If I am up for it I will follow this with a yoga session. I really prefer to do yoga with a teacher or in a group. The social aspect is incredibly healing for me. If I cannot make it to the studio I use the app Down Dog. It is great for its ability to be customized. I can choose the length and focus for my yoga practice.
Meditation in a garden is a wonderful way to enhance the experience.
Photo of Ananda Farms in Washington
I am taking a few herbs right now: St. Johns Wort (tincture), nettle (infusions), and a blend of adaptogens to stimulate my adrenals. I live in the pacific northwest and I have been feeling depressed this season. The SJW has been very effective at helping me to "see the sunshine". If you are interested in herbs you should consult an herbalist before starting any routines. I am working with a naturopath to track my progress.
Picture of Saint Johns Wort that I harvested and made into a medicinal oil.
Being a person who has suffered from the effects a trauma can be a full time job. There are many days when I struggle to leave the house or show up fully. I am working on this! I am loving myself through this process because I know it is a process and I will heal. I feel so much connection to the following quote.
“Bessel Van Der Kolk, in his book The Body Keeps the Score, states “Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from their selves.”
I am trying to come out from hiding and share my experiences. I have discovered that healing trauma is most effective when you combine somatic practices and mindfulness. Physically moving through this held tension in my body and gut by incorporating somatic therapies such as yoga, ecstatic dance and trauma release exercises has been a journey and a form of relief. I have held on to so much for so long...it is nice to feel the tension finally leaving my physical body. I have felt the healing effects that these modalities can have on both the body and the mind so I will continue to practice them. I am grateful for each day that I do not have a flashback or "re-live" the traumatic experiences. I have come along way in the last few years. I know I still have more to work on and I am ready. Each day I count my blessings and do the work.
Beautiful article and thanks for honestly writing out parts of your story. I, similarly, have found somatic excercises, energy healing, "talking it out", herbalism and the right person showing up at the right time to be my healing path. Healing those core wounds so we can walk with confidence and freedom is life's work and such important healing for the All. Thank so for doing yours :)
Also, the body keeps the score has been on my list of books to get- glad to see your recommendation! <3
Thank you for seeing me. Are there any forms of energy healing you recommend?
I feel we share a lot and I look forward to getting to know you!
Likewise! For me: reiki and moving energy is my go to. Nature is so energy healing for me too. <3
I have studied reiki a little as well. I need to bring that back into my life. Thank you for the reminder! I love nature I was exploring Big Basin Redwood State Park yesterday. So much magic and healing. I adore redwoods. <3
You are doing an amazing job of treating yourself with respect and love. Thanks for sharing this story and for the beautiful quote. I also resonate with this way of looking at how trauma effects us. This is a new angle of looking at it that I hadn't considered yet and it's helpful for me to hear. St Johns wort has also been a powerful Ally for me this last year!
What kinds of medicine do you like to make with SJW? Beautiful photo!!
Where in Washington are you? I am in Everett and part time in Covington.
I have been enjoying the St John's Wort tincture. I have an infused coconut oil that I have been too lazy to strain, but I will get to it soon and make a post about it. I'm looking forward to trying it out. Other than that I've brewed st john's wort beer and made st john's wort tea with the fresh herbs. I really enjoyed both. Actually the tea chilled with ice make an amazing iced tea replacement without the caffeine but with an uplifting energy! I am on the other side in NE washington north of Spokane. I spent some time near the coast last year in Rockport and Centralia. It's beautiful out there!
I have some SJW infusing in avocado oil that I need to strain. I have some already strained that I have been making salves with so once that is used up I will strain the next batch. I wild harvested it on Camano Island.
Ohh tea sounds lovely do you use the flowers and leaves in your tea?
If I am ever going up to Spokane I will let you know! I would love to come check out your permaculture spot. I am part of a collective called Earth Nation and we are networking eco-villages and permaculturists all over the world as well as creating our own form of cryptocurrency called Equality Keys. I am always happy to connect with people who are walking the same path. Many blessings to you!!
Yeah I use the flowers and leaves in the tea, but only fresh. Dried SJW flowers can cause sun sensitivity.
Awesome, yeah let me know if you do. There is a small but wonderful permaculture community up here. Next spring I will probably be down in southern OR.
The Equality Keys sounds interesting, I'll have to check it out.
Great to know. I haven't used the dry flowers or leaves much.
I will send you some links for Equality Keys once the site has launched. Our collective is still in beta and we are rolling things out as they are ready. One of the heartquarters is near Eugene, Oregon. If you are headed that way please stop by! We love making new friends.
That sounds really cool! I look forward to checking it out :) Yeah I'm sure I will make it to Eugene next year from time to time, I have some friends there.
Yes divine and inspiring message goddess! TY! Proud to serve with you! Up-voted and loved @originalworks
Some similarity seems to be present here:
This is an early BETA version. If you cited this source, then ignore this message! Reply if you feel this is an error.The @OriginalWorks bot has upvoted(0.5%) and checked this post! https://byronclinic.com/bessel-van-der-kolk-2017/
@originalworks I did cite my source. It is a quote from a book :)
Thank you sister!! I am so happy we are on the same team. Sending love to you and everyone in Earth Nation!