Trauma is a natural response to an unbearable event – not the event.
“Trauma is a not a disease, but rather a human experience rooted in survival instincts. It is caused when one is unable to release blocked energies, to fully move through the physical / emotional reactions to a hurtful experience. ” ~ Peter A. Levine, PhD.
Did you know that:
- Trauma is the most avoided, ignored, denied, misunderstood and untreated cause of human suffering * Levine, Peter A. Healing Trauma
- Trauma does not have to stem from a major catastrophe – some common triggering events include car accidents, routine invasive medical procedures, loss of loved ones, natural disasters, horse riding accidents, and many others
- The origin of trauma is biological – it happens in and to the body first
- The stress of trauma occurs when the body’s natural response to an event that threatens one’s well-being (whether perceived or otherwise) has been interrupted (ie. not able to complete it’s response and return to balance)
- When the body remains activated, the brain continues to release high levels of adrenaline and cortisol, and the body holds onto its high-energy, ramped up state – over time a cascade of symptoms and even dis-ease results
- When the brain does not receive the ‘all clear’ signal, it continues to release chemicals and activate the body
- The ‘all clear’ signal comes from the body – not the thinking mind
- The impact of trauma may not show up for years
- Many diagnosed conditions can actually be the result of unprocessed trauma over time – such as depression, chronic inexplicable pain, fibromyalgia, IBS, and many others
- The body has an innate ability to heal itself – including the impact of trauma
- By working with the body in a gentle, specific way – through sensations (not the stories or even the emotions), one can enable the body to send and receive the ‘all clear’ signal and restore well-being
“…humans are born with an innate capacity to overcome trauma.”
~ Peter A. Levine, PhD.
In order to heal trauma, we need to first understand how our bodies naturally respond to events that threatens our well-being. Understanding that our bodies’ responses are automatic and normal, relieves us of our self-imposed anguish, and creates the space for healing to begin.
SEhorse 