Last week my family was hit with a tsunami of a crisis.
Understanding how the human nervous system works – the stuff that I share in classes and in writing – steadied us through the panic, fear, grief, and uncertainty.
This knowledge, coupled with the everyday practice of mindfulness and mindful movement, anchored me when I felt like the very ground was being pulled from under my feet. It helped me to respond – not to react in fear – to the situation as it was unfolding.
It helped me understand what my body needed during this time so that shock, grief and trauma could move through – to be processed and discharged – instead of buried deep inside of me to fester for years….
It reminded me to remain kind and compassionate – to myself and others.
It kept my head clear, so that I can stand in front of the class and speak full sentences. I hope those sentences made sense…
Above all, it showed me how to face the wind of change and listen to my heart.
Glennon Doyle says, “Crisis means sifting.”
Sifting through this last week I recognized {how did I not see this before?} that analytical processing is one of my coping skills. Thinking have always felt safer than feeling… till now, anyway.
I think that’s where I’ll stop for today.
I had full intentions of writing about peripheral nervous system and its role in creating pain, but adding the sciency bit to what I just wrote doesn’t feel right.
I want to stay in the space of the heart.
I am holding the space for a HEALING CIRCLE on Saturday, December 8th.
We’ll do some expressive writing and meditate together.
If the time works and it feels right, come sit with me…
Love,
Julia
P.S. there will definitely be a manual – just not today:)
Hey, my name is Julia
Living with chronic pain has taught me to look for solutions in unlikely places – places where most people see only problems.
Over the years I’ve gotten to be pretty good at this problem-solving and silver-lining finding thing.
So good that I felt compelled to share what I’ve learned and help others to find their sea legs while navigating, living, and winning their battle with chronic pain.