Trauma often results from early events that cause your system to become dysregulated, overwhelmed, frozen, disembodied, anxious, depressed, and easily triggered. The impact of trauma can range from mild, brief, short-term depression to an eternal and life-changing bout of PTSD. It can affect your expectations, sense of hope, and future plans.
Trauma takes a toll on your physical wellbeing. The sooner you regain your center, the more equipped you will be to cope with the long-term impacts. We interviewed an expert in this space who has done decades of work and deep research with the mission of supporting people on their journeys to transform trauma. In our interview, Zahara mentions five tactics she recommends you use in your healing process so that you can live a purposeful life.
Movement
Trauma has a way of disconnecting people from their bodies, causing them to live in their minds. The result is often anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and rumination. Movement practices give you the chance to feel present again and connect with your body. One of the ways it does this is by improving the brain’s neuroplasticity. Additionally, it helps you reestablish your mind-body connection and be present-minded.
You could choose to focus on activities you love doing like dancing, swimming, gaming, walking, hiking, yoga. Involving yourself in these practices will help you feel embodied. Whether you spend five or fifty minutes moving, you will gain resilience, embodiment, presence, and concentration. As you enter the practice, allow yourself the space to make mistakes, be playful, and have fun.
Collective Healing
Zahara recommends healing in a space with other people who can share your experience. Trauma creates separation, hopelessness, desperation, and depression. On the other hand, group healing provides collective energy where you can process pain through relational support. Being in a group where people can relate to your experience can often be encouraging and calming. This type of support can help you combat long-term, adverse, emotional, and physical blows of trauma. Zahara provides this type of space to help individuals heal in a group setting.
Emotional Support
One common symptom of trauma is isolation. People find themselves pulling away from loved ones, staying in bed all day with the comfort of screens. Knowing this fact can give you power and clarity. Since isolation is a symptom of trauma, one of the most effective cures is reaching out – even when you want to stay under the covers. Families and friends have a unique way of connecting with you and bringing positive energy. Studies show that support from family, friends, and the community can help reduce physical and emotional stress as you heal from trauma. Her tip: reach out even when it feels like a burden and when you least want to. That’s probably when you most need the support.
Affirmations
You might not realize the power of affirmations, but they can be an incredibly effective tool when used correctly. You can start with pre-recorded affirmations to support your healing journey. Use present-tense since the subconscious mind is easily tricked. As you listen, jot them down in your notebook and take some time each day to recite them. Feel them resonate through your body as you say them aloud. When you believe in the affirmations, you manifest them, and eventually, they come true.
Meditations
Meditation can be a supportive tool in transforming trauma. Zahara recommends a short daily practice is recommended, whether you practice in silent seated meditation, walking meditation, dancing meditation, or a guided meditation tape. Begin with two minutes and work your way up from there to twenty or thirty minutes a day. This type of practice can help calm your nervous system, stem chaotic, anxious thoughts, and help you connect to your inner wisdom. With time, meditating build resilience against future pain and suffering. Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can set you on the course of living a centered, authentic life in alignment with your purpose.
