Intention : To my dear readers – hope you are making the most of the rain by engaging in some form of self care that brings in the smile …… The intention of this post is to elaborate on pathways towards healing from trauma …. What inspired my writing today – This piece of my writing  stems from some of  queries that I have had from the people I work with – is  trauma permanent ??or am I going to be ok – will I always feel this way…….. and the answer is of course not ….. Evidence based research indicates that following through with our healing journey , getting support and and working on ourselves consistently leads to Post traumatic growth or Post traumatic wisdom

Pathways to healing

Healing from trauma comes from owning our stories

Owning our stories helps us to get rid of feelings shame and guilt which are fear based responses characteristic of trauma….

Pathways can become clearer when we foster an understanding of how our brain works

Our brain stem (the primitive brain) or the autonomous nervous system has an inherent need to feel safe – self -regulation or learning to calm the brain stem happens when we engage in physical exercise

The more we engage in activities that make us feel safe and  bring us calm the faster the pace of healing

While the impact of trauma is long lasting it need not be permanent.

Our critical or the thinking brain has the ability to change – the change is dependent on the kind of activities we engage with , supportive  people that we meet work and healthy habits that we inculcate in our day to day living

Develop a rhythm in your day to day living – Routine , predictability and adding structure to our day brings in healing

“The roots of health are rhythm and regulation. When you mix in attentive, responsive, and nurturing caregiving, the roots and trunk of our brain’s Tree of Regulation are being organized” – Dr.Bruce Perry

Keep a check on feelings that include sadness, anger and fear – talk to people who are supportive- whenever possible read , listen to music, dabble with art and connect with nature

Thoughts , feelings and actions are connected – so learning to keep a check on the nature of thoughts is conducive to healing – Keeping a schedule and setting a programme of what we do each day helps in keeping thoughts light and positive. – be loving and kind to yourself ALWAYS

” If you have the ability to love , love yourself first” – David Brooks

Fill up your day with activities that bring in meaning , contentment and joy

Address any emotional pain through seeking help –it takes courage to ask for help

Work with supportive people around values that add meaning to your life – values can be service , kindness , safety , love , honesty

Find reasons to connect with those who practise your values – find ways of connecting with people who show an understanding of who you are – find ways of being heard and seen – this can happen by joining groups / clubs to play sport , go for walks or read books.

Volunteer when you can – engage with empathy ; pets are great for healing too.

Engage in activities where you practise kindness, love and affirmations on self

Practise writing affirmations – maintain a visual journal or an art journal that makes your smile

Give thanks to little things that light you up – the sun, the stars or a smile from a friend

The more we show patience kindness and love to self ,the greater the chance of connecting to others with patience and kindness and love

Post Traumatic Growth or Post Traumatic Wisdom happens- when we engage in the aforesaid repeatedly , we allow ourselves to heal, flourish and continue forth on our wellness journey ….

Hope with all sincerity that this writing brings you comfort and strength in all that you do today ….

With much love