This week has been bumpy, confusing, painful and overwhelming. PTSD has a range of symptoms from depression to anxiety, and triggers which can produce deep seated self-loathing, which is difficult to know where it will take you.
I've been fascinated by the healing process since I was a child and would find the healing of a scraped knee as interesting as having a bad fight with my family and figuring out how to reconnect. Healing from those things we don't talk about is more mysterious but I think the process is no less miraculous and unfolds naturally in the right environment.
I have found that I become unwell, experience symptoms, I move into 'Protection Mode'. My Sympathetic nervous system kicks in (fight, flight or freeze), and I become heightened scanning the environment for harm. And this is an important point, I'm scanning for harm and this colours the perspective I have during the time I am in Protection Mode and feeling vulnerable and confused.
From Harvard Health 2021, 'When someone experiences a stressful event, the amygdala, an area of the brain that contributes to emotional processing, sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus. This area of the brain functions like a command center, communicating with the rest of the body through the nervous system so that the person has the energy to fight or flee.' This is why pranayama, mindfulness and slow mindful yoga which works directly with the central nervous system, hormones and brain function is such a wonderful tool to have when you need it.
When I start to heal, return to balance or a Sattvic state, I spend more and more time in 'Connection Mode'. The Parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest, reflect) begins to kick in and the inner storm begins to pass, like clouds in front of the sun. I begin scanning the environment for safety, I'm no longer looking for harm but rather I'm looking for connection. In scanning for safety I start to find safety everywhere.
The practices that worked this week were---
* Pranayama & Mindfulness practices - Sama Vrtti - even numbered breath
While placing one hand on my belly to ground into the sacral and base chakra to increase feelings of safety. Also placing one hand on the heart to remind myself about connection, and breathing into the upper chest to increase feelings of gentleness, loving kindness and self-friendship. Staring with a count of 4/6/8
* I also found Mantra/chanting the 'Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo' chant very healing. This chant 'Ong Namo' -I bow to the subtle divine wisdom. And 'Guru Dev Namo' - I bow to the divine teacher within.
* And I practiced the 20 Second Hug with Bruce my husband. Hugging for at least 20secs releases oxytocin and decreases cortisol which was exactly what I needed.
I can't wait to share with you tomorrow the yogic practices that helped me this week to bring about safety and connection.
If you are coming to class tomorrow please
Wear loose comfortable clothing
Don't eat a full meal for 2hrs before class, fruit /nuts is okay
Please have a yoga mat, 2 blocks, 2 cushions, a strap
Please let me know as soon as you can about any physical, mental health or neurological issues
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