This was a great reminder for me to reflect back on sitting with those difficult emotions for the first time (it was 2012) for me. I love how you say that emotions are simply stored energies in your body that your body knows how to process. I think this one statement can help us to understand that we have no control until we dissect how we feel and take steps to help make the body feel safe again.
I'd also like to say that lately I've been doing a lot of thinking about self-medicating. Because it's not just drugs or alcohol. It's also scrolling social media and other things we think nothing of. I often ask people struggling how much time they spend on social. Limiting this can help quiet unnecessary noise.
When I read the book "The Body Keeps the Score" I first had no idea what it really was about. That changed when I was able to feel anxiety in my body again. Not really sure how all this works, but in a way, it's like bottled-up emotions.
And about the self-medication. You are right, there are so many ways to distract and basically numb yourself. But I also think that once you find out that even very intense emotions don't kill you, it's easier to just let them flow through you... knowing the "sh*t show" will be over soon.
Also there is a reward. Life changes, or at least your perception of it, when you learned to live with your shadows.
That is an amazing book! It helped me so much in understanding where many things I felt came from. It's been a few years… might be time to read it again after how far I've come.
Even without the karma points deal, I was going to put a heart anyway because I loved your article. In fact, my experiences are very similar (if not identical) to those you described. Sleepless nights still occur from time to time, but, as you said, they don't torture as much as before. I know now where they come from. I learned to stay with my emotions until I understand what they are trying to tell me.
Thank you, once again, for your valuable article. Whether it prepares us for what is to come or confirms our experiences.
Hehehe, but I hope the karma points made it even a bit easier. I guess at some point I have to tell how to open Karma bank account 😅
Seems many people go through similar experiences when they have similar backgrounds. I remember how many times I found myself in other people's stories. And at one point I decided to share mine... at least pieces of them.
This was a great reminder for me to reflect back on sitting with those difficult emotions for the first time (it was 2012) for me. I love how you say that emotions are simply stored energies in your body that your body knows how to process. I think this one statement can help us to understand that we have no control until we dissect how we feel and take steps to help make the body feel safe again.
I'd also like to say that lately I've been doing a lot of thinking about self-medicating. Because it's not just drugs or alcohol. It's also scrolling social media and other things we think nothing of. I often ask people struggling how much time they spend on social. Limiting this can help quiet unnecessary noise.
When I read the book "The Body Keeps the Score" I first had no idea what it really was about. That changed when I was able to feel anxiety in my body again. Not really sure how all this works, but in a way, it's like bottled-up emotions.
And about the self-medication. You are right, there are so many ways to distract and basically numb yourself. But I also think that once you find out that even very intense emotions don't kill you, it's easier to just let them flow through you... knowing the "sh*t show" will be over soon.
Also there is a reward. Life changes, or at least your perception of it, when you learned to live with your shadows.
That is an amazing book! It helped me so much in understanding where many things I felt came from. It's been a few years… might be time to read it again after how far I've come.
Yepp, it's amazing. Is in my top 5 recommendation list for healing trauma here on Substack.
For sure you will find new aspects and understandings when reading it again.
Even without the karma points deal, I was going to put a heart anyway because I loved your article. In fact, my experiences are very similar (if not identical) to those you described. Sleepless nights still occur from time to time, but, as you said, they don't torture as much as before. I know now where they come from. I learned to stay with my emotions until I understand what they are trying to tell me.
Thank you, once again, for your valuable article. Whether it prepares us for what is to come or confirms our experiences.
Hehehe, but I hope the karma points made it even a bit easier. I guess at some point I have to tell how to open Karma bank account 😅
Seems many people go through similar experiences when they have similar backgrounds. I remember how many times I found myself in other people's stories. And at one point I decided to share mine... at least pieces of them.
Thank you. I am so grateful for your supportive post, especially on yet another sleepless night.
Welcome 🤗
Sometimes I think sleepless nights are when your soul speaks loudest with you, so you don't fail to hear.