Body Work (*possible TW)

[milk]

My intention in this thread is to post a statement about how the human body relates to trauma and to open an inquiry about ways that we can return to knowing ourselves authentically through body awareness (proprioception). Building resiliency comes to mind when I think of our *physical nature, so this heading seemed appropriate for the thread. I also wanted to thank a member for posting an honest comment about their body — it inspired me to post this thread with careful attention to how we approach this subject: with respect and attunement towards health.

*physical nature: how our body survives trauma and how we return it to balance on our own with the support of a Rolfer (movement specialist), Seasoned Yoga Instructor, or others in this field.

The statement
I believe the human body is phenomenal because it is *foul and magnificent, regardless of how I feel about it at a given time — which can be thwarted by trauma.

Personal Experience
I have to work on this thwart often, so I can know myself. Letting somatic healing happen is one way I work on restoring sensations that were once lost. Through regular practice I am learning how to self soothe and becoming more aware of what I keep in my body. My experience in somatic healing comes from psychotherapy, hot yoga, meditation, completing the Rolfing series, and from swimming in a cold ocean.

—

*although this part is mostly attributed to our sense of smell, if we could not smell, what would we have? A substance of some sort. We do need the smell, though. It gives us knowledge - to keep a distance if we don't know what to do and if we do know what to do, take care of it in a healthy manner.


What are your thoughts on this subject?

[Kizzie]

I am just starting to explore the somatic aspects of healing Milk so this is a great thread. I will be doing some Somatic Experiencing (Peter Levine) in Jan and I am also thinking about trying some trauma sensitive yoga.  I found an instructor who works with clients who have experienced trauma but she's about 45 minutes away so I may wait to get through the worst of winter before going.

One book I know that is quite popular with OOTS members is "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk. I have it but haven't read it yet. 

[milk]

Kizzie, Bezzel Van der Kolk’s book is a great resource — I open it up to various sections throughout the week to help me through moments in daily living.

I am thrilled for you! 

Healing through the body does wonders — really. Its worth the struggle in the beginning, eventually I came to know my usual reactions and I could work through them so my body could open up to the pain —- I can now do this at home on my own. This is serious empowerment — no doctors needed! I felt my posture and self esteem shift in the process —- old pains disappeared. And the best part was noticing how my body kept the trauma and what I needed to do every day (homework from the Rolfer) to release it.

It will be great to hear how others fair with this body work. I am happy to have posted it —- its my favourite subject :  )

[Kada]

Hi,
Just wanted to say I'm following this thread. You don't really know me. I only registered last year and rarely post. I'm sorry about that :-/
But I'm doing body work. Although it's hard and has me confused atm, I do think/feel(?) I need to include this sort of work.
My last session didn't go too well as I can't feel parts of my body at times and it's unsettling. It makes me feel like I'm stuck and can't move. I have issues with dissociation and have been alternating between feeling quite anxious and being numb and absentminded for the past month.
I'm trying to read some of the work of Levine and Van der Kolk.

Kada