Trauma is not a pretty word to say the least. Most often it is associated with great horrors of veterans. Yes, war traumas are usually the ones that can incapacitate a person, however, a very large percentage of our world is “triggered.” To be triggered one must first have an experience that changes the nervous system and then another that reminds the subject of the initial impact. Most of those triggered aren’t war veterans.
People that ride in cars, planes, trains, and on bikes can be triggered along with people that play sports. People that walk quickly down a busy city street or that watch TV and other media videos, and listen to the radio. People that were yelled at and people that have been abused can all be triggered in an instant from a past traumatic event.
Trauma is different for everyone, but it is a nervous system reaction that protect the person. The sympathetic nervous system is turned on when a situation similar to a past impactful event occurs. This causes the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol, raise blood sugar and lower metabolism. The raising of sugar actually protects the brain and other organs from ‘pickling’ from the adrenal cortisol ( mentioned in Anthony William's books), so understand that your body works to protect your brain with these changes on impact. After all you’re going to need your brain for the rest of your life, right?
Now what do we do with this? Think about your day:
For me it was abuse growing up. Maybe you experience verbal or physical abuse from “friends” or family. Maybe you don’t think of it as abuse because your own self-talk already beats you up.
Maybe you have been in a car accident. When I was in one, I was between two cars, I was pushed into one and then felt my perception start looking upward as if I was leaving my body. I think of that as my soul, ready to vacate if need be. Which at the time I was glad of because who knows; I may not have lived through it. To be conscious of bodily destruction…well what good is that? Thanks body and soul for continuing to protect.
So recap; trauma is widespread among people and affects the body. Most people can be triggered which technically means you could fall under Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Post Traumatic Stress Reaction.
Questions to become mindful of your Mind-Body Connection:
In each instance of your day take a moment to tune into what your body is sensing. Try to acknowledge it and assert what it needs. Some people go for years ignoring their bodies, and then the body later makes large demands and refuses to operate with potentially lengthy illnesses. Try to understand that the natural flow of life is being in tune with the needs of your body, so that ALL of you can function happily.
How to heal: