An Emotional Healing Journey

Why do I want to focus on our experiences and traumas from the past? Why go back and visit old ghosts? What does it do for me? Better leave them there, hidden, to be forgotten. Right?

Wrong.

Why?

Because our old ghosts from the past still live, breathe, and poison our minds, brains, and bodies today. Unhealed traumas from the past still lay their heavy hand on us.

And we´re still suffering from the pain.

Fear

Let´s take our intimate relationships as an example. We want to be close to someone but don´t know how. Some of us grew up in homes where you could get into trouble for telling your truth. You weren´t encouraged to speak clearly. Instead, your voice drowned in the heavy sounds of your home. The menacing sounds that kept you awake at night.

We can let fear consume us. Paralyze us.

Living in fear is draining. It affects us in different ways:

For example:

Fear of rejection and abandonment in close relationships - prevents you from opening up and experiencing true intimacy.

Fear of being disliked and perceived as pushy at work - you don´t set healthy boundaries, leading to professional and personal downfall.

Fear of being ridiculed for following your vision - prevents you from living life to the fullest and leads you to frustration and resentment.

We can let fear consume us. Paralyze us. That's pretty much what we've been doing all our lives - living half-lives.

Or you decide to work through the feelings of fear when they hit you. You face your fears with awareness, understanding, and activities that help you heal.

Here are some steps to begin healing:

1. Awareness of how the past influences your now (negatively) is crucial. Many of us still live in darkness about our experiences. We don´t see the impact it has on us today. You are a meaning-making creature. Try to make sense of your experiences so you can begin to understand. Writing is a good start. Talking with a friend who shares similar experiences is another way.
2. Breathwork: The body remembers what the mind forgets. Regulating our breath when the fear (stored in our bodies) grabs us is essential. Breathe deeply and exhale for double the time. Repeat it for a couple of minutes. It will calm you down and bring you back to the now. Make yourself aware that you´re in no fear now. Ground yourself by touching the floor. Touch the chair you are sitting on. You´re here now.
3. Movement and activity are keys to healing. Many therapies are movement-based today, such as dance therapy or yoga therapy. So go out and run. Go to the gym. Take drama classes. Sing in a choir. When you are in movement, focusing on your body, and breathing normally, you show your body that it is safe now.

Remember,

there is always a second chance to become the one you´re supposed to be.

Paulina Martinez

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Helping Individuals Rise: Transforming Past Pain into Personal Power - Unlocking the Knowledge You Were Meant to Have | Mental Fitness | Trauma-informed Educator | Swedish | Spanish 🌎