April 6, 2024 • 23 mins
Every step, every breath, every movement holds a tale of our past, especially when that past includes trauma. Join me, Albert, on Mind Manners, where we navigate the deeply interwoven connections between our bodies and our healing journeys. It's a profound exploration that promises insights into how our bodies remember what our minds might wish to forget—and how this embodied memory can become both a challenge and a key ally in our path to recovery. Together, we'll confront the reality that healing isn't about returning to who we once were, but about embracing growth and redefinition after trauma.
This episode is a heartfelt testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of movement. With every story shared and every strategy discussed, we celebrate the catharsis and empowerment that come from reconnecting with our bodies through physical expression. Whether it's the grace of dance or the discipline of martial arts, we examine how these activities allow for a non-verbal release that's often essential for those who find words insufficient. So tune in, and let's embark on a journey to reclaim the sanctuary within ourselves, using our body's wisdom as a compass towards healing and autonomy.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back to Mind Manners.
This is Albert, and in our lastsession we journeyed into
understanding trauma andreconnecting with our inner
child.
Today, I wanted to focus moreon a powerful ally in trauma
recovery our bodies.
It is something that I havewitnessed personally and
professionally in how powerfulour bodies can be in helping us
(00:22):
get back control of our lives,and I feel like it's worth
highlighting.
We'll explore how the bodyholds on to trauma and how,
through it, we can open up oneof the gateways towards healing.
So, wherever you are, thank youfor showing up.
Let's get started.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
You're listening to Mind Manners, hosted by licensed
psychotherapist Albert Nguyen.
Albert helps his clientsovercome past trauma, change
their mindset and acceleratetheir personal and professional
development.
This podcast covers a widerange of mental health and
self-development topics, witheach episode offering an
actionable step towards a betteryou.
(00:59):
If you're on a wellness journey, keep listening.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Now I'd like us to pause for a moment and touch on
a topic that's both tender andcrucial Recovering from trauma.
Sharing this often brings aheavy heart, but embracing
honesty is vital in our journeytogether.
Trauma, in its many forms,leaves indelible marks and scars
(01:23):
in our lives.
Its many forms leaves indeliblemarks and scars in our lives.
It reshapes us in ways we mightnot fully understand until we
face them head on.
And here's something I findmyself having to share with my
patients, a truth that's hard towrap our hearts around.
Trauma changes us, and it doesso forever.
And we're not supposed toremain the same after trauma.
(01:44):
And it does so forever andwe're not supposed to remain the
same after trauma.
And part of the journeyrequires us to let go of that
desire and instead rediscoverwhat it means to truly live.
Recovery doesn't mean thoseshadows of trauma will never
cross your path again.
It's not about wiping the slateclean of those post-traumatic
effects as if they never existed.
No, recovery is far morepersonal, far more intricate
(02:06):
than that.
It's as unique and varied asthe tapestry of human experience
.
What recovery looks like, howit feels, the pace it takes it's
different for everyone.
But at its very core, recoveryis about reclaiming your ability
to live in the here and now.
It's about finding thosemoments where you can breathe a
(02:26):
little easier, laugh a bitlouder and move through the
world with a bit more sense offreedom, without being haunted
by the ghosts of your past.
And let me be very clearrecovery is a process, a
lifelong one at that.
I know it's not something weall like to hear, but long one
at that.
I know it's not something weall like to hear.
But the imprints of trauma, inone form or another, will
(02:48):
accompany us on our journeyindefinitely.
That might sound daunting, butwithin it lies a powerful truth
the depth and direction of yourhealing journey are yours to
chart.
So I want you to think ofrecovery not as a destination,
but as a journey.
A journey where sometimes youmight feel lost at sea and other
times you'll navigate throughthe storms to calm waters, and
(03:10):
that's okay, it's all part ofhealing.
You know, at the heart ofexperiencing trauma there's this
overwhelming sense ofhelplessness, a kind of
isolation that feels like you'rein a room with no doors, and
it's that loss of power, thatcontrol slipping through your
fingers, that marks thosemoments of trauma, even after
the horrible events have passed.
(03:31):
But here's the thing I want youto really hear me on this
You're not alone, and reclaimingthat power, that control,
starts with recognizing your ownstrength, your resilience.
It's about taking those smallsteps, one day at a time,
towards a place where you feellike you're the captain of your
ship again.
So how do we start this journey?
(03:52):
How do we begin to move fromthat place of helplessness to a
place of empowerment andconnection?
Well, that's exactly what we'regoing to dive into.
Next, I want to talk about howyour body can be the first step
on this incredible journey ofhealing.
Alright, let's talk about howthe body holds onto trauma and,
more importantly, how it canhelp us heal.
(04:14):
You know, there's somethingquite extraordinary about our
bodies that we often overlook.
They're like living archives,holding not just the bright
moments of joy and success, butalso the darker shadows of our
traumas.
It's a side of our physicalselves that doesn't always get
the spotlight, but plays acrucial role in our healing
journey.
Your body, believe it or not,remembers the trauma.
(04:36):
They store these intenseexperiences of trauma deep
within in our muscle memory, inthe very fibers of our nervous
system.
It's a concept that's bothfascinating and a bit daunting.
Science shows us that ourbody's reaction to trauma the
fight, flight or freeze responseis a survival mechanism, just
(05:00):
naturally a part of our biology.
But what happens when thedanger or traumatic event is
gone?
Yet our bodies cling to thatprimal responses.
Imagine this the traumaticevent has passed, but it's as if
you're living in apsychological prison, with your
body as the warden.
This isn't just a metaphor.
For many it's a daily reality.
(05:22):
Chronic tension, unexplainedanxiety, the somatic symptoms
that seem to have no source allthese can be the body's way of
holding on to those traumaticmemories.
And it gets more complex.
Studies and books like the BodyKeeps the Score shed light on
the profound ways in whichtrauma can reshape our very own
(05:44):
physiology.
It's not just about emotionalscars.
Trauma can essentially alter howour bodies respond to the world
around us, skewing ourperceptions of danger and safety
.
This shift can trap many of usin a state of perpetual
vigilance or, on the flip side,a sort of emotional detachment
where feelings seem distant ormuted.
(06:05):
This constant state ofalertness or numbness isn't a
choice.
It's a reflection of how deeplytrauma is embedded within us.
Imagine living each day as ifyour body believes it's still in
the eye of the storm, reactingto threats that no longer exist
except in the echoes of ourmemory.
This isn't just about beingstuck in the past emotionally.
(06:28):
It's about our bodies carryingthe past into our present,
influencing every breath, everyheartbeat, every moment of our
lives.
I've seen this within my ownprocess of healing and with many
of trauma victims I've workedwith over the years, including
veterans who have seen andexperienced horrific events
while at war.
But understanding thisconnection between trauma and
(06:49):
our physiological responses alsoopens up pathways to healing.
Recognizing that our bodieshold on to trauma means we can
start to work through it on aphysical level.
Techniques like mindfulbreathing, yoga and even certain
forms of exercise aren't justabout physical health.
They're about communicatingwith our bodies, telling them
(07:10):
that it's okay to let go, thatthe danger has passed.
These practices are more thanjust activities.
They're a form of dialogue withourselves, a way to gently
reassure our physiologicalselves that we are safe now.
A way to gently reassure ourphysiological selves that we are
safe now.
By incorporating mindfulnessand body-centered healing
practices, we can begin torecalibrate our responses to the
(07:32):
world, teaching our bodies tolive in the present rather than
being haunted by the past.
So, while the impact of traumaon our bodies might seem
daunting, there's also a messageof hope in the science and
stories.
It's a reminder that healing ispossible, that our bodies,
though they may carry the weightof our experiences, also
(07:53):
possess the incredible capacityto recover and find peace.
Recognizing that our bodieshold these memories is the first
step towards healing, and thisis why I believe that using our
bodies is a vital first step.
Things like yoga, tai chi oreven simple mindful walking
aren't just exercises.
They're acts of liberation.
(08:14):
They offer a way to tune intoour body's stored memories and
engage with them in a healing,compassionate and empowering
manner.
Through these movements, we'renot just stretching muscles.
We're beginning to loosen thegrip of trauma.
We're learning to listen to ourbodies, to understand their
silent language, and in doing so, we start to release that
(08:38):
chronic tension, to soothe thesomatic symptoms and to
transform our body's memory fromone of trauma to one of
resilience and strength.
So things like exercise.
They are much more than justmovements.
It's a dialogue with your body,a journey of coming home to
yourself and a path toreclaiming your freedom from the
confines of past traumas.
(09:00):
Now, for some of you who don'tknow me.
I'd like to share my own storywith you.
It's something I don't talkabout often, but I believe there
are some nuggets of wisdom thatare relevant to this session.
When I was younger, long beforeI became a therapist and
understood the depths of healingtrauma, I found my own lifeline
in fitness and martial arts.
At that time, much of my traumawas like a sleeping giant,
(09:23):
repressed and dormant, lurkingin the shadows of my
consciousness.
Yet somehow, intuitively, I wasdrawn to the discipline and
physicality of martial arts andto the strength and vitality
that came with fitness.
These practices, for me,weren't just about physical
health or learning self-defense.
They were about survival.
(09:44):
They stabilized me in ways Icouldn't fully comprehend.
Back then.
I started with a lot of anxietyand anger that I didn't know
why they existed, but the longerand harder I trained, the less
anxious and angry I felt when Iengaged in martial arts or
pushed myself through a workout.
I started to feel safe in mybody, something that, due to my
(10:06):
trauma, wasn't a given.
It grounded me, anchoring me tothe present moment and to a
sense of security that wasotherwise elusive.
Anchoring me to the presentmoment and to a sense of
security that was otherwiseelusive.
But it was more than justfeeling safe.
These practices gave me afoundation of courage and
strength.
They became my sanctuary, aspace where I could start to
(10:26):
cultivate the resilience Ineeded to face my traumas, and
eventually they provided me thecourage to voice and explore
those dark corners of myexperience.
Looking back, I see how martialarts and fitness were my first
steps toward healing.
They taught me the invaluablelesson that the journey to
(10:49):
recovery often begins withreconnecting to our bodies.
They showed me that throughphysical movement, we can find a
pathway to feeling grounded, toestablishing a sense of safety
within ourselves and to buildingthe strength needed to confront
and heal from our traumas.
In sharing this with you, Ihope to illustrate that healing
(11:09):
is not only possible, but thatit can start from anywhere, even
from a place as simple aswanting to feel strong, wanting
to feel safe in your own skin.
My journey led me to where I amtoday, able to guide and
support others on their paths tohealing.
And if my story resonates withyou, remember it's never too
late to find your own lifeline,your own path to feeling safe,
(11:33):
grounded and empowered to heal.
Reflecting on my journey and therole that physical movement
played in it, I'm reminded of abroader truth that many of us in
the helping professions oftengrapple with.
While I wholeheartedly believein breaking the silence around
our traumas, sharing our storiesand finding that courage within
us, I'm also acutely aware ofhow daunting this process can be
(11:56):
.
Many of my adult patients arenaturally afraid and worried of
possibly opening up thosefloodgates and not being able to
handle everything.
And that's completely normal tohave that fear, because it's
valid If you have spent yearsavoiding it, suppressing it or
other unknown, repressedmemories.
We're not sure how intensethings will be and frankly, I
(12:17):
think it's okay to be worriedabout this.
So this brings me back to thebody.
Trauma, with its complex layers,sometimes also leads us to an
out-of-body state, a protectivedisconnection from our physical
selves, to escape the rawdiscomfort and pain.
It's a survival tactic, onethat, while effective in the
moment, can leave us feelingalienated from our own bodies.
(12:40):
This is where the journey back,the journey home to ourselves,
becomes crucial.
Reconnecting with the physicalsensations and experiences, we
begin to carve out a safe spacewithin us, a sanctuary for
healing.
It's about honoring our body'swisdom, its incredible
resilience, and acknowledgingthat the journey towards healing
(13:00):
often begins with that gentlestep of returning home to
ourselves.
This venture into healing,especially through verbal
expression, can feel likenavigating a maze, blindfolded.
This rings true not just foradults, but for many children as
well.
The challenge of finding theright words, of painting a vivid
picture of experiences steepedin trauma, can be overwhelming,
(13:23):
and sometimes the act ofspeaking, of bringing these
memories to the surface, mightrisk more harm than healing,
reopening wounds rather thannurturing them.
This is where the profoundimpact of body-based healing
comes into play, offering adifferent, sometimes more
accessible pathway to beginhealing.
Imagine this a route thatdoesn't demand the precision of
(13:46):
words, that offers relief fromthe struggle of articulation.
For many, especially those forwhom verbal expression is a
struggle, engaging in physicalactivity, from dance, yoga or
martial arts, provides a form ofexpression that transcends
words.
Movement becomes a language allon its own, a means to tell our
(14:06):
stories without fear ofmisinterpretation, without the
anxiety of triggering pasttraumas.
It tells us, and perhaps moreimportantly For kids who might
not have the words to expressand process those traumatic
thoughts and emotions, physicalmovement can be a powerful
(14:28):
outlet.
Through the simple act ofmoving, they can articulate
their inner world, their fears,their hopes in a way that feels
natural to them.
It's a gentle nudge remindingus all that healing doesn't
follow a single script.
It's diverse, it's multifacetedand sometimes the most
effective way to confront andmove through our traumas is,
(14:50):
quite literally, by moving stepby step, breath by breath, in
the rhythm of whatever feelsright to you.
It's crucial to confront theharsh reality of trauma.
Trauma, especially like in itsdarkest forms, has the capacity
to paralyze us, and I mean thisnot just in a metaphorical sense
.
It can literally freeze us inour tracks, stripping away our
(15:11):
instinctual responses to fight,flee or even move.
It's a disturbing predicament,one that leaves many of us
feeling trapped within ourselves, like a prisoner to our own
fear and immobility.
But it's precisely in thesemoments of helplessness that the
most profound transformationscan occur.
I'm reminded of a patient'sjourney that, like my own,
(15:33):
exemplifies this.
Through kickboxing, she foundnot just a sport, but something
more.
For her, every punch, everykick was a declaration of
defiance against the grip oftrauma.
It was her way of fighting back, not against an unseen external
force, but against the veryessence of trauma that urged her
(15:54):
to remain stagnant, silent andto freeze.
Her story and countless otherslike it reinforces how, using
some form of exercise orphysical activity can help us
move from paralysis toempowerment.
Imagine it a journey where theact of moving, of engaging in
physical activity, isn't justabout exercise, but about
(16:14):
processing and expressing theemotions that seem too intricate
, too overwhelming to articulatein words.
It's about fighting your waythrough the physiological chains
of the freeze response thattrauma so often imposes.
The impact of such stories isgreat.
They remind us that within thedomain of movement whether it's
through kickboxing, a peacefulrun, a yoga session or any form
(16:38):
of physical activity that speaksto you lies a potent tool to
reclaim what trauma might havetaken from you.
And so, to anyone out therenavigating the turbulent waters
of post-trauma recovery, letthis serve as a powerful
reminder.
There is immense power inmovement.
It holds the key to breakingfree from the shackles of the
(16:59):
freeze response, offering you apath from paralysis to action,
from fear to resilience.
Every step you take, everypunch you throw, every posture
you hold is a step towards notjust reclaiming your physical
autonomy, but embarking on adeeper journey of healing.
It's about gradually building arenewed sense of appreciation
for your body, establishing asanctuary of safety within
(17:22):
yourself and, most importantly,reclaiming your agency over your
life and your story Now.
With all that said, the storiesof how the body can heal us,
there's a fundamental truth Iwant us to explore further, a
truth that's both simple andrevolutionary.
At the very heart of healingfrom trauma lies a powerful yet
often undervalued tool theincredible mindfulness
(17:45):
properties inherent in ourphysical selves.
Think about it While our mindsmight travel back to the past
traumas, or anxiously leap intothe future, our bodies, our
amazing resilient bodies, existright here, in the present
moment.
This presence of the body andits unwavering stance in the now
offers us a solid groundingbridge back to the present
(18:05):
moment, the here and now.
It's a realization that notonly shifts our perspective, but
opens up a whole new pathway inthe work of healing trauma.
It invites us to step into amore active role, engaging with
our bodies not just as vesselscarrying us through life, but as
participants in our own healingjourney.
Imagine for a moment learningto connect with your body in
(18:26):
ways you never thought possible.
This connection invites us tobuild a new comfort with the
biological sensations that arisewith our emotional triggers.
For many, navigating theaftermath of trauma, our bodies
can feel like foreign territory,marked by sensations that seem
unfamiliar or even threatening.
Yet through mindful practicesbe it breathwork, yoga or any
(18:50):
physical activity that brings usinto presence, we begin to
chart this unexplored terrain.
We start to understand theunique language of our bodies,
recognizing and responding tosigns of stress, anxiety or fear
with a newfound compassion andunderstanding.
This mindful approachtransforms the entire narrative
of trauma recovery.
(19:11):
It moves us from a place ofavoidance and disconnection to
one of deep acceptance andengagement.
By anchoring in the body'scapacity to keep us grounded in
the present, we cultivate aninner sense of safety, essential
for anyone struggling withtrauma.
Mindful movement practicesprovide a gentle, controlled
environment to explore ourphysical sensations, gradually
(19:32):
building tolerance to those onceoverwhelming feelings.
Even more so, it works byconnecting us deeply with our
bodies, allows us to gain aricher, more nuanced
understanding of our emotionaltriggers.
It's not just about recognizingthese triggers, but
understanding how they manifestin our physical bodies and
learning strategies to navigateand leverage them effectively.
(19:54):
Before I end this session, Iwant to leave you with a thought
that is both a reminder and abit of hope.
Starting with the body isindeed a vital first step in the
complex journey of traumarecovery.
It's where we begin to find asense of safety within ourselves
, a firm ground beneath our feet.
But, dear listeners, it'scrucial to remember that the
(20:15):
path to healing from trauma isas rich and multifaceted as life
itself.
Processing trauma isn't justabout releasing pent-up emotions
.
It's also about assigningmeaning to our experiences,
about transforming thesenarratives into threads of a
larger tapestry.
Ultimately, this journey leadsus to a place where we can
(20:36):
envision a new self, a futurethat transcends the trauma,
where meaningful relationshipsand experiences redefine our
narrative.
It's about integrating traumainto our life's story in a way
that it becomes a chapter, notthe entire book.
And so, as you stabilize, asyou find that anchor in your
body, remember this is just thebeginning.
(20:58):
The stages of trauma recoveryunfold in their own time, each
with its own challenges andtriumphs.
I encourage you with everyfiber of my being to embrace
this journey.
Move through these stages withcourage, with the knowledge that
each step forward, no matterhow small, is the step towards
redefining your story, towards alife where trauma informs but
(21:20):
does not define you.
Yes, this journey is lifelong,but it is also life-giving, and
I, along with a community offellow travelers on this path,
am here to support you, to cheeryou on every step of the way.
Acknowledging and honoring yourpersonal history is a powerful
form of self-care andself-respect.
It's about offering ourselvesempathy for the paths we've
(21:43):
walked, understanding theresilience we've shown and
appreciating the growth we'veachieved.
Our stories, with their trialsand triumphs, are not just our
own, but a shared humanexperience that binds us all.
So, as we move forward, let'scarry with us the lessons, honor
and love from our past.
Remember your story is a vitalpart of your beautiful life
(22:05):
ahead.
If today's conversation strucka chord with you or you believe
it could touch the heart ofsomeone you know, I warmly
invite you to like, review andshare our show.
Your support drives our passionto create content that heals,
connects and empowers.
Your engagement not only helpsus grow, but also extends a hand
(22:26):
to those in search ofunderstanding and compassion.
Together, let's continue tobuild a community where everyone
feels seen, heard and supported.
Thank you for sharing thisspace and time with me today.
Until we meet again, take careof your body, honor your journey
and keep moving forward, onebreath, one step at a time.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Thanks for tuning in to Mind Manners with Albert
Nguyen.
We hope you found value in thisepisode.
If you'd like to work withAlbert one-on-one, visit
OptiMindCounselingcom to learnmore about his private practice.
Looking to join a community oflike-minded individuals, search
Mind Manners Podcast Communityon Facebook and join our group
(23:05):
to connect with others on theirwellness journeys.
Finally, if you haven't alreadydone so, please write us a
five-star review on ApplePodcast and let us know you're
enjoying the show.
Welcome back to Mind Manners.
This is Albert, and in our lastsession we journeyed into
understanding trauma andreconnecting with our inner
child.
Today, I wanted to focus moreon a powerful ally in trauma
recovery our bodies.
It is something that I havewitnessed personally and
professionally in how powerfulour bodies can be in helping us
(00:22):
get back control of our lives,and I feel like it's worth
highlighting.
We'll explore how the bodyholds on to trauma and how,
through it, we can open up oneof the gateways towards healing.
So, wherever you are, thank youfor showing up.
Let's get started.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
You're listening to Mind Manners, hosted by licensed
psychotherapist Albert Nguyen.
Albert helps his clientsovercome past trauma, change
their mindset and acceleratetheir personal and professional
development.
This podcast covers a widerange of mental health and
self-development topics, witheach episode offering an
actionable step towards a betteryou.
(00:59):
If you're on a wellness journey, keep listening.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Now I'd like us to pause for a moment and touch on
a topic that's both tender andcrucial Recovering from trauma.
Sharing this often brings aheavy heart, but embracing
honesty is vital in our journeytogether.
Trauma, in its many forms,leaves indelible marks and scars
(01:23):
in our lives.
Its many forms leaves indeliblemarks and scars in our lives.
It reshapes us in ways we mightnot fully understand until we
face them head on.
And here's something I findmyself having to share with my
patients, a truth that's hard towrap our hearts around.
Trauma changes us, and it doesso forever.
And we're not supposed toremain the same after trauma.
(01:44):
And it does so forever andwe're not supposed to remain the
same after trauma.
And part of the journeyrequires us to let go of that
desire and instead rediscoverwhat it means to truly live.
Recovery doesn't mean thoseshadows of trauma will never
cross your path again.
It's not about wiping the slateclean of those post-traumatic
effects as if they never existed.
No, recovery is far morepersonal, far more intricate
(02:06):
than that.
It's as unique and varied asthe tapestry of human experience
.
What recovery looks like, howit feels, the pace it takes it's
different for everyone.
But at its very core, recoveryis about reclaiming your ability
to live in the here and now.
It's about finding thosemoments where you can breathe a
(02:26):
little easier, laugh a bitlouder and move through the
world with a bit more sense offreedom, without being haunted
by the ghosts of your past.
And let me be very clearrecovery is a process, a
lifelong one at that.
I know it's not something weall like to hear, but long one
at that.
I know it's not something weall like to hear.
But the imprints of trauma, inone form or another, will
(02:48):
accompany us on our journeyindefinitely.
That might sound daunting, butwithin it lies a powerful truth
the depth and direction of yourhealing journey are yours to
chart.
So I want you to think ofrecovery not as a destination,
but as a journey.
A journey where sometimes youmight feel lost at sea and other
times you'll navigate throughthe storms to calm waters, and
(03:10):
that's okay, it's all part ofhealing.
You know, at the heart ofexperiencing trauma there's this
overwhelming sense ofhelplessness, a kind of
isolation that feels like you'rein a room with no doors, and
it's that loss of power, thatcontrol slipping through your
fingers, that marks thosemoments of trauma, even after
the horrible events have passed.
(03:31):
But here's the thing I want youto really hear me on this
You're not alone, and reclaimingthat power, that control,
starts with recognizing your ownstrength, your resilience.
It's about taking those smallsteps, one day at a time,
towards a place where you feellike you're the captain of your
ship again.
So how do we start this journey?
(03:52):
How do we begin to move fromthat place of helplessness to a
place of empowerment andconnection?
Well, that's exactly what we'regoing to dive into.
Next, I want to talk about howyour body can be the first step
on this incredible journey ofhealing.
Alright, let's talk about howthe body holds onto trauma and,
more importantly, how it canhelp us heal.
(04:14):
You know, there's somethingquite extraordinary about our
bodies that we often overlook.
They're like living archives,holding not just the bright
moments of joy and success, butalso the darker shadows of our
traumas.
It's a side of our physicalselves that doesn't always get
the spotlight, but plays acrucial role in our healing
journey.
Your body, believe it or not,remembers the trauma.
(04:36):
They store these intenseexperiences of trauma deep
within in our muscle memory, inthe very fibers of our nervous
system.
It's a concept that's bothfascinating and a bit daunting.
Science shows us that ourbody's reaction to trauma the
fight, flight or freeze responseis a survival mechanism, just
(05:00):
naturally a part of our biology.
But what happens when thedanger or traumatic event is
gone?
Yet our bodies cling to thatprimal responses.
Imagine this the traumaticevent has passed, but it's as if
you're living in apsychological prison, with your
body as the warden.
This isn't just a metaphor.
For many it's a daily reality.
(05:22):
Chronic tension, unexplainedanxiety, the somatic symptoms
that seem to have no source allthese can be the body's way of
holding on to those traumaticmemories.
And it gets more complex.
Studies and books like the BodyKeeps the Score shed light on
the profound ways in whichtrauma can reshape our very own
(05:44):
physiology.
It's not just about emotionalscars.
Trauma can essentially alter howour bodies respond to the world
around us, skewing ourperceptions of danger and safety
.
This shift can trap many of usin a state of perpetual
vigilance or, on the flip side,a sort of emotional detachment
where feelings seem distant ormuted.
(06:05):
This constant state ofalertness or numbness isn't a
choice.
It's a reflection of how deeplytrauma is embedded within us.
Imagine living each day as ifyour body believes it's still in
the eye of the storm, reactingto threats that no longer exist
except in the echoes of ourmemory.
This isn't just about beingstuck in the past emotionally.
(06:28):
It's about our bodies carryingthe past into our present,
influencing every breath, everyheartbeat, every moment of our
lives.
I've seen this within my ownprocess of healing and with many
of trauma victims I've workedwith over the years, including
veterans who have seen andexperienced horrific events
while at war.
But understanding thisconnection between trauma and
(06:49):
our physiological responses alsoopens up pathways to healing.
Recognizing that our bodieshold on to trauma means we can
start to work through it on aphysical level.
Techniques like mindfulbreathing, yoga and even certain
forms of exercise aren't justabout physical health.
They're about communicatingwith our bodies, telling them
(07:10):
that it's okay to let go, thatthe danger has passed.
These practices are more thanjust activities.
They're a form of dialogue withourselves, a way to gently
reassure our physiologicalselves that we are safe now.
A way to gently reassure ourphysiological selves that we are
safe now.
By incorporating mindfulnessand body-centered healing
practices, we can begin torecalibrate our responses to the
(07:32):
world, teaching our bodies tolive in the present rather than
being haunted by the past.
So, while the impact of traumaon our bodies might seem
daunting, there's also a messageof hope in the science and
stories.
It's a reminder that healing ispossible, that our bodies,
though they may carry the weightof our experiences, also
(07:53):
possess the incredible capacityto recover and find peace.
Recognizing that our bodieshold these memories is the first
step towards healing, and thisis why I believe that using our
bodies is a vital first step.
Things like yoga, tai chi oreven simple mindful walking
aren't just exercises.
They're acts of liberation.
(08:14):
They offer a way to tune intoour body's stored memories and
engage with them in a healing,compassionate and empowering
manner.
Through these movements, we'renot just stretching muscles.
We're beginning to loosen thegrip of trauma.
We're learning to listen to ourbodies, to understand their
silent language, and in doing so, we start to release that
(08:38):
chronic tension, to soothe thesomatic symptoms and to
transform our body's memory fromone of trauma to one of
resilience and strength.
So things like exercise.
They are much more than justmovements.
It's a dialogue with your body,a journey of coming home to
yourself and a path toreclaiming your freedom from the
confines of past traumas.
(09:00):
Now, for some of you who don'tknow me.
I'd like to share my own storywith you.
It's something I don't talkabout often, but I believe there
are some nuggets of wisdom thatare relevant to this session.
When I was younger, long beforeI became a therapist and
understood the depths of healingtrauma, I found my own lifeline
in fitness and martial arts.
At that time, much of my traumawas like a sleeping giant,
(09:23):
repressed and dormant, lurkingin the shadows of my
consciousness.
Yet somehow, intuitively, I wasdrawn to the discipline and
physicality of martial arts andto the strength and vitality
that came with fitness.
These practices, for me,weren't just about physical
health or learning self-defense.
They were about survival.
(09:44):
They stabilized me in ways Icouldn't fully comprehend.
Back then.
I started with a lot of anxietyand anger that I didn't know
why they existed, but the longerand harder I trained, the less
anxious and angry I felt when Iengaged in martial arts or
pushed myself through a workout.
I started to feel safe in mybody, something that, due to my
(10:06):
trauma, wasn't a given.
It grounded me, anchoring me tothe present moment and to a
sense of security that wasotherwise elusive.
Anchoring me to the presentmoment and to a sense of
security that was otherwiseelusive.
But it was more than justfeeling safe.
These practices gave me afoundation of courage and
strength.
They became my sanctuary, aspace where I could start to
(10:26):
cultivate the resilience Ineeded to face my traumas, and
eventually they provided me thecourage to voice and explore
those dark corners of myexperience.
Looking back, I see how martialarts and fitness were my first
steps toward healing.
They taught me the invaluablelesson that the journey to
(10:49):
recovery often begins withreconnecting to our bodies.
They showed me that throughphysical movement, we can find a
pathway to feeling grounded, toestablishing a sense of safety
within ourselves and to buildingthe strength needed to confront
and heal from our traumas.
In sharing this with you, Ihope to illustrate that healing
(11:09):
is not only possible, but thatit can start from anywhere, even
from a place as simple aswanting to feel strong, wanting
to feel safe in your own skin.
My journey led me to where I amtoday, able to guide and
support others on their paths tohealing.
And if my story resonates withyou, remember it's never too
late to find your own lifeline,your own path to feeling safe,
(11:33):
grounded and empowered to heal.
Reflecting on my journey and therole that physical movement
played in it, I'm reminded of abroader truth that many of us in
the helping professions oftengrapple with.
While I wholeheartedly believein breaking the silence around
our traumas, sharing our storiesand finding that courage within
us, I'm also acutely aware ofhow daunting this process can be
(11:56):
.
Many of my adult patients arenaturally afraid and worried of
possibly opening up thosefloodgates and not being able to
handle everything.
And that's completely normal tohave that fear, because it's
valid If you have spent yearsavoiding it, suppressing it or
other unknown, repressedmemories.
We're not sure how intensethings will be and frankly, I
(12:17):
think it's okay to be worriedabout this.
So this brings me back to thebody.
Trauma, with its complex layers,sometimes also leads us to an
out-of-body state, a protectivedisconnection from our physical
selves, to escape the rawdiscomfort and pain.
It's a survival tactic, onethat, while effective in the
moment, can leave us feelingalienated from our own bodies.
(12:40):
This is where the journey back,the journey home to ourselves,
becomes crucial.
Reconnecting with the physicalsensations and experiences, we
begin to carve out a safe spacewithin us, a sanctuary for
healing.
It's about honoring our body'swisdom, its incredible
resilience, and acknowledgingthat the journey towards healing
(13:00):
often begins with that gentlestep of returning home to
ourselves.
This venture into healing,especially through verbal
expression, can feel likenavigating a maze, blindfolded.
This rings true not just foradults, but for many children as
well.
The challenge of finding theright words, of painting a vivid
picture of experiences steepedin trauma, can be overwhelming,
(13:23):
and sometimes the act ofspeaking, of bringing these
memories to the surface, mightrisk more harm than healing,
reopening wounds rather thannurturing them.
This is where the profoundimpact of body-based healing
comes into play, offering adifferent, sometimes more
accessible pathway to beginhealing.
Imagine this a route thatdoesn't demand the precision of
(13:46):
words, that offers relief fromthe struggle of articulation.
For many, especially those forwhom verbal expression is a
struggle, engaging in physicalactivity, from dance, yoga or
martial arts, provides a form ofexpression that transcends
words.
Movement becomes a language allon its own, a means to tell our
(14:06):
stories without fear ofmisinterpretation, without the
anxiety of triggering pasttraumas.
It tells us, and perhaps moreimportantly For kids who might
not have the words to expressand process those traumatic
thoughts and emotions, physicalmovement can be a powerful
(14:28):
outlet.
Through the simple act ofmoving, they can articulate
their inner world, their fears,their hopes in a way that feels
natural to them.
It's a gentle nudge remindingus all that healing doesn't
follow a single script.
It's diverse, it's multifacetedand sometimes the most
effective way to confront andmove through our traumas is,
(14:50):
quite literally, by moving stepby step, breath by breath, in
the rhythm of whatever feelsright to you.
It's crucial to confront theharsh reality of trauma.
Trauma, especially like in itsdarkest forms, has the capacity
to paralyze us, and I mean thisnot just in a metaphorical sense
.
It can literally freeze us inour tracks, stripping away our
(15:11):
instinctual responses to fight,flee or even move.
It's a disturbing predicament,one that leaves many of us
feeling trapped within ourselves, like a prisoner to our own
fear and immobility.
But it's precisely in thesemoments of helplessness that the
most profound transformationscan occur.
I'm reminded of a patient'sjourney that, like my own,
(15:33):
exemplifies this.
Through kickboxing, she foundnot just a sport, but something
more.
For her, every punch, everykick was a declaration of
defiance against the grip oftrauma.
It was her way of fighting back, not against an unseen external
force, but against the veryessence of trauma that urged her
(15:54):
to remain stagnant, silent andto freeze.
Her story and countless otherslike it reinforces how, using
some form of exercise orphysical activity can help us
move from paralysis toempowerment.
Imagine it a journey where theact of moving, of engaging in
physical activity, isn't justabout exercise, but about
(16:14):
processing and expressing theemotions that seem too intricate
, too overwhelming to articulatein words.
It's about fighting your waythrough the physiological chains
of the freeze response thattrauma so often imposes.
The impact of such stories isgreat.
They remind us that within thedomain of movement whether it's
through kickboxing, a peacefulrun, a yoga session or any form
(16:38):
of physical activity that speaksto you lies a potent tool to
reclaim what trauma might havetaken from you.
And so, to anyone out therenavigating the turbulent waters
of post-trauma recovery, letthis serve as a powerful
reminder.
There is immense power inmovement.
It holds the key to breakingfree from the shackles of the
(16:59):
freeze response, offering you apath from paralysis to action,
from fear to resilience.
Every step you take, everypunch you throw, every posture
you hold is a step towards notjust reclaiming your physical
autonomy, but embarking on adeeper journey of healing.
It's about gradually building arenewed sense of appreciation
for your body, establishing asanctuary of safety within
(17:22):
yourself and, most importantly,reclaiming your agency over your
life and your story Now.
With all that said, the storiesof how the body can heal us,
there's a fundamental truth Iwant us to explore further, a
truth that's both simple andrevolutionary.
At the very heart of healingfrom trauma lies a powerful yet
often undervalued tool theincredible mindfulness
(17:45):
properties inherent in ourphysical selves.
Think about it While our mindsmight travel back to the past
traumas, or anxiously leap intothe future, our bodies, our
amazing resilient bodies, existright here, in the present
moment.
This presence of the body andits unwavering stance in the now
offers us a solid groundingbridge back to the present
(18:05):
moment, the here and now.
It's a realization that notonly shifts our perspective, but
opens up a whole new pathway inthe work of healing trauma.
It invites us to step into amore active role, engaging with
our bodies not just as vesselscarrying us through life, but as
participants in our own healingjourney.
Imagine for a moment learningto connect with your body in
(18:26):
ways you never thought possible.
This connection invites us tobuild a new comfort with the
biological sensations that arisewith our emotional triggers.
For many, navigating theaftermath of trauma, our bodies
can feel like foreign territory,marked by sensations that seem
unfamiliar or even threatening.
Yet through mindful practicesbe it breathwork, yoga or any
(18:50):
physical activity that brings usinto presence, we begin to
chart this unexplored terrain.
We start to understand theunique language of our bodies,
recognizing and responding tosigns of stress, anxiety or fear
with a newfound compassion andunderstanding.
This mindful approachtransforms the entire narrative
of trauma recovery.
(19:11):
It moves us from a place ofavoidance and disconnection to
one of deep acceptance andengagement.
By anchoring in the body'scapacity to keep us grounded in
the present, we cultivate aninner sense of safety, essential
for anyone struggling withtrauma.
Mindful movement practicesprovide a gentle, controlled
environment to explore ourphysical sensations, gradually
(19:32):
building tolerance to those onceoverwhelming feelings.
Even more so, it works byconnecting us deeply with our
bodies, allows us to gain aricher, more nuanced
understanding of our emotionaltriggers.
It's not just about recognizingthese triggers, but
understanding how they manifestin our physical bodies and
learning strategies to navigateand leverage them effectively.
(19:54):
Before I end this session, Iwant to leave you with a thought
that is both a reminder and abit of hope.
Starting with the body isindeed a vital first step in the
complex journey of traumarecovery.
It's where we begin to find asense of safety within ourselves
, a firm ground beneath our feet.
But, dear listeners, it'scrucial to remember that the
(20:15):
path to healing from trauma isas rich and multifaceted as life
itself.
Processing trauma isn't justabout releasing pent-up emotions
.
It's also about assigningmeaning to our experiences,
about transforming thesenarratives into threads of a
larger tapestry.
Ultimately, this journey leadsus to a place where we can
(20:36):
envision a new self, a futurethat transcends the trauma,
where meaningful relationshipsand experiences redefine our
narrative.
It's about integrating traumainto our life's story in a way
that it becomes a chapter, notthe entire book.
And so, as you stabilize, asyou find that anchor in your
body, remember this is just thebeginning.
(20:58):
The stages of trauma recoveryunfold in their own time, each
with its own challenges andtriumphs.
I encourage you with everyfiber of my being to embrace
this journey.
Move through these stages withcourage, with the knowledge that
each step forward, no matterhow small, is the step towards
redefining your story, towards alife where trauma informs but
(21:20):
does not define you.
Yes, this journey is lifelong,but it is also life-giving, and
I, along with a community offellow travelers on this path,
am here to support you, to cheeryou on every step of the way.
Acknowledging and honoring yourpersonal history is a powerful
form of self-care andself-respect.
It's about offering ourselvesempathy for the paths we've
(21:43):
walked, understanding theresilience we've shown and
appreciating the growth we'veachieved.
Our stories, with their trialsand triumphs, are not just our
own, but a shared humanexperience that binds us all.
So, as we move forward, let'scarry with us the lessons, honor
and love from our past.
Remember your story is a vitalpart of your beautiful life
(22:05):
ahead.
If today's conversation strucka chord with you or you believe
it could touch the heart ofsomeone you know, I warmly
invite you to like, review andshare our show.
Your support drives our passionto create content that heals,
connects and empowers.
Your engagement not only helpsus grow, but also extends a hand
(22:26):
to those in search ofunderstanding and compassion.
Together, let's continue tobuild a community where everyone
feels seen, heard and supported.
Thank you for sharing thisspace and time with me today.
Until we meet again, take careof your body, honor your journey
and keep moving forward, onebreath, one step at a time.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Thanks for tuning in to Mind Manners with Albert
Nguyen.
We hope you found value in thisepisode.
If you'd like to work withAlbert one-on-one, visit
OptiMindCounselingcom to learnmore about his private practice.
Looking to join a community oflike-minded individuals, search
Mind Manners Podcast Communityon Facebook and join our group
(23:05):
to connect with others on theirwellness journeys.
Finally, if you haven't alreadydone so, please write us a
five-star review on ApplePodcast and let us know you're
enjoying the show.
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