What is trauma?
Throughout our lifetime we will likely all experience some sort of trauma. Estimates suggest 70% of adults have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. And while trauma is a word we often associate with huge tragic events, there are a range of other less obvious experiences that can be traumatic – like the breakup of a significant relationship, losing a job or moving home – that have the potential to seriously disrupt our lives and also our emotional wellbeing.
Trauma isn’t something that has to be one specific event either. There’s much more focus these days on micro-traumas— more mildly traumatic things that cumulatively over years and can amount to the same as one macro trauma. This is more commonly being referred to as ‘big T trauma and little t trauma.’
What happens to unresolved trauma?
We all develop different coping mechanisms when it comes to pain and trauma. We become pro’s at blocking these emotions- we reach for that glass of wine at night, fill up our social calendars, or even place ourselves on regimented wellness regimes that we assume is doing the work for us.
However, ignoring the real root of the pain will only ever serve to deepen the wound.
No amount of kale and crossfit can heal the deeper issues at play (unfortunately!)
Oftentimes, our strict wellness routines can actually be masking the deeper issues at play.
Research is showing that trauma can essentially become ‘stuck’ energy within the body, especially when it overwhelms our cognition and overwhelms the systems in the brain.
Unresolved trauma and emotions will show up where they can. They will show up in gut issues, skin issues, how we sleep at night or that niggling lower back pain. They show up in our relationships, in the way we act when we feel triggered, in the way we play small and miss out on opportunities, or how we shy away from really getting close to people.
One of the most incredible examples of how unresolved trauma can affect the body has been shown in research with cancer patients who have experienced unexpected remission. These patients often cite releasing emotional stress or trauma as one of the key factors in their healing.
This has led to greater studies that suggest unprocessed trauma can get “stored” not just in your subconscious mind and memory but throughout your physical being—and furthermore, that specific therapies and modalities can be helpful in releasing it.
How can you release unresolved trauma?
Many healing therapies work to help us modulate between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems and bring them into homeostasis. This improved flow and balance can bring a feeling of relief and lightness and it may also help draw attention to certain suppressed or repressed experiences that need our attention.
Soothing the nervous system is the most powerful way to allow your body time and space to process and heal. Yoga, meditation, sleep, good nutrition, massage and proper rest is a wonderful place to start.
Working with professional healers can allow you to go deeper and experience a much more effective healing journey. Reiki, Ayurveda, Colourpuncture, Balinese Healing, Ceremonies and Rituals that allow you to let go of the old and embrace the new are incredibly potent and powerful to allow you to move through this process safely.
A reminder to go gently….
One key thing to understand is that you don’t need to feel broken or depressed to have trauma in your body. You can be leading a normal happy life, yet you know something is there, something is holding you back from reaching your full potential.
As women we often get praised for being ‘resilient.’ However, being resilient isn’t really the answer when it comes to healing.
Softening, opening, allowing and taking time to dive deeper inwards in a safe and supportive space is the key to really moving forwards.
Remember, you have to feel to heal!
Experts agree that when we shut down one emotion and move into a frozen state, it’s not just that one emotion you’re protecting yourself against that gets shut down; your whole emotional life becomes limited.
Saying yes to healing unresolved trauma, is reclaiming your passion, your power and your purpose.
It’s one of the most important things you can do.
Could you have resolved trauma that you are ready to let go of?
Our new Bali Healing Retreat offers you a week of deep week of healing therapies and transformational ceremonies to help you shift old energy, let go of anything holding you back, and allow you to start a new chapter.
All of our emotional healing retreats in Bali include daily yoga, unlimited spa treatments, wholesome food, deep rest, Balinese ceremonies and time to relax, unwind and rejuvenate- these are all key in releasing unresolved trauma.