The Body Keeps The Score - Bessel Van der Kolk

A Meditation Series

The Body Keeps The Score

The opening chapters of *The Body Keeps the Score* introduce trauma as a force that deeply affects both the brain and body. Dr. van der Kolk explains how childhood trauma leaves lasting imprints on the nervous system, triggering a persistent "fight, flight, or freeze" response. Using case studies, he shows how trauma disrupts brain function, impairing emotional regulation, relationships, and bodily safety.

Part three explores how childhood trauma disrupts trust and connection, leading to fear, hypervigilance, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. Many unconsciously replicate harmful past dynamics, perpetuating cycles of dysfunction.

Developmental Trauma

In Chapter 10 of The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk highlights the widespread impact of developmental trauma, which he describes as an epidemic rooted in adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as neglect, abuse, and unstable caregiving. He discusses research linking ACEs to lifelong difficulties, including chronic health conditions, emotional dysregulation, and impaired interpersonal relationships. The chapter delves into studies, such as the pioneering ACE study by Felitti and Anda, which revealed a strong correlation between childhood trauma and long-term physical and mental health problems. Van der Kolk emphasises how developmental trauma disrupts brain development, particularly areas involved in self-regulation and memory. He critiques traditional medical approaches that focus on symptoms rather than addressing underlying trauma, advocating instead for treatments that prioritise safety, emotional connection, and body-based interventions to help individuals recover from the pervasive effects of early life adversity.

Finding Home Within Ourselves

Today, we will practise a homecoming meditation to cultivate safety and connection, gently guiding us to reconnect with our bodies and inner experiences. By focusing on grounding techniques such as deep breathing, body awareness, visualising ourselves as a safe and comforting place. This signals to our nervous system that we are not in danger. Following this, we will engage our prefrontal cortex by reflecting on two recent experiences of challenge:

  • one involving something we feel responsible for

  • and another involving something we feel someone else was responsible for.

Be mindful of the stories you choose for the practice, ensuring they feel manageable and not overwhelming. Select examples that allow you to reflect without triggering significant distress, as the aim is to create a safe and supportive space for growth.

This practice helps rewire and reorganise neural pathways, fostering a sense of safety and calm. Through regular practise, we can deepen our self-connection, learn to self-soothe, and engage with the world from a place of stability and trust. To live a fully present life, to be more joyful.

You are the Expert in You.

I am not assuming you have experienced severe trauma, but I know each one of us suffers and struggles and has experienced hardships and challenges. We know that life is inherently unsatisfying and that our drive to move beyond this is an important part of our survival. We also know that one of the keys to living a contented life is to be grounded in the present moment, and this is what we’re practising.

I am leading the sessions from a perspective of trauma to keep the space as safe for everyone as I can.

There’s no right or wrong way of doing these practices. We’re learning to take great care of ourselves.

Be interested, and curious and as best you can bring a non-judgemental approach to your experiences

We’re learning to observe our habits and tendencies. To live life well. To be content and fulfilled.