The Body Keeps The Score - Bessel Van der Kolk
A Meditation Series
The Body Keeps The Score
In part one of *The Body Keeps the Score* Dr. van der Kolk introduces how trauma as a force that deeply affects both the brain and body. He explains how childhood trauma leaves lasting imprints on the nervous system, triggering a persistent "fight, flight, or freeze" (and, more recently fawn) response. Using case studies, he shows how trauma disrupts brain function, impairing emotional regulation, relationships, and bodily safety. Essentially (and why we’re here) the antidote is neurofeedback to help rewire the brain and restore a sense of control.
Reclaiming Yourself
This week we move into Part Five, Paths to Recovery
Nobody can ‘treat us’ for the experiences that we’ve been through, what has happened cannot be undone BUT what can be treated for is the imprint of this on our body mind and soul.
The sensations in your chest that you may see as anxiety or depression. The fear of losing control, always being on alert for danger or rejection, self-loathing, nightmares and flashbacks, the fog that keeps you from staying on task and engaging fully in what you are doing. Your ability to let go and being able to fully open your heart to another human being.
The challenges that we’ve been through rob us of the feeling of being in charge of ourselves. The challenge of recovery is re-establishing ownership of our bodies and our minds of ourselves.
Fully Alive
We are learning to feel free. To know who we are and to feel what we feel without becoming overwhelmed and enraged ashamed or collapsed For the majority of people this involves:
finding a way to be calm and focused
learning to maintain connection to our responses to images thoughts sounds of physical sensations reminding us of the past
finding a way to be fully alive in the present engaged with people around you
not having to keep secrets from yourself including secrets about the ways you have managed to survive.
These goals are not steps achieved one by one in a quick sequence. They overlap, and some may be more difficult than others, depending on individual circumstances.
Connection
In today’s session, we’ll be exploring this topic through a mindful compassion practice around the sense of sight. The imprints on our body, mind, and soul of the objects around us. Exploring connection and disconnection, learning to acknowledge and process these imprints with awareness and kindness.
How the ordinary is quite extraordinary, and for the most part, our lives are made up of these small moments and interactions with our environments that go unnoticed.
If you are in an unfamiliar environment, I would like you to take a few moments to ensure you have a few items of your own within sight.
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.
There’s no right or wrong way of doing these practices. We’re learning to take great care of ourselves. There’s nothing to fix, we’re exploring how to soften the edges and find safety. Follow my guidance only if this feels right for you.
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.