When we are faced with something that is out of our control that feels life threatening, or overwhelms us and our ability to cope, we can begin to experience a trauma response. Trauma has a Greek root meaning wound.

Wound. A wound is a place that is hurt.

I love words because they can help us understand our human experience. And right now hurt may feel prevalent as we process a huge shift in normalcy; some trauma may be too.

The thing that many of us know about trauma and “coping” is they create a continual heightened experience of distress in our systems, without coming back into regulation.
So right now, be extra forgiving and gentle with ourselves as we support a conscious process of coming back into ease, rest and our parasympathetic systems.

The stages of grief were written out as 5 emotions one experienced when faced with loss (many of us are experiencing loss now), denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This model was created by psychiatrist Elizabeth Kübler-Ross.

However, the thing that’s important to note, and that Elizabeth regretted not making more clear, is that the process of grief is non-linear.

One moment we can feel acceptance and the next denial; anger... this model is not perfect. Grieving can, and does, include other stages of emotions and deletes some depending on your unique process...

It’s important to think about this now, to support us in releasing stigma around our feelings & process—to support us to release stigma of our response to a pandemic—to support us to speak about this and find support inside and outwardly for regulation—to remember that our emotions and responses to this time can come in stages, often non-linear ones.

Grounding, a self-care practice that supports regulation.
Gently squeezing different parts of our bodies and stating, “this is the safe container of my body,” is a great practice. Essential oils of Palma Rosa and Lavender can be soothing.
Camomile tea is a tonic for the nervous system.
Try mini meditations throughout your day. Yoga can be used as a somatic practice to bring us back into our bodies.

Anything that aligns us into integration & ease are a good choice for right now.

Sending peace and love to all ❤️

In kindness and courage,

Sarah

PS *If you are having serious symptoms, please see your medical practitioner or call an emergency line. Our local is 911.