Paige Leighton - Trauma Informed Somatic Coach

A gentle reminder this holiday season to treat yourself with kindness. And may that kindness spill over to those around you.

The holiday season is a beautiful mix of joy, celebration, connection, gratitude, grief (loss), sadness, and loneliness. Holding space for the expanse of conflicting, vulnerable emotions may be especially challenging at this time of year. Perhaps take a moment to honor this experience with me.

Imagine your feet firmly planted in the earth, maybe your toes grip the ground a little stronger, solidly planted, strong, stable. Like a tree rooted firmly in the earth.

Maybe place a hand on your heart, checking in with what is present. Maybe take a moment to just notice what is there without judgment, without the story of how it got there or what it means. Maybe send a thought of loving kindness to what is present.

Notice your vulnerable heart is supported by your feet planted firmly in the ground, with strength and stability. The wind may come, but you are grounded.

I wish you all joy, warmth, and gentle kindness this holiday season.

How to feel the feelings: Part 6

Safe Spaces

The body and mind need to feel safe enough to allow emotions and sensations to come to the surface. Fear of judgement or reactions from other people (among many other reasons) can consciously or subconsciously block emotions and sensations from actualizing. Each person is different. It is worth paying attention to what happens when an emotion surfaces and what is around you. For example, are you worried someone will walk in and see you? Is there a fear of someone hearing you? Are you hesitant while talking to a person about your feelings.

Finding your safe space may help. Some people have found that being alone on the floor or lying on a yoga mat is the first place they felt safe and held. You may want to practice sensing into your body/emotions in a safe space over time. When a safe experience repeats, the body and mind learn to trust that it is safe enough to open-up and soften.

This may take some time and may require gentle, compassionate patience with yourself.

Co-regulation is so important in this world. For your children, for your relationships, and the health and wellbeing of everyone in your community. Especially in today’s time that more disconnected than ever.

#polyvagaltraining #polyvagaltheory #polyvagaltheoryintherapy… | Polyvagal Institute Come learn more from Dr. Porges about our biological imperative for human connection in our flagship educational experience, The Polyvagal Certificate Course: Safety, Connection, and the Human Experience. Your enrollment includes live discussions with Dr. Porges himself, and lifetime invitations to....