Our spoken words can tell a different story from what we are feeling. How many times do you answer “fine thanks” when someone asks how you are, when you are feeling anything but fine?
Our bodies however, tell the truth. If we listen that is.
It can be difficult to feel connected to the body. Modern life is lived more in the head than in the body and the speed by which we live makes it challenging to tune inwards. When we experience challenges such as heartbreak or loss, our bodies rarely get the space to process what has happened. We might rush ourselves to ‘get on with it’ and think we have bounced back before we have. Or we might ignore what has happened because it’s just too painful to address what happened.
Trauma is held in the body. You can’t just talk your way out of it. The mind and body are not really separated, yet we see a talking therapist for the head and a body practitioner for our physical selves. When things are held in the body and not released, they become an emotional scar, where layers of tension build up around it. This blocks the life force. It can show up as deep tiredness or feeling like life isn’t in flow.
I’ve frequently experienced when someone has come in for treatment to a sore neck or back, but I am drawn to a deeper held tension, that feels as if it’s the real thing to work on. When something is held in the body, we are held back from expressing our most true and vital self.
Movement is an essential key to process what’s held in the body. The nervous system needs to be led to its ‘rest and digest’ state to allow the alertness to quieten.
If you have experienced a loss, whether in recent weeks or months or many years ago, you’re welcome to come and be in the space at the workshop on Sunday 29th April at triyoga Camden. We will practice gentle and supportive movements to gently feel and move held discomfort through the body and gain strength from deep restful meditation.
Join Avni Trivedi in Camden on Sunday 29th April for her workshop Moving Through Loss: An Intimate Workshop (workshop is capped at 10 people). Click here to book and find out more.
