Release Hurt to Release Pain

“As I often tell my students, the two most important phrases in therapy, as in yoga, are “Notice that” and “What happens next?” Once you start approaching your body with curiosity rather than with fear, everything shifts.” – Bessel A. van der Kolk

It’s time to start tbeing curious about what’s going on in our bodies.  Put away your devices and listen to what your body is telling you.  Your stats from what you’re wearing around your wrist aren’t about you, they’re just numbers.  They don’t reflect your actual experiences.  Does your watch know if you feel tired or sad or nervous or happy?  Don’t let a computer tell you how you’re feeling.  Notice what you’re feeling and go from there.

We must begin to understand that we hold the power within ourselves to feel better.  We must begin to empower ourselves and begin to do the inner work of healing which will inevitably lead to increased energy, a more positive attitude and less pain and discomfort in our bodies.  This doesn’t mean that one might not need a particular surgery or medication.  But I guarantee that if we begin to actually feel and address the sensations in our bodies and our emotions, we can experience profound healing with a minimized need for external intervention.  YOU are the expert on YOU.

If you would like more information about the power of tuning in to our experiences for greater health and well-being, check out the work of, Bessel A. van der Kolk a world-renowned psychiatrist known for his research on the long-term effects of unexpressed trauma in the body.  He wrote an amazing book, The Body Keeps the Score, in which he goes into this with great detail, even discussing how trauma patterns show up in very specific body parts, aches, pains and chronic conditions.  It’s a great book, though quite dense for the average reader.

Another pioneer in the field of pain and dis-ease manifesting from unexpressed emotions (namely those of resentment, anger and guilt) is Louise Hay.  Hay’s work focused a great deal on healing through gratitude, forgiveness and loving ourselves.  Her work is inspiring and easy to relate to.  You can find many of her talks online, and her books are always a great, inspiring resource to have on hand.

Finally, Marisa Peer is another world-renowned psychologist and speaker spreading the message of self-empowerment as a tool for healing.  This video is just one of many in which she gives simple (though not always easy!) tools for creating the health and happiness you deserve.