2024 - Week 23 - A Few Practices

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

All the links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON

This is a podcast about knowing yourself and having sustainable practices.

Developing and sustaining a daily meditation practice for over 25 years helped me gain a deeper level of self-awareness. I have learned that the more I practice the more I gain a level of self-mastery with what I am practicing. Being self-aware and having personal insight allows me to recognize when I need to focus on a specific tool or technique, MORE.

I remember when I was at dinner with a few former colleagues in 2017 and an active shooter entered the restaurant. We were ending dinner when we heard the words, “Everybody down.” I was with three much younger ladies reminding them to breathe and affirming that we would be okay.

Was I concerned as we were underneath the table waiting for more news? Of course. I also had a strong sense that we would all be fine.

As the scene dispersed and the police arrived we found out that the person who instructed us to get down was a retired police officer. Time passed and the shooter was apprehended and we all left to return safely to our homes.

One of the definitions of trauma is a “deeply disturbing or distressing experience.” Yep, I would say it was a traumatic experience. When I arrived home I checked in with TD and I immediately went to my living room and lay flat on my back on the floor. I found a sound vibration recording on YouTube that focused on healing, safety and feeling grounded. I listened to the recording and felt my body begin to release some of that energy and relax.

The next day as I told my brother about what happened he reminded me to rest. After our conversation I felt my body physically releasing some of the stress and I had a very long nap. I also felt achy later that day. I knew I needed help processing what happened so I called the Employee Assistance Program and I was able to schedule counseling. I also called the ladies to suggest they reach out for support via their Employee Assistance Program as well.

This quote from Bessel A. van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, reminds me to be truthful with myself.

“The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves.”

My nervous system was impacted by that experience. I learned a lot in

the therapy sessions about processing trauma and how the book title states, “the body keeps score.” We feel trauma in our bodies and it helps to have ways to release what the body is holding on to.

I have different practices I use to keep grounded, stay centered and to release energy that is stuck in my body. Practice is the opportunity to fine tune our skills so when we are called to use them, we can use them effectively. Here are a few practices I do regularly to reduce stress on my nervous system.

• Emotional freedom technique (EFT) also known as tapping- specifically for trauma or an experience. I found Regulate Your Nervous System After Trauma by Julie Schiffman. Here is a link.

• Schedule a counseling session,

• Sound vibration meditations to shift the energy in my body - Jhene Aiko’s Trigger Protection Mantra is a staple for me to have playing in the background. It’s very soothing and she has several available for different lengths.

Life has unexpected detours ALL the time. In addition to breathing practices, meditation, laughter, and approaching experiences with curiosity helps me practice less judgment of myself and others.

What are some of the ways you navigate life’s unpredictable journey? Leave a comment wherever you are listening to this podcast.

You can also email me at [e-mail]. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.

All the links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON

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