I was not sure what to expect but knew I needed to regain focus/vision to forge ahead in my PhD program.
The theme I went in with was a need for balance in my life, and Gretchen totally facilitated my ability to clearly see what I need to do to accomplish this balance in all areas.
- Pam R.
Yes, you exist in many dimensions as a human being and you deserve to know and experience all of them. As a somatic trauma specialist and energetic intuitive, I understand the many layers of the human experience and the profound healing potential that lies within each dimension of being.
Today you'll read about the five most basic dimensions of being. There are many others, but these are a good place to begin.
The role of self-care in the healing journey for trauma survivors, is not just a luxury but a necessity—an act of radical self-love and compassion. By prioritizing your well-being and nurturing each dimension of your existence, you create a foundation for healing and transformation that extends waaaaaay beyond the surface.
This dimension of being centers around your tangible physical body. Physical care is best met with gentleness, avoiding harmful 'diet culture' norms that can exacerbate trauma. Instead, prioritize nurturing practices that support the nervous system and enhance overall vitality.
Gentle movement can serve as a powerful tool for grounding and embodiment, releasing tension and inviting awareness of the present moment. Nourishing foods can fuel your body and soul, so focus on whole, nutrient-rich options that resonate with your energy.
Carving out time for
rest allows the body's innate wisdom to heal and replenish. When you've been conditioned to prioritize productivity over rest, it's essential to remember that
rest is not only a physical need but also a fundamental aspect of healing trauma. By honoring your body's need for rest and rejuvenation, you create space for healing and restoration to occur.
Many trauma survivors struggle with identifying and expressing emotions due to past experiences. Approach yourself with kindness and self-compassion as you navigate your emotional landscape. Healthy emotional expression and awareness allow feelings to flow freely without judgment.
Practices like journaling provide a safe space for emotional release, while creative outlets like art, cooking, music, and movement offer non-verbal ways to process emotions. By cultivating self-compassion and embracing healthy expression, healing can unfold.
Practices like mindfulness allow you to anchor in the present moment, creating a sense of calm during life's storms. Cognitive reframing can also be a powerful tool for transforming negative thought patterns and beliefs to reclaim agency over your thoughts. By challenging negative beliefs and reframing them in a more empowering light, you can unlock new neural pathways for growth and resilience.
When practicing cognitive reframing, avoid falling into the trap of toxic positivity. Approach your thoughts with curiosity and compassion, recognizing that healing involves embracing the full spectrum of your experiences, including the difficult ones.
Here's an example:
Original phrase: "Good vibes only."
Reframed perspective: "Embracing all vibes."
Explanation: While the phrase "Good vibes only" may suggest the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, it can also inadvertently dismiss or suppress difficult emotions. By reframing it to "Embracing all vibes," you can acknowledge that life encompasses both positive and challenging experiences.
You are energy, first and foremost. The energetic dimension of your being exists first and then it manifests the physical body into reality. So, nurturing the energetic dimension of your being - also known as life force energy (prana, chi, or qi )- can balance the subtle energies that flow within you and even affect your physical body.
Central to understanding the energetic dimension are the chakras, the funnel-like vortex centers of energy that run along the spine. Each chakra corresponds to specific physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being, and when they are in balance, we experience a sense of ease and alignment. Breathwork, Reiki, and Yoga can be potent tools for enhancing the flow of life force energy throughout the body.
The spiritual dimension allows you to explore beyond conventional norms, by offering advanced concepts that expand consciousness and connect you with deeper aspects of being. Practices like meditation, nature immersion, and exploring higher consciousness nourish the soul and enhance the healing journey.
Sacred practices let you tap into infinite wisdom, finding peace, guidance, and deep healing. Embracing the mysteries of the universe awakens inherent divinity, allowing for self-realization and spiritual evolution.
So, now that you have insights into some of the dimensions you exist within, you can begin to slowly integrate and embody them to find deeper healing.
The Healing Project has resources that can help you find the healing you genuinely deserve. May you experience the fullness of your authentic Self by exploring the many dimensions of your being.
Sending so much light and support,
Gretchen