Many people don’t realize that our reaction to Post-traumatic Stress largely takes place in our bodies. Our innate “fight/flight” mechanism takes control when we are faced with a traumatic event or ongoing trauma. Despite the name our, fight/flight system also encompasses more than those two reactions—there also is shutdown and in some circumstances an urge to connect and take care of others. In the face of overwhelming stress we can fight if we can, escape the situation if we can, but many times all we can do is shut down. This in effect leads to that traumatic fear and energy trapped in the body. Traditional talk therapy has focused on reliving the trauma and re-framing it. This can be tricky because there can be a danger of re-traumatizing the client. Recent research is showing that more bodily and experiential approaches can be incorporated in dealing with PTSD. This can include something as simple as breathing exercises, to therapies such as EMDR, Equine Assisted Therapy, Yoga, Martial Arts, etc. I have used many of these modalities with clients to great success. Talking can be important, but so can breathing, moving, and ultimately living freely.
Creativity and the Body
People generally assume that creativity is an activity of the brain, the mind. In my work with clients, workshop members, and my own experience I believe that conceptualization is too limiting. Yes, you could compose a piece of music, a novel, a painting using only your conscious “mind”—but would it be to your liking? Would it reach the heart of your audience and even yourself? Through the work I’ve done, I’ve realized that some of the deepest most creative work and performance comes from deep within the wisdom of the body. This can be explored through movement, mind/body visualization, and art itself, to name just a few. If we let the body’s wisdom speak to us through feeling, sensation, and imagery true creativity can flourish. I believe there is a call for us to create—that it is necessary for people to create, otherwise how do things change in individuals’ lives, communities, and the world at large? Our bodies respond at every moment with our environment —internal and external. Let your body create!