Unveiling the Flames Within: Healing Ancestral Trauma as a Feminine Force
Last weekend, I had the profound opportunity to assist a breathwork healer training. Little did I know that this experience would unearth a deep-seated body memory, causing me to confront the weight of ancestral trauma carried in my body.
“They burned us – they burned us all.” It was a realization that unlocked the hidden layers of my being, revealing the intricate connection between my body, the need for self-protection, and the suppression of feminine power within a patriarchal society.
As I delved into the depths of my somatic psyche, I saw and felt the images of women being hung, burned and beheaded. Their cries echoed through my body, resonating with a collective pain that spans generations.
In that moment, I realized how my body had instinctively guarded my heart, shielding my essence from fully descending into my physical form. I came face to face with the realization that embodying the breadth of my essence meant feeling the energetic lineage pattern of being a turned-on, fully embodied fem/femme in the patriarchy.
A Shared Experience
The social trauma associated with Patrairchy Stress Disorder has many layers and this journey of self-discovery requires a courageous exploration of those layers. Somatic trauma, deeply ingrained within the collective feminine body and experience, holds the echoes of countless stories of oppression, suppression, and resilience. By delving into this intricate tapestry of ancestral pain, I began to unravel not only my personal wounds but also the shared wounds of women who came before me.
The Echoes of History
The ancient memories surged, urging me to explore the depths of transgenerational persecution. I was one femme body feeling the collective social feminine body – the shared experiences, perceptions, and somatic manifestations that arise from being a woman in a patriarchal society. A flash – the wounds I carried were not solely mine but belonged to the countless women who had come before me. They had faced trials and tribulations, paying the price for expressing their authentic power in a world that sought to extinguish it. The echoes of their fear, hunting and deaths resounded through me, urging me to feel the energetic patterns of my blood and bones; traveling my nervous system; churning in my guts.
A Closed Heart
I felt into the protective armor around my heart, I understood the bittersweet purpose. It shielded me from the potential pain and persecution that awaited those who dared to fully embrace their feminine essence. But in doing so, it also limited the flow of life force energy, dampening my ability to experience the fullness of my being.
The Call to Embody
To embody the full breath of spirit is to step into the fire of transformation, to embrace the radiant flame of authenticity. It is a call to shed the weight of inherited fear and come fully down and into the body. But this liberation is not without its challenges. The ghosts of history whisper cautionary tales, reminding of the risks that lie ahead. The burnings, hangings, and beheadings of our foremothers serve as a stark reminder of the patriarchal forces that sought to suppress the feminine flame.
Ancestral and Social Trauma
Acknowledging and healing the ancestral trauma embedded within our collective consciousness is a courageous act of reclamation. By shining the light of awareness upon these inherited wounds, we can begin to untangle the threads of oppression and rewrite the narrative of our existence. Through breathwork, energy healing, and somatic practices, we create sacred spaces for the release and transmutation of the past. We stand in solidarity with the women who came before us, embracing their pain and weaving it into the tapestry of our journey.
Igniting the Fem/Femme Flame
The rekindling of the feminine flame is a potent force that can reshape our world. As we accept and belong the wounds of the past, we tap into an infinite wellspring of wisdom, intuition, and compassion. Our open hearts become beacons of love, radiating warmth and acceptance to all who cross our paths. We inspire others to embrace their own authentic power, nurturing a collective transformation that transcends the limitations of the patriarchy.
The journey towards embodying the full breath of our spirit is not an easy one. It demands courage, resilience, and a willingness to feel the shadows of our ancestral past.
As we navigate the landscapes of transformation, we must remember that we are not alone. Women from the past and present stand beside us, their experiences ntertwining with ours, creating a sahred understanding, strength and resilience. Together, we can rewrite the narrative, heal the wounds, and usher in a new era where the feminine essence shines brightly, unencumbered by the chains of history. We will reclaim our power, honor our ancestral lineage, and embrace the transformative fire.
Somatic Self-love Ritual: Shaking Out Internal Oppression
A step-by-step somatic self-love ritual for shaking out internal oppression, building upon the idea of trauma clearing shaking exercises.
Note: It’s important to approach somatic practices with care and listen to your body’s needs. If you have any underlying physical or medical conditions, please consult with a healthcare professional before engaging in these exercises.
Step 1: Prepare a Safe and Sacred Space
Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can freely move and shake without any obstacles or distractions. Set the intention for this ritual to be a safe and healing experience.
Step 2: Grounding and Centering
Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to connect with the present moment. Feel the support of the ground beneath you and envision roots growing from your feet, grounding you to the earth.
Step 3: Gentle Warm-up Movements
Start with some gentle warm-up movements to prepare your body for shaking. This can include stretching, loosening your joints, and taking a few minutes for slow, conscious movement. Pay attention to any areas of tension or tightness in your body.
Step 4: Trauma Clearing Shaking
Assume a comfortable position that allows your body to shake freely. You can choose to lie down on your back, sit cross-legged, or stand with your knees slightly bent. Take a moment to tune into your body and set the intention to release internal oppression and tension.
Begin shaking your body intentionally and gently. Allow the shaking to originate from deep within your muscles, gradually building up in intensity. Let go of any inhibitions or self-judgment and surrender to the shaking movement.
As you shake, focus on releasing any physical and emotional tension associated with internalized oppression. Imagine the shaking motion as a powerful tool to loosen and dislodge these oppressive patterns from your body.
Step 5: Expressive Movements
While shaking, you can incorporate expressive movements that intuitively emerge. Trust your body’s wisdom and allow it to guide you. This might include stretching, twisting, stomping, or using your arms and voice to release pent-up emotions or sounds.
Step 6: Free-form Shaking and Release
After shaking for several minutes, give yourself permission to shake freely and spontaneously. Allow the shaking to take on a life of its own, flowing naturally through your body. Release any control or inhibition, surrendering to the somatic experience fully.
Step 7: Gradual Stabilization and Integration
When you feel ready to wind down, gradually bring your shaking to a slower pace, allowing it to naturally calm down. Transition into slower, grounding movements such as gentle swaying or rocking to gradually stabilize your energy.
Step 8: Grounding and Resting
Lie down on your back or find a comfortable seated position. Take a few moments to rest and connect with your breath. Feel the sensations in your body and notice any shifts or sensations that arise.
Step 9: Self-Reflection and Self-Love
Take some time for self-reflection and journaling. Reflect on the experience of shaking out internal oppression and any insights or emotions that emerged during the practice. Practice self-compassion and self-love by acknowledging your courage and willingness to engage in this healing ritual.
Step 10: Integration and Nurturing
Following the ritual, prioritize self-care and nurturing activities. This can include taking a warm bath, engaging in gentle stretching or restorative yoga, journaling, meditating, or engaging in any practices that support your well-being and integration.
Remember to honor your body’s needs throughout the process and adjust the intensity and duration of shaking based on what feels right for you. This somatic self-love ritual offers an opportunity to release and shed the layers of internalized oppression, nurturing a deeper sense of self-acceptance, liberation, and love.