Cultivating a Felt Sense of Relative Safety in Trauma Recovery
The felt sense of relative safety is a cornerstone in trauma recovery, acting as a prerequisite for the gentle and controlled release of trapped energies that are often the legacy of traumatic experiences.
Understanding the Felt Sense of Safety
The concept of a felt sense of relative safety is deeply intertwined with our bodies. When trauma occurs, our fight, flight or freeze responses can become dysregulated or ‘stuck.’ This can result in energies mobilized to deal with a threat getting trapped within our bodies.
When we feel secure and stable enough within our bodies and environment, we’re referring to a state where these survival energies can be safely accessed and processed.
The Subjective Nature of Safety
Safety in the context of trauma recovery is subjective and deeply personal. It’s not about creating a world without risk—this is impossible. Rather, it’s about cultivating an internal sanctuary where the mind and body can align to say, “It’s okay to feel, remember, and release.”
This sanctuary provides the backdrop against which healing unfolds, a psychological and somatic (body-based) space where we explore their experiences without becoming overwhelmed.
Implicit Memories and Trapped Energy
Implicit memories are forms of memory that are not conscious but nonetheless influence our behaviors, emotions, and physical responses.
They lack the structure and context of explicit memories (those we can consciously recall and describe). Instead, these memories manifest through physical sensations, emotions, or reactions that seem to have no direct cause in our immediate environment.
It’s like the body remembers and reacts based on a script written by past traumas.
When the body and mind experience this sense of relative safety, they can begin to dismantle the grip of implicit memories. This is because safety turns down the volume of the body’s threat detection system, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of past events.
It provides the necessary stability for individuals to observe their reactions without immediate escalation to a state of hyperarousal or dissociation.
The Process of Releasing Trapped Energy
Releasing trapped energy is a delicate process and can look different for everyone. It can involve somatic therapies that help the body to ‘thaw’ frozen survival responses, psychotherapies that gently probe the edges of memories, or mindfulness practices that teach the survivor to remain present and grounded even when facing difficult sensations or emotions.
Cultivating a Felt Sense of Safety
Cultivating a felt sense of safety is a deeply personal and often complex endeavor, requiring a harmonious blend of physical, emotional, and spiritual practices. Here are several components that can contribute to this nurturing environment:
Physical Environment
Creating a space where we feel physically secure and comfortable is fundamental. This might involve arranging a personal area that is calming, with elements that soothe the senses — soft lighting, comfortable seating, and personal artifacts that elicit feelings of peace and security.
Breathwork
Breathwork is a powerful tool in regulating the body’s stress response and enhancing a sense of inner calm. Controlled breathing exercises — such as diaphragmatic breathing, prolonged exhalation, or rhythmic breathing — can activate the body’s relaxation response and help shift the nervous system away from fight-or-flight mode towards a state of rest and digest.
Ritual
Rituals serve as a structured and symbolic set of actions that can provide a sense of order and predictability. Whether it’s a morning routine that includes gratitude journaling, a tea ceremony that allows for quiet reflection, or a nightly meditation practice, rituals can act as anchors, grounding individuals in the present moment and providing a sense of continuity and purpose.
Therapeutic Relationships
Working with folks who provide a non-judgmental and empathetic presence can foster a deep sense of trust and safety. These relationships can become the relational foundation upon which healing is built.
Somatic (Body-Centered) Practices
Practices like grounding (connecting with the earth), deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help the body learn to regulate its stress responses. These practices can help individuals stay present in their bodies and reduce the intensity of traumatic memories.
Self-Care Routines
Consistent self-care routines can establish predictability and a sense of control, which contribute to feelings of safety. This might include regular sleep habits, nutritious eating, physical activity, or dedicated times for relaxation and play.
Community
Connecting with a community of individuals who have had similar experiences can validate feelings and provide a sense of understanding and solidarity. Support groups, peer-led workshops, or online forums can be instrumental in building this sense of connectedness.
Psychoeducation
Understanding the physiological effects of trauma can be empowering for survivors. Learning how trauma affects the brain and body can help survivors recognize that their responses are normal reactions to abnormal events and not a sign of personal failure or weakness.
Spiritual Practices
Engaging in spiritual or existential practices can offer a sense of connection to something greater and provide a context for experiences that may otherwise feel overwhelming. This could include prayer, meditation, nature walks, or participating in a faith community.
Each of these components can play a pivotal role in building a felt sense of safety, which is the bedrock of trauma recovery. Creating this felt sense of relative safety, we can begin to approach the work of recovery with curiosity. It allows for the acknowledgment and integration of implicit memories, transforming the experience from one that is passively endured to one that is actively processed and understood. It’s a journey towards reclaiming the body and mind as a safe place to be, love and live with joy.
Somatic Alchemy: Cultivate a Felt Sense of Relative Safety
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey toward inner peace and resilience? Somatic Alchemy is here to guide you through the art of cultivating a felt sense of relative safety — your personal haven amidst life’s storms.
Imagine a space where you can explore the depths of your emotions, memories, and sensations without fear. Where your body can unwind and release the trapped energy of past traumas. This is not just a dream; it’s within your reach through the healing power of Somatic Alchemy.
Join us for a session where you will:
- Breathe New Life: Learn powerful breathwork techniques that help calm your nervous system, bringing you back to a state of equilibrium.
- Craft Your Rituals: Discover how personalized rituals can anchor you, creating a predictable rhythm that soothes your mind and body.
- Connect Deeply: Form therapeutic alliances that provide a non-judgmental space for you to heal and grow.
- Embody Your Experience: Engage in body-centered practices that ground you in the present moment, allowing for a gentle release of emotional and physical tension.
- Nurture Consistency: Build self-care routines that foster a sense of stability and self-compassion.
- Foster Community Bonds: Join a circle of like-minded individuals who support and uplift each other on the path to recovery.
- Empower Through Knowledge: Gain valuable psychoeducation to demystify your experiences and embrace your journey with confidence.
- Elevate Spiritually: Integrate spiritual practices that resonate with you, enriching your sense of purpose and connection.
This is not just a call to action; it’s an invitation to a new way of being. A promise of a supportive environment where you can safely navigate the complexities of your inner world. Somatic Alchemy is not about changing who you are but allowing you to become the most aligned version of yourself.