Post Traumatic Growth and Self Compassion

05/24/2024

There is too much emphasis on PTSD symptoms rather than the growth that comes when we begin to have compassion for what our body, breath, and mind have been through.

Today, I will practice kindness towards myself and trust that as I make healthier choices, my nervous system will settle down and my resilience will step up.

05/13/2024

This week I begin teaching a trauma informed yoga class at https://gfwellness.com/about/

This is one of my greatest passions ! I love serving people who are going through alcohol/substance use disorders! I love educating people about the power of yoga that really supports a person who is learning how to live life without the strategy of addiction!

Addiction is Dis-Ease. Yoga brings EASE!

Addiction Causes a Sense of Lack. Yoga Brings Wholeness.

Addiction is a Disease of Disconnection. Yoga is Union.

So grateful for another opportunity to make a difference in the world of addictions recovery!!

We are a locally run and family focused program offering a concierge style approach to addiction treatment. Nestled in the privacy and beauty of Great Falls,

03/10/2024

This past year has been loaded with medical traumas. Can anyone relate to what that means?

Medical trauma is the experience of traumatic stress as a result of interactions with the medical system, which may include procedures (i.e., surgeries), new diagnoses (i.e., cancer), and professionals in healthcare settings

I have had one diagnosis after the other and tests galore. One thing I keep doing is I don't just blindly accept the doctor's suggestions. I have to breathe, step back and question. I need to gather information. When we have childhood ptsd, we did not have choices especially with the medical world. I was raise in a military family and the military doctors were sadly not trained for any kind of trauma sensitivity or kind bed side manners.

Today, the growth is I pause, I thank the Doctor for their suggestions. I won't be shamed by the medical provider because I googled this medicine etc and I question the side effects. I make the decisions for me and that is how I have to roll to keep me feeling safe.

We befriend our C-PTSD every day...in so many ways especially when it comes to our bodies!!!!

12/24/2023

The other day I was at Trader Joe's. It was crowded and I braced myself and set an intention to flow with ease throughout the store. I didn't realize that I started humming to the Christmas music. Humming is a great way to activate the vagus nerve to signify safety in the body.

Apparently, my humming was loud enough to catch the attention of an employee who was nearby me in the frozen food section. He said, " Come on, aren't you sick of this music?" I said "Oh, am I humming loudly?" He said "Yes." I then shared with him how humming can bring about calmness and peace. I shared the vagus nerve biology with him. He said," well this is a hard time of the year for some people. I think I will hum more - thank you!"

This is another PTG moment. I hummed without knowing and to me this is the body knowing exactly what to do. Thank you to my body today....

Namaste.