The body remembers what the mind forgets
Photography by Danielle Ann Rose @bydanielleannrose
Everything that happens to us gets stored in our body’s cells. Regardless, if our mind has forgotten the details or we think we’ve moved on from it, the body remembers
Whether it be physical or mental, a lasting imprint is left and it’s up to us to intentionally and somatically release any lingering pain, trauma, or built-up energy from our bodies. If we don’t, it will continue to impact how we make decisions, interact with others, and the way we view the world
It is our perception of our experiences and the meaning we attach to them that gets held onto. This means that two people could share the same experience and one be more traumatised and negatively affected than the other. Based on each person’s thought processes, how the situation made them feel and what they made it mean about themselves, they could each remember the event differently and relate diverse emotions to the event when looking back on it
The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, linking them with memories and helping us learn from experiences. When we experience a traumatic event, the amygdala can become hyperactive and cause severe anxiety. If we don’t allow ourselves to release the trauma and related emotions from our bodies, it can build up, making it a lot harder to relax, feel safe and enjoy life
Physical experiences seem to get more empathy and understanding because it’s easier to comprehend. Some people might not realise how substantial mental and emotional trauma can be because it’s invisible and unmeasurable, but that’s what makes it more deep-seated and difficult to navigate
I’ve had experiences where my mind thinks a burn injury that’s been healed for 8 years, is still there. I subconsciously avoid leaning on the part of my leg that was badly burnt as if it’s still blistered and painful when it’s not and it hasn’t been for some time now
I’ve also had an experience where a “friend” being cold to me has triggered a full-blown anxiety attack because it reminded me of when I felt emotionally abused by someone else, who I also considered a “friend” over 5 years ago. The coldness alone wasn’t enough to elicit that kind of reaction, but it was enough to make me feel unsafe, causing the trauma stored in my body to rush to the surface like a warning of incoming danger, alerting me to run for my life
Two completely different situations and experiences, both have had long-lasting impacts on the way I consciously and subconsciously move through life. This happens because these memories have been stored in the cells of my body, regardless of whether I’ve moved on from these experiences or not, they remain present
Releasing the built-up energy surrounding these memories and other traumatic events is essential for both mental and physical well-being. Participating in practices that allow us to somatically release stored emotions can assist us in processing and letting go of stagnant energy and past traumas
By doing so, we are creating space within ourselves and within our lives for more joy, more love, and more passion. Restoring balance and giving ourselves permission to live life to its fullest extent without hesitation or limitation
Therapies of every kind are incredibly beneficial for understanding ourselves better, processing memories and releasing emotions. I’ve found Havening to be the most effective for myself personally, but everyone is different so I’d recommend trying a few different forms to see what feels right for you
Primal screaming is something that might seem intimidating or uncomfortable at first but once you’ve felt the energy shift and emotional release that comes from it, I think you’ll understand why I advocate for it so much. This technique provides a much-needed outlet for the intense emotions we humans often suppress. When we allow ourselves to truly let go and unleash a scream/yell from the depths of our being, we feel a lifetime of pain, hurt and sadness leave our bodies. Once we’ve given it everything we’ve got we begin to feel so much lighter and more in control of our emotions, and find solace as our emotions and nervous systems balance out again. Primal screaming is an incredible avenue for embracing our raw vulnerability, propelling us towards healing and genuine emotional freedom
Movement of any kind, especially dance is a powerful tool for releasing energy from the body and shifting our state of mind. As we move, the gentle vibrations created by each motion reverberate through our beings, breaking through the barriers that confine our energy. Through movement, we connect with our bodies, channelling our emotions and releasing anything that no longer serves us
Both stretching and massages are effective ways to shift stagnant energy from the body. It’s in those moments when we allow ourselves to gently release the tension from our muscles that we begin to simultaneously release the tension from our souls as well. In those quiet moments of relaxation and calm, we finally feel safe enough to disarm ourselves and breathe freely. Slowly softening our bodies and our hearts while letting go of the world around us, allowing our troubles to melt away
All forms of exercise, such as weight training, running, martial arts, or pilates, provide us with the perfect opportunity to express and release built-up energy and emotions. Engaging in physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, which naturally lift our mood and help us gain clarity of mind. When we channel our feelings into movement, we rise above brain fog, stress, overwhelm and lethargic energy, creating space for mental well-being and a healthier outlook on life
Even something as simple as standing with open body language can show you just how much your body is holding. I remember being prompted once on an online course to open my arms out wide and stand in this sort of “power pose” stance. I instantly cried doing it because my body felt so vulnerable and exposed purely because it had been holding on to so much pain and sadness that the energy around me felt so heavy that opening up my body language felt like I was breaking out of concrete. This simple exercise showed me how much I had shut down and sealed myself into this body of hurt. It was scary to realise how much I had been holding onto but it was liberating and empowering to decide to let it go
If you feel like you could be in the same position, carrying every experience you’ve ever had, feeling stuck underneath the weight of trauma and sadness then I want you to know that it is possible to move through it and find peace on the other side
You are strong enough to express the hurt you’ve been holding on to. There is so much hope, beauty and wonder in this world and you deserve to feel free enough to experience it. You are capable of living a life without the burden of past traumas weighing you down, but it is up to you to choose that path and do whatever you feel you need to, to express and release it
