In the depths of my reflection, I’m compelled to share not just my personal journey, but also the profound impact of trauma, particularly in the context of narcissistic relationships. These toxic dynamics leave scars not just on the surface but etch deep within, altering the very fabric of our being.
Trauma, as a silent force, leaves no aspect of our existence untouched. From the intricate wiring of our brains to the rhythms of our emotional well-being, and even the physical vessel that carries us through life, trauma weaves its tendrils, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
Consider the intricate dance within our brains — trauma alters its landscape, reshaping areas crucial for emotional regulation, memory processing, and stress response. In the crucible of narcissistic relationships, where manipulation and abuse reign supreme, the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex bear the brunt, morphing under the weight of chronic exposure to toxicity.
Yet, the toll isn’t confined to the confines of our minds. Emotional distress becomes an unwelcome companion, triggering a cacophony of anxiety, depression, and fear. In the shadow of narcissistic manipulation, our self-esteem withers, leaving behind a barren landscape of worthlessness and inadequacy. Trust, once a steadfast companion, becomes elusive, casting a pall over future relationships.
The body, too, becomes a battleground, bearing the scars of trauma etched into its very fibers. Chronic illnesses become our silent companions, a testament to the toll exacted by ongoing stress and emotional turmoil. From cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal distress to chronic pain, the body bears the burden of trauma’s relentless assault.
Our stress response, once finely tuned, becomes a symphony of discord. Dysregulation reigns supreme as cortisol and adrenaline surge unchecked, wreaking havoc on our immune systems and disrupting the delicate balance of sleep. In narcissistic relationships, where emotional manipulation is the norm, chronic stress becomes an unwelcome lodger, taking up residence in the very fabric of our being.
For some, the aftermath of trauma takes on a more insidious form — Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Flashbacks and hypervigilance become our constant companions, intertwining with difficulties in emotion regulation and negative self-perception. Interpersonal relationships become minefields, fraught with the ghosts of trauma’s past.
The body, too, becomes a canvas upon which trauma paints its silent, not so silent chaos. Somatic symptoms emerge, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within — headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal distress, each a silent testament to the body’s response to stress.
In the aftermath of trauma, hypervigilance becomes our shield, a constant scanning of the environment for potential threats. Avoidance becomes our refuge, a coping mechanism to shield ourselves from triggers that threaten to unravel the fragile tapestry of our existence.
Understanding the multifaceted impact of trauma is essential, particularly in the context of narcissistic relationships where the trauma may be ongoing or cyclical. It is a call to arms, a rallying cry to provide effective support and interventions for survivors, to weave a safety net in the face of relentless adversity.
However, with trauma, we find resilience, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. It is a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of unspeakable adversity, we possess the strength to rise, to reclaim our narrative, and to forge a path toward healing.
But we must first awaken to the need to fully feel again and the power of vulnerability and authenticity with ourselves and God, so that it can heal our physical worlds and relationships as well.
If my words here feel aligned, then pause for a moment and do some self-inquiry, ask yourself these questions:
→ What does it feel like when you think about fully embracing your emotions, both positive and negative?
→ In what ways do you feel that past traumas are still impacting your present life?
→ How connected do you feel to the present moment? Are there any barriers preventing you from fully engaging with the here and now?
→ What beliefs or narratives do you hold about yourself and your ability to heal from past traumas?
→ What are some goals or aspirations you have for your life moving forward?
→ How do your values and aspirations align with your desire to fully embrace life without fear of trauma?
It’s time beautiful—time to start living again.
Time to say yes to YOU.
As always loving you from here,
Are you just surviving? Are you hiding from your truth?
Are you deeply hurt, scared and lost?
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕕𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕤 𝕞𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕚𝕟 𝕚𝕥𝕤 𝕔𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕤. 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕒𝕟𝕤, 𝕛𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕦𝕤𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕞𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕪.
Doing the mental/psychological work is vitally important however it does not release you from the bondage of your trauma. This can only be fully accomplished through physical release and restoration. Louise Hay studied this at great length and taught on the emotional connection to disease, ancient Chinese medicine studied the connection of the mind/body/emotional houses as well. Today science is proving that we are woven together and that by attempting to compartmentalize our very being into sections that we do not achieve the healing and transformation that we desire for any length of time because of this separation.
If you are tired of not having the lasting results in your self-growth and healing that you so badly want for and wonder why, look no further!
Local DFW Followers, Join me for an insightful healing workshop April 27th in Dallas where you can gain a wealth of knowledge and skills on how you can learn to release trauma from your body in my 27 Fears Trauma Release Workshop! https://fb.me/e/1xH6NWNUp
Local or Worldwide Friends!
Reach out to me today for your exploratory consult for my Step Into the Light SBL Integration Series or my Two-Day Trauma Release where you will once and for all release the past traumas, restore vitality and health and have a fresh clarity on who you are and what your future can be + set in motion the life and all that you have been holding yourself back from.
#narcissistic #narcissisticrelationship #narcissisticabuserecovery #abuse #abuseawareness #abusesurvivor #manifestationcoach #lawofattraction #miracle #traumacoach #traumarelease #traumainformed #traumahealing
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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From The Good Men Project on Medium
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