What resources settle your system when fear and shame sneak in?

I learned early in my experience supporting other mental health and wellness providers that the way we engage together around the topics of trauma, oppression and relationships matters. I know from years of studying Brené Brown’s work on shame resilience that authentic connection is found through vulnerability and courage. 

I know from personal experience that engaging in conversations about systemic oppression as a white person or as a cisgender person can trigger shame that blocks my ability to be authentic and vulnerable, especially with people I don’t know well or want to impress. 

I also know from studying the work of Resmaa Menakem, author of My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, that feeling “safe” while discussing race isn’t something I’m guaranteed as a white person.

All of these concepts are on my mind as I create my courses, consult groups and programs.

In addition to working at the intersections of trauma, oppression and relationships, I’m also deeply invested in somatic approaches to healing and transformation. I first learned how to engage the wisdom of the body as a yoga teacher over 10 years ago, and I’ve spent most of my career as a therapist diving deep into body-focused modalities for healing trauma.

My knowledge of somatics is a huge resource that I bring into my work holding space for providers leaning into their discomfort around trauma and oppression. Practices focused on grounding, orienting and settling the body can help open space for authenticity, vulnerability and connection rather than avoidance, shut down and disconnection. When those self-defeating fear and shame messages sneak in, we can use the wisdom of the body, and the resources of empathy and connection, to be help us be more “choiceful” in our response (to quote Prentis Hemphill, a somatic therapist and educator), staying open to the work that is ours to do.

What helps you stay open to your work around trauma and oppression? What resources settle your system when fear and shame sneak in?

Leave a comment to let me know. I'd love to hear from you.