The Season of Healing Unseen Wounds
- Francia Groman
- Dec 8, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2024
I wasn't certain how to tackle this subject, especially during this time of year. But felt it was necessary to talk about as we embark on the season when we're all expected to be loving, generous, peaceful, giving, and embody any other sentiments the holidays are meant to inspire.
I guess in many ways, addressing the subject of healing invisible wounds requires us to be giving, generous, and to come from a place of love and peace. It's crucial that we see ourselves as experts in our own life journey. If you are reading this blog, I can guarantee you have encountered unique challenges. We have all dealt with hidden scars that can remain in our hearts for far too long, which creates in many of us, a desire to delve into the depths of our existence and seek understanding beyond the superficial.
Life often feels like an unexpected thunderstorm. We're going about our day, thinking everything's under control, and then out of nowhere, we're drenched in emotions we thought we'd dealt with long ago. It all seems to stem from a trickle of thoughts, that form a small stream of doubt, that turns into a river of uncertainty and eventually leads us into an ocean of suffering and dissatisfaction. It's like the universe has a way of reminding us that healing is never a straight path. And we have to use our intellect to navigate this path, constantly and cosistently.
It's important to remind ourselves that even the darkest storm eventually passes, for all things are temporary. Just like with storms, we know the sun will eventually break through. What ensues is the gradual, intricate, and inspiring path to resilience. As cliché as it sounds -
is it possible it's all about weathering the storm while finding moments of calm in between?
THE STORM: When Trauma Strikes
Let's start with the obvious: trauma doesn't play fair. Wounds sneak up on you, leaving
scars we can't or won't see. Our past experiences profoundly influence our daily lives, often operating beneath the surface of our consciousness. It can manifest in the most mundane ways, awakening deep-seated wounds that we fear may never heal, or evoking a desire to be unburdened by pain. Without the application of our intellect to critically examine our thoughts, desires, and attachments, we risk allowing these traumatic experiences to dictate our emotions and actions. Our minds can become a battleground where unprocessed trauma distorts our perceptions, leading us to react impulsively rather than thoughtfully. By consciously reflecting on our experiences and emotions, we can reclaim our agency, transforming the narrative of our lives from one of victimhood to one of resilience and empowerment.
If we don't heal, we end up hurting those who never harmed us.
What's the first step? Realizing that it's completely okay to not feel okay. Let's be real—who ever said healing had to be graceful? More often than not, it looks like ugly crying in the shower, eating a tub of vegan ice cream while staring blankly at the wall and wondering if you're actually making any progress. Spoiler alert: YES, you definitely are!
It's crucial to remember that our emotions run deep, and old patterts will resurface when left unchecked. This is where body-based practices, such as yoga asana, can be transformative. Moving meditations like ashtanga, vinyasa, and yin yoga assist in releasing tension, clearing stagnant energy, and fostering patience and understanding. By grounding ourselves through movement and breath, we show up differently in the world - even in the most triggering moments.
RESILIENCE: The Unsung Hero
Resilience feels like the unexpected twist in a feel-good movie. It doesn’t magically erase all the tough stuff, but it definitely changes how the story ends. At first, you may not even realize you're no longer in the middle of the storm, but then you start noticing the little victories: like when you catch yourself laughing again, tackling something that once scared you, or notice the beauty in simple things—like the way sunlight streams into a room and dances off the glass, or how autumn leaves look as they drift against a bright blue sky. You start to realize that these small moments make all the difference.
Building resilience is not about "bouncing back" (we're not rubber bands)
It's more about finding new ways forward. It's about learning to dance in the rain, even if our moves are a little awkward or feel foreign.
TOOLS: for the Journey
No two journeys are the same, but we can all benefit from some essential tools for the trek.
Talk it out: maybe with a therapist, a trusted friend or even a loved pet (no, judgement), sharing your story is a powerful first step.
Get moving: Movement has been proven to release pent-up stress and boost our mood. Go for a walk, roll out your mat and do some sun salutations, jog, lift weights, climb up and down your stairs... just move!
Find your Zen: Asana is like a moving meditation which helps in two ways, unlike traditional sitting meditation which can feel daunting and impossible as beginners; when we practice yoga asana we use our bodies to move while breathing deeply, this helps us calm the storm inside.
Celebrate the little wins: Did you get out of bed? Gold Star! Ate a vegetable? Bonus points! Did 3 Sun Salutations and took the dogs for a walk? Woohoo! Every little win counts!
THE AFTERMATH: A New You?
Here's the magic of resilience: it doesn't make life perfect, but it does make us stronger. We start to notice the beauty in things we once overlooked - like the kindness of strangers or the feeling of the sun on our face. We learn that while trauma in deed changes us, it doesn't have to define us.
In the end, the healing journey through trauma and resilience, much like life itself, isn't about reaching a finish line. This holiday season, as you spend time with family, friends, let's try and use our intellect to make choices that are conducive to a more awakend and healed version of ourselves. Remember, we're more than just the storms we've survived, we are the rainbow when the sun eventually come out too!
With so much love, Francia
You are invited to join me for "START 2025 with Calm and Clarity" a new years day workshop where we can put all of the concepts discussed in this blog and others into action. We will be practicing together as we learn about the ways yoga can help us on the path of conscious living and bliss. This 2hr workshop will be held online on Wednesday January 1st, 11-1pm EST. Learn more about this offering and reserve your spot!
If you've been wanting to learn how to meditate, I invite you to attend our Monday Morning Yogic Breathing and Meditation. Offered Mondays at 8:30am EST
Want to learn the foundations of ashtanga and get established with a consistent yoga practice? Tuesdays at 8:30am EST and Saturdays at 7:30am EST - Ashtanga Basics (for beginners) is the perfect class for you! Receive individual instruction and personalized attention!
Do you find these blogs useful?
YES, I love getting them every month
YES, but wish I could implement what I'm learning
Not Really, but I'm happy to read them
Nope, don't see the need to discuss such topics
You can vote for more than one answer.
Comentarios