Reflections on What COVID Has Taught Me about Somatic Learning
Listening to a program on healing, I learned more about how trauma, or even intense experiences “stay in the body.” In our culture and education, we mainly focus on using our brain or cognition, talking, reading, and hopefully listening. Of course, these are necessary means of learning and engaging, but they exclude learning with the physical body using somatic methods. Most of the time, this cultural bias is under the radar. The use of somatic methods shows up when someone has experienced serious trauma. For example, they have symptoms of PTSD. (The main symptoms of PTSD are nightmares, flashbacks, intense anxiety, avoidance, insomnia, and angry outbursts. Note that many of these involve physical reactions.) Then there is an effort to find ways to help relieve the trauma reaction relying to a large degree on somatic interventions. Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. has written and spoken about the importance of engaging…
A Major Goal Achieved, Celebration!
This week, I accomplished what is an important goal for me. First, some context; I grew up on a farm and was always aware of the seasons and the weather. Farming is totally dependent on these aspects of climate. I know first-hand, that we are experiencing climate change now. I see it in the change in season lengths, some longer, some shorter, and in the changes in vegetation and precipitation. For years I have wanted to do what I could as an individual, to slow and reduce the effects of climate change. So, I traded in my gas-burning car for an all-electric car. For the reasons explained above, I have wanted to own and drive an all-electric vehicle for at least 15 years. However, I live alone, and I need an all-wheel drive car for winter navigation and dirt roads, and also a vehicle with a practical SUV-type shape. So,…
Excitement and Trepidation, on the Verge of Change, Again
Hopefully we are on the verge of change, again. The phrase I hear over and over is, “there is a light at the end of the tunnel.” Although there is excitement, I sense that people feel cautious, too. Of course, that’s understandable. Life for most of us changed more than we could have imagined, and tragically for too many. In a few days I will receive my second vaccination. Two weeks after that, I will be considered immunized from COVID 19. Although preventive mandates are being lifted slowly, in a few months, life will probably enter a new, more open phase. What will that be like? What will change? What will not? So much is unknown, still. We have all been subject to a huge, global experiment, not of anyone’s choosing, and the outcomes are still hazy. A part of me is excited about the loosening of restrictions and opening…
Yes, to learning, even when its hard!
Learning is part of being alive. Sometimes it feels exhilarating, like learning how to ski or rock climb. Sometimes it’s rewarding, like learning another language. Sometimes its uncomfortable. Take for example, how to manage the feeling of taking something too personally. This probably happens to everyone once in a while. When I experience this, I realize that it means I have something to learn, about me. This experience happened to me recently. My emotions erupt instantly and take over. I realize that I can work through this feeling thoughtfully, if I choose. Then, there is an ensuing struggle between the emotions, hurt, some anger, fear, and considering the situation rationally. For a while, I’m on a tightrope teetering between the two, emotion and thought. I imagine that I’m not alone in this. And here the possibility of learning comes in. What would I benefit from learning about my triggers, mindset,…
The Difference between Knowledge and Wisdom, What is the Significance Now?
A phrase caught my attention this week, “the difference between knowledge and wisdom.” Put into context, I was wondering how, as a society, we can make sense of our collective experience of COVID. At this point, there is an inkling that an end, or perhaps more accurately, a shift, is in sight. The pandemic will not be the dominant force in our lives sometime in the foreseeable future. I have read that after the pandemic of 1918, there were few if any references or reflections on that calamity. That strikes me as a great loss. What could we have done, today, with the knowledge, and yes, wisdom about that experience? We will only add to the tragic dimensions of this experience if we try to jump back to what was the familiar or the “normal” in our past life. Yes, understandably, there is much pent-up energy and desire to go…
How to Be “Relative, Sharp, Present”
Earlier today I heard an interview with Salma Hayek, the actor and film producer. Talking about the movie “Bliss” which she appears in, and reflecting on the time we are living through, she used these words “relative, sharp, present.” Her words struck a chord in me. She explained her belief that we now need to reinvent ourselves and be open to a new consciousness. Hayek added that at the start of any change or shift, things are “messy,” implying we are in such a moment. Through awareness one can be sharp, present and act appropriately, or act relative to the moment. She also explained that she is an optimist, because there is no other, real choice. One’s outlook or attitude is a choice. I believe that she is saying that only with an optimistic perspective can possibilities appear. Lately I have been reflecting on how long our societal lockdown has…
What would a path to unity look like?
After the devastating assault on our capitol, how does this country heal? I have heard from pundits several times, that on January 6th, we stared into the abyss and now know how horrific the future could have been for our republic. How do we move from where we are now, still too polarized, to at least some degree of unity? Simply punishing those convicted of a crime would probably not help to mend our society. Restorative justice programs offer insights. The first step is a willingness to face the fact that crimes were committed, and mistakes were made. Unfortunately, some are saying that there will be more polarization and rancor if there are attempts to bring individuals deemed responsible to accountability and face consequences for their actions. Actually, the opposite is true. Imagine that your home was burgled. Would it be okay if the perpetrator(s) received no consequences for their…
It’s 2021 and now what?
What a time to write a blog entry. I am still reeling from the events of last week in Washington DC. Then I began wondering what caused some of my fellow citizens to sack the capital building. Sadly I was not surprised, but I was shocked and appalled. And then angry and aggrieved. And those who participated were so sure that they were in the right. But most of us realized that they were acting on lies and infuriated by incendiary language. What compelled some people to participate? I found help from an article on the roots of terrorism at the American Psychological Association website. Interviewing former terrorists, the authors found individuals who join terrorist organizations and engage in terrorist acts share these tendencies Feel angry, alienated or disenfranchised. Believe that their current political involvement does not give them the power to effect real change. Identify with perceived victims of…
Almost 2021, Looking Ahead, Healing
The past year, 2020, is like no other that any of us have experienced. For way too many of us, it has been a tragic year with losses of loved ones, ruined businesses and finances, or damaged health. At the very least, it has been isolating, lonely, and financially challenging. And that is not all, George Floyd”s murder ripped away any ignorance about the depth of systemic racism in our culture. It’s almost 2021. Just about everyone is eager to turn the page on the calendar and welcome the new year. There are things to look forward to, vaccines, and a new administration, a new awareness about BLM to note several. And as more become vaccinated, we can reconnect, enjoy gathering, and travel to see friends and loved ones. A fuller life can resume. In the meantime, however long that is, life will continue to be rough. Most of us…
Celebrating This (COVID) Holiday Season
This is the last blog I will write before Christmas, which is a holiday that I celebrate. And there are other important religious holidays during this time as well. No matter the holiday that you celebrate, this year will be different. Where I live, we have been asked or advised to avoid large gatherings, wear masks, and stay physically distant. I am fortunate. No close family member or friend has succumbed to COVID. May this continue to be true. But for too many people, loved ones have been lost to COVID, almost 300,000. A staggering number. Because my family celebrates Christmas, I have many meaningful memories of the holiday. Most involve special activities with other people, getting and trimming a Christmas tree, baking Christmas cookies, exchanging gifts, special parties, Christmas Eve church services, and a big family dinner with special holiday dishes. This year, some of those events will occur,…