Your body as a healing resource may feel like a new idea to you. That's ok. One way we can start our healing relationship is by entertaining new ideas: What if your body is on your side? I'll invite you to sit with that new idea as you imagine what it might have been like to hear these messages growing up or to hear these messages now: 

• Your body is built to protect you and keep you safe. If your body is setting off an alarm, we should listen.
• It is normal to feel big feelings sometimes. I am here and will show you how to listen.
• Emotions are like messengers. You don't have to act on all the messages, but it is important to listen to them.
• All your emotions are welcome here.
• Dissociation shows up when we experience too much, too soon, too fast. It is a protective response.
• Sometimes big feelings from the past show up really loudly in the present. You aren't crazy. Let's get curious and compassionate about what you are experiencing.
• Your body is experiencing a lot of pain. That is real, and it matters. Let's figure out how we can support you through this.
• The physical and the emotional are connected. It isn't all in your head. What you are experiencing is valid.
• Your body wants to help you heal. It speaks in ways that are difficult to listen to, like pain, illness, exhaustion, etc. Let's figure out how we can listen to your body and witness the story.

What does it feel like in your body to read these messages? What do you notice?

I love this quote by Nayyirah Waheed that speaks to the moment when we begin to befriend our body instead of warring against it.

And I said to my body, softly: "I want to be your friend."

It took a long breath and replied: "I have been waiting my whole life for this."