Eventually, as we embark on the journey of emotional therapy and healing, we'll address our childhood traumas and find solace. The path to healing is unique for each individual, and progress will be made over time. If you're currently in therapy, I will discuss with your therapist how to conduct an immersive session. This session involves two weeks of preparation, where you write down your worst childhood traumas and disappointments. Your therapist can help you identify what to focus on.
During the immersive session, you begin by practicing breathing exercises and relaxing your mind in the morning. Then, you bring your attention to the painful words related to your trauma, like "my father wasn't there for me, and it feels painful." While breathing into that pain, you attempt to evoke any emotions associated with it, understanding that it may not happen immediately.
Throughout your therapy sessions, you continue to talk and explore your feelings, aiming to uncover buried emotions. With the guidance of your therapist, you'll eventually reach a point where the pain surfaces. This can be a confusing and messy experience, accompanied by anger and other complex emotions. Your goal is to allow yourself to cry specifically about the source of your pain. When tears finally come, it's crucial to acknowledge and speak the words, "I surrender this pain," while breathing and following its path within your body. Discuss and address it both physically and mentally, preparing yourself to let it go. Mentally, repeat affirmations like "I'm ready to let it go" and "I'm ready to release it." It's important to have the support of friends, family, or your therapist during this process, as it can trigger unexpected behaviors.
Many people, even highly functioning individuals, struggle with anxiety rooted in childhood experiences. Consider a young woman who experiences anxiety attacks whenever her partner doesn't respond to a text message within an hour. Unaware of these attacks, she becomes excessively clingy and needy, losing her appetite and focus.
To alleviate this, one approach is to incorporate prayer during moments of obsession and panic. This practice can provide relief by temporarily pushing away deeply rooted emotions that cause panic. However, it's important to note that she might not be ready to confront the core of her pain directly. In the meantime, she must address some of her pain to prevent self-sabotage or destructive behavior.
Gradually, as she grows stronger and more self-aware, she will be able to unearth the root of her problem: the emotional absence of both her mother and father. Her father lived separately, and their relationship was often turbulent, preventing her from establishing the closeness she desired. The separation of her parents, although occurring in her youth, left a lasting trauma in her mind.
She has learned that relying on people can lead to disappointment, creating deep-seated anxiety about receiving care and love. As an adult, she must grieve for these painful events by expressing her emotions through writing and discussions, allowing time for healing. Simultaneously, she needs to reframe her mindset with positive messaging. It's essential to find a balance between acknowledging negativity and embracing positive replacement messages. By doing so, she can liberate herself from these trapped emotions, both physically and psychologically. This process requires time and effort, comparable to giving birth in some cases. However, it is necessary for true liberation.
The journey towards healing begins with acknowledging and understanding what happened to us during our childhood. We shouldn't deny or ignore it. Writing about our experiences is a powerful way to confront and process them. It's highly recommended to seek therapy during this time to have a supportive environment for discussing these matters. During panic attacks, focusing on breathing techniques is crucial.
Additionally, having index cards with affirmations can be helpful. Write empowering messages in bold black letters, such as "No one can abandon me; I am safe" or "I didn't receive the care I needed, and it hurt, but I am healing for myself. I release these feelings and take control of my life. I am loved, safe, and whole. I am healing, and I must be gentle and supportive towards myself. I will prioritize self-care and avoid self-destructive behavior. I am okay."
Warning: I, a humble pen, speak not as learned guide, Mere theory I share, truth may deride. These words, but whispers in uncertain air, Consume with caution, for accuracy I cannot declare.