{"id":32423,"date":"2023-04-19T16:03:27","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T23:03:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/?p=32423"},"modified":"2023-04-21T04:24:05","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T11:24:05","slug":"mamas-parting-gift-to-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/mamas-parting-gift-to-me\/","title":{"rendered":"Mama’s Parting Gift to Me"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma<\/em> by Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk teaches the reader how to get through a traumatic past and the difficulties that result from that past. In reading this book, I noted four lessons that I would like to briefly discuss, and then I’ll finish with a personal application.<\/p>\n

Lesson One<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is a definite connection between the brain and the body. When the body is threatened, the amygdala is triggered. In his book, Dr. Van der Kolk calls the amygdala the brain’s smoke detector. [2] The amygdala is a collection of cells that are near the base of the brain. [3] It is where emotions are given meaning. [4] When a person is threatened, the amygdala automatically activates the fight-or-flight response. [5] There is clearly a link between the body and the brain.<\/p>\n

Lesson Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

Trauma causes physical symptoms. Being traumatized means to be trapped in a prolonged state of emotional reactivity. This can change the body’s functions. It can lead to many different serious symptoms, such as migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain, just to name a few. [6] Dr. Van der Kolk suggests the remedy for this is to practice mindfulness. [7] Practicing mindfulness means to be present and involved in whatever it is you are currently doing. Examples are yoga and meditation. [8]<\/p>\n

Lesson Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Being traumatized does not just mean a person is stuck in the past. It also means they are not fully in the present. [9] This presents itself as the person being emotionally detached at times. Or, intense reactions from the past are played out in the present where they don’t belong. [10] This can make the person feel embarrassed or even disconnected from others as a result. [11]<\/p>\n

Lesson Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

Positive relationships are the key to our emotional well-being. Dr. Van der Kolk stated, “Our attachment bonds are our greatest protection against threats.” It’s all about building positive, encouraging relationships with one another. That’s what helps us as humans heal from our traumatic pasts.<\/p>\n

Personal Application<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have dealt with a number of traumatic events in my life. Some are just too personal and painful to write about in a blog. I’ve written before that my mother had early onset Alzheimer’s. She came to live me the last eight years of her life. It was difficult watching my vibrant, fun-loving mother change before my eyes. The traumatic part of the story, for me, was the last week of her life. She got pneumonia and could no longer swallow. I sat beside her bed day and night, holding her hand, waiting for the Lord to take her home to Him. It was hard to watch… and exhausting. She hadn’t been able to speak to me in over a year. The moment when her breathing changed, I leaned in to her to kiss her goodbye. She took a final breath and whispered in my ear, “I love you”. It was gift from God. It’s been four years, almost five, and I still see her laying in that bed, dying. It hurts my heart. I have to remind myself she’s young, vivacious, and happy again in God’s presence! And when I see her again, it won’t be in that bed. She will be completely whole. Praise God!<\/p>\n

______________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

[1] Van der Kolk, Bessel A. 2015. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma<\/i>. New York, NY: Penguin Books.<\/p>\n

[2] Ibid, p.60.<\/p>\n

[3] Olivia Guy Evans, “Amygdala Function and Location,” Simply Psychology.org, February 8, 2023, Link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[4] Ibid.<\/p>\n

[5] Ibid.<\/p>\n

[6] Van der Kolk, Bessel A. 2015. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma<\/i>. New York, NY: Penguin Books.<\/p>\n

[7] Ibid, p.298-310.<\/p>\n

[8] Ibid, see pages 265-310.<\/p>\n

[9] Ibid.<\/p>\n

[10] Ibid.<\/p>\n

[11] Ibid.<\/p>\n

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