In the journey of self-discovery, it’s crucial to recognize that the behaviours that seem to hold you back and keep you stuck today were once your protectors. They served a purpose in shielding you from stressful and frightening events, ensuring your safety in those moments and were age appropriate. However, as you navigate through life as an adult, these ingrained behaviours and associated beliefs that you hold onto, may no longer serve you well, and understanding this process is key to your personal growth.
Take for example, procrastination. You might find yourself consistently putting off tasks or avoiding commitments, and the more you try to rationalise or talk yourself into being more productive, the more the cycle persists. This behaviour, rooted in the past, might have initially helped you to cope with overwhelming demands or expectations. Procrastination became a strategy to delay potential stressors, providing a false sense of control in the face of uncertainty.
The imprint of past experiences is etched into your nervous system, creating a visceral response that can make you feel unsafe of overwhelm today. It’s a profound and often subtle experience that goes beyond mere thoughts or words. This is because our nervous system operates in the realm of feelings.
Nervous system communicates through sensations and emotions
Unlike the cognitive process that relies on language and verbal communication, the nervous system communicates through sensations and emotions. It’s a language of the body, and the imprints from your past are encoded in this non-verbal language. You might find yourself grappling with emotions or reactions that seem disproportionate to your current situation, and this is the echo of your history resonating within you.
Attempting to talk yourself into feeling safe might prove challenging because safety, for the nervous system, is not a rational decision. It’s a deeply ingrained sense that goes beyond logic. The challenge then becomes bridging the gap between your cognitive understanding and the somatic experience of safety.
As you embark on the path of self – exploration and healing, it’s essential to honour the wisdom of your nervous system. Instead of dismissing your feelings or attempting to rationalise them away, consider delving into the realm of emotions and sensations. This might involve reconnecting with your body through practices such as mindfulness, breathwork or body awareness exercises.
Empowering you to create new, adaptive patterns
Therapy can also provide a supportive space to explore these feelings and understand the roots of your behaviour. I can guide you in navigating the intricacies of your nervous system, helping you make sense of the past, empowering you to create new, adaptive patterns.
Remember, the journey to change begins with acknowledging and understanding the origins of your behaviours. By embracing the language of your nervous system and approaching it with compassion, you open the door to transformation and pave the way for a more authentic and fulfilling life.