The Body Keeps The Score - Bessel Van der Kolk

A Meditation Series

The Body Keeps The Score

Dr. van der Kolk shares his research on how trauma is a force that deeply affects both the brain and body. He explains how childhood trauma leaves lasting imprints on the nervous system, triggering a persistent "fight, flight, or freeze" (and, more recently, fawn) response. Using case studies, he shows how trauma disrupts brain function, impairing emotional regulation, relationships, and bodily safety. Essentially (and why we’re here in this class), the antidote is neurofeedback to help rewire the brain and restore a sense of control.

Reclaiming Yourself - Language

This week we move to explore chapter 14. Language: Miracle and Tyranny. Examining the complex relationship between language and trauma recovery, highlighting both the therapeutic potential and the inherent limitations of verbal expression.

The Therapeutic Potential of Language

In this chapter we read on how articulating traumatic experiences can serve as a crucial step toward acknowledging and processing what occurred. This verbal acknowledgement allows individuals to confront their trauma, reducing the power of unspoken fears and facilitating a sense of mastery over the experience. He references Helen Keller's discovery of language (as a blind and deaf woman) as a transformative "birth into selfhood," illustrating how language enables individuals to connect with themselves and the world around them.

The Limitations of Language

Despite its benefits, van der Kolk acknowledges several limitations of relying solely on language in recovery from trauma::

  • Social Alienation: Discussing traumatic experiences can sometimes alienate others, leading to isolation rather than fostering community and understanding.

  • Neurological Impairments: Trauma can cause the language centers of the brain to shut down, rendering individuals literally speechless and unable to articulate their experiences.

Emotional Literacy

We’re going to look at the impact of language on the body. Developing our emotional literacy skills. This is the ability to recognise, understand, express, and manage emotions effectively in oneself and others. It involves being aware of one's own emotional states, accurately interpreting the feelings of others, and communicating emotions in a healthy and constructive manner. Emotional literacy is essential for building strong relationships, making informed decisions, and coping with stress. It also enhances self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, helping individuals navigate social interactions and challenges with emotional intelligence. Developing emotional literacy can lead to better mental health, improved conflict resolution skills, and overall well-being.

Home Practise

An emotion check-in pause. Set your alarm for a random moment of the day for the week, check in with how you are feeling and write down the physical and felt sensations of this in the home practice record. You can use the emotion wheel attached if you find it helpful. 3-5 minutes should be enough.

You are the Expert in You.

I am not assuming you have experienced severe trauma, but I know each one of us suffers and struggles and has experienced hardships and challenges. We know that life is inherently unsatisfying and that our drive to move beyond this is an important part of our survival. We also know that one of the keys to living a contented life is to be grounded in the present moment, and this is what we’re practising.

There’s no right or wrong way of doing these practices. We’re learning to take great care of ourselves. There’s nothing to fix, we’re exploring how to soften the edges and find safety. Follow my guidance only if this feels right for you.

Be interested, and curious and as best you can bring a non-judgemental approach to your experiences

We’re learning to observe our habits and tendencies. To live life well. To be content and fulfilled.