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. The antidote is neurofeedback to help rewire the brain and restore a sense of control.

Letting go of the past

Chapter 15 of The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is titled "Letting Go of the Past: EMDR" and focuses on Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for trauma.

EMDR is a powerful, research-backed approach that helps trauma survivors rewire their brains and reduce the emotional intensity of painful memories, allowing them to move forward with their lives.

Let it go.

In todays class we’ll be exploring a meditation technique that integrates somatic processing similar to EMDR, a bilateral stimulation meditation combined with body scanning and breath awareness.

I invite you to bring to mind something that’s you would like to let go of, pick something manageable for you today.

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.