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 traumatic experiences 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. He then shares an antidote, how neurofeedback to help rewire the brain and restore a sense of control.
The Body
In chapter 16 he has a whole chapter on yoga and how body awareness plays a crucial role in trauma recovery. Van der Kolk emphasises that trauma often disconnects people from their physical sensations, leading to difficulties in recognising bodily boundaries and needs.
Many trauma survivors experience dissociation, meaning they lose a clear sense of where their body begins and ends. This can result in feeling numb, disoriented, or disconnected from physical sensations.
Yoga helps restore the connection between the mind and body by encouraging individuals to experience their bodies in the present moment through movement and breathwork. This can gradually rebuild a sense of safety and self-awareness.
Boundaries
Yoga strengthens interoception—the ability to sense internal body signals like fatigue, thirst, hunger, fullness, and pain— our body’s natural boundaries, which are often impaired in trauma survivors. By improving interoception, individuals can better recognise and respond to their needs appropriately.
Yoga is presented as a powerful tool for healing because it helps trauma survivors re-establish their bodily boundaries, regain control over physical sensations, and differentiate between emotional and physical needs. This, in turn, supports healthier relationships, in all aspects (people, places, time, food, money etc etc), and self-care.
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.
Today will be a gentle movement-based meditation, really listen to the boundaries of your body.
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.