The Link Between Soul and Body
Most of us grasp that stress is bad for our health. We may have heard of the famous book published in the 90s, “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers” by Robert Sapolsky, or the more recent book “The Body Keeps the Score” published in 2014 by Bessel van der Kolk.
But how inextricably does the wellbeing of our soul specifically, directly and concretely impact our physiology? And more importantly, how in the world do we use this phenomenon to our advantage to heal our body?
Dr Gabor Mate describes the former profoundly in his books, “The Myth of Normal” and “When The Body Says No”. In these books he elaborates on the new science of psychoneuroimmunology which has validated age-old human wisdom about the unity of mind and body. This connection is in the real root causes of MANY conditions, including autoimmunity, dysautonomia, and histamine release: our body is attacking ourselves, unstable at the core, and attempting to protect us from potential danger.
To quote his book:
“If we treat trauma as an external event, something that happens to or around us, then it becomes a piece of history we can never dislodge. If, on the other hand, trauma is what took place inside us as a result of what happened, in the sense of wounding or disconnection, then healing and reconnection become tangible possibilities. Trying to keep awareness of trauma at bay hobbles our capacity to know ourselves. Conversely, fashioning from it a rockhard identity – whether the attitude is defiance, cynicism, or self-pity – is to miss both the point and the opportunity of healing, since by definition trauma represents a distortion and limitation of who we were born to be facing it directly, without either denial or over identification, becomes a doorway to health and balance.” (Mate, 2022)
But how do we undo all of the micro-traumas from our past, or even counteract the complex trauma that is ongoing in our current life?
I believe the answer is to never stop learning about yourself: your attachment style, your formed outlook on life and your relationship patterns, and always pursue growth in your personality, refinement of your character, and healing of your wounds.
How do you do this?
Here are some places to start:
Find a counselor/therapist/life consultant who is a good fit for you, understands trauma’s impact on our body, and has a hopeful outlook on growth.
Feed your soul, challenge your character, and stimulate your identify
- Listen to podcasts:
The Connected Life - Justin & Abi Stumvoll
Triggered and True - Laura Duncan
Unlocking Us - Brene Brown
BraveCo - Jason Valloton
The Secure Love Podcast - Julie Menanno- Take an online course:
Executive Emotional HealthSurround yourself with like-minded people
Find community in people who are also pursuing growth. Beckon growth in those around you. Consider starting a group to go through one of the above workbooks or courses together.
You CAN heal!
