Post by Carla Whaley- Partnering for Excellence Project Assistant
This was my first ACEs conference. I did not know what to expect. Two days were ahead of me, full of Keynote speakers and breakout sessions, set in the beautiful backdrop of western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
The breakout sessions I chose were all very different, ranging from Exploring ACEs among Mothers and Daughters, to Creating Compassionate Schools Using Trauma Informed Strategies, to Yoga for Resiliency and Trauma Recovery.
Although the approaches were very different, the message remained the same: ACEs increase risk but resiliency brings healing. Whether it be through art, family, music, exercise, community, religious beliefs, yoga, meditation, sports, or pets; resiliency can bring healing. Even though there were so many different approaches presented, the common thread woven throughout is they all are looking through a trauma lens and asking the question “what happened to you” and not “what’s wrong with you”. They are helping children, adults and families build their own resiliency and taking back control of their healing journeys.
During the Yoga for Resiliency and Trauma Recovery breakout session, I learned how trauma effects the digestive, autonomic, reproductive, vestibular (balance and eye movement), and immune systems. “Your body isn’t focusing on digesting a salad when you are about to be attacked by a mountain lion!” WOW! That makes perfect sense!
When the effects of my own ACEs have me stuck in fight, flight or freeze, my body’s intricate systems are not functioning as designed. They are in survival mode for my own protection, which is fine if I was about to be attacked by a mountain lion. But, I am not. So, this ongoing effect on all my systems for all these years has had an impact on my health. Thankfully, that is where resilience comes in.
Since attending the Summit, I have introduced yoga into my morning routine. It has helped me be more self-aware of what I am feeling, both emotionally and physically. Although it has only been a few weeks, yoga has already helped me to be more in touch with my own body. Throughout the day I use the techniques of deep breathing and grounding, and I give myself permission to be kind to myself.
Whatever brings you peace; whether it’s sports, music, religious beliefs, pets, etc., I invite you to join me. Be purposeful and begin your journey of healing through resilience today.
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