Safety, sensation, and staying human

We live in a society that normalizes overstimulation. The reality of this moment is that we are being impacted—often traumatized—by ongoing exposure to violence, brutality, and inhumanity, whether we are directly affected by it or not. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reactive, on edge, or numb, you are not alone—and there is nothing wrong with you. In fact, this is your humanity and your natural safety system doing its best to adapt to rapid changes in our country, our world, and our planet.

Vicarious trauma arises from witnessing harm, threat, or suffering through the news, social media, personal stories, images, or collective events. Intentionally bearing witness is different. When we bear witness intentionally, we do so with resources—our convictions, our connection to higher purpose—and we choose to witness. Even if you “swear off the news” and withdraw from social media, you are still likely to be exposed to violence without your permission and without resolution.

Trauma is not the events that occur, but how we hold, carry, integrate, and adapt to those experiences—how our safety system (the nervous system) responds to perceived threat. Our nervous systems are wired for coherence and co-regulation. We can sense the tension in the air, the vibration of big changes moving through our species and our country.

“Sometimes we encounter experiences that so violate our sense of safety, order, predictability, and right that we feel utterly overwhelmed—unable to integrate, and unable to go on as before.”
— Stephen Cope, MSW

Your reactivity, numbness, or changes in sleep and digestion are not conscious responses to exposure to violence. Your safety system is responding to perceived threat—especially if you have experienced similar threats before, such as witnessing caregivers harm one another or being harmed yourself. Current events of brutality and violence may activate your safety system well before your conscious mind registers what is happening. This is a normal survival adaptation.

You may not think, “My nervous system is triggered.” More often, you may feel numb, angry, anxious, or deeply fatigued—perhaps a mix of all three. You may notice physical signs such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, jaw or chest tightness, or changes in digestion and sleep. These are all normal signs of being human.

I want you to know that trauma can be resolved—and even prevented. Self-aware self-care is essential, not only because of recent events, but because we are all moving through profound changes alongside our planet. We need our safety systems to be strong, flexible, and resilient. The adaptability of the human nervous system is our superpower. We have the capacity to experience love, joy, and freedom even in the face of hate, fear, and oppression.

We are built for survival. Our bodies will always find a way forward. When mind and spirit align with our durable nature, we reconnect with our true essence—the vast, unknowable field of Unconditional Love.

Self-aware self-care means acknowledging what you feel, what you are witnessing, and what you are awakening to—and then taking action that is meaningful to you and aligned with your values. That may look like signing petitions, writing to representatives, feeding neighbors, protecting children, participating in legal observation, marching in the streets, or dancing and singing in the streets.

Empower yourself by committing to daily connection with yourself. Some days that may be a few minutes of slow breathing. Other days it may be an hour with me, or a walk outside (and yes—I hear we’re getting above freezing this week!).

Self-aware self-care is intentional, personal action that brings you back into contact with your essence. Allow ample somatic processing. Always include a cool-down and breathing after exercise—at least 10 minutes for every hour worked (not including stretching).

Embodiment Coaching supports your nervous system’s return to natural resilience by gently working with activation and guiding you back into relaxation. You can practice this on your own by dancing exuberantly, then gradually slowing down and allowing yourself to feel complete. Brisk walking offers the added benefit of co-regulation with nature (even in winter). Walking quickly—or jogging briefly—and then easing into a slower pace can be a playful way to experience flexibility and safety in your system.

CranioSacral Therapy is deeply nurturing for the nervous system, offering resources exactly where your body, mind, and spirit need them most. If you’ve experienced a session, you know the profound rest that becomes available. Regular CranioSacral Therapy provides essential unwinding for hypervigilant safety systems and supports your return to true, restorative rest.

If you’re noticing signs of overwhelm, reactivity, or fatigue, consider this an invitation to pause and tend to your nervous system with care. You don’t have to navigate these times alone. Supportive, body-based practices can help your system unwind, restore resilience, and reconnect you to a sense of safety and inner steadiness.

If you feel called, I’d be honored to support you through CranioSacral Therapy, Embodiment Coaching, or gentle somatic practices designed to meet you exactly where you are. Even small, intentional steps toward care can make a meaningful difference.