Heal Yourself Everyday

ARTICLE AND PHOTO JESS CARTWRIGHT

It’s been three years since Montana shut down, and it feels like both ages ago and just yesterday. Some people are now thriving. Some people are still deep in the struggle. I find myself somewhere in between.

We’re going to need time to heal. As a yoga teacher and energy healer, I’ve noticed that there are a lot of sneaky ways those years are still affecting our nervous systems and fight or flight responses.

I remember a few times during the thick of it when my heart felt broken. I could see people drowning, swimming in uncertainty, loneliness and fear. It was clear that what these folks needed most—connection, a true hug, physical touch—was completely unattainable and, ironically, would’ve made the situation so much worse.

Our barriers went up. Our nervous systems pretty much stayed on high alert. I remember being jumpy, which is a symptom of being in fight or flight most of the time. And it’s exhausting.

Nowadays when I teach a packed yoga class or do private energy work, I revel in the fact that we can feel safe there. And that I can offer what I love to offer (and people love to receive from me): hands-on touch.

But we still have work to do.

Some people are still afraid of touch, of large groups. A lot of us still use coping habits we picked up during those years. Stress and cortisol levels are at an all-time high.

I think it’s really important that we learn about the nervous system and what it actually needs to heal, which is not tons of activity and exercise, nor is it plopping on the couch.

It craves true, deep rest. Feeling completely safe and at home in your body. It needs healthy touch and ways to release old, spent energy.

The biggest healing occurs when we feel safe enough for it to take place. This is why people will start to feel good in their mental and emotional health and lives, and then suddenly past trauma or overwhelming emotions will flare up.

It’s because the body held that energy for us when we couldn’t handle it. So, once we’re in a safe space to process it, well, the body looks for ways to release it.

Remember that this is a sign of healing, not of backtracking. It’s an opportunity to let things flow through us and release, rather than needing to hold so tight all the time. It’s an opportunity to practice mindfulness, being with our emotions and noticing triggers and responses (instead of identifying with them or letting them own you). When you have a surprise emotional day or are really needing and wondering why—know it is your body healing!

So, what are some ways to truly heal the nervous system and recover from stressful situations? (These suggestions are good for both kids and adults—try them together, kids are usually very natural at them!):

Skin to skin touch—physical touch, cuddling, holding your kiddo (hold for at least 90 seconds to truly drop into rest and digest).

Humming or chanting—this builds up our vagal tone, which means our ability to recover easily after stressful events. (In 2020 I would often start my yoga practice and just end up lying on my belly on the floor sighing, humming, crying, laughing until it felt like there was nothing left to release. Try it!)

Unplug completely and go into nature—nature is the ultimate healer, and immersing oneself in natural sounds and grounding energy will do wonders to restore your nervous system. All the better if you can go to simply receive, with no one expecting anything from you.

Shaking—shaking is practiced in so many cultures. Shamanic shaking, qi gong. Even our beloved pets do it when they’re releasing stress. Shake out your body every day and let stress, worry, depression, lethargy, other people’s energy, etc. just shake right off you.

Practice deep belly breathing—when we breathe deeply into our belly it’s a sign to our bodies that we are safe. We can relax. We can move into rest and digest. It’s the opposite of fight or flight. Place a hand on your belly, close your eyes, and picture energy moving from the mind into the body with every deep belly breath you take. Practice 10-15 breaths or five minutes a day and you will be amazed at how it helps.

Receive energy healing—Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s ours and what’s everyone else’s. And it can be tricky to notice when our energy is stuck open (nothing left for yourself, depletion, jittery, other people’s moods drastically affecting your own), or stuck closed (lethargic, skeptical, closed off, uninspired, stuck). Seeing someone trained in energy healing will make a bigger impact than you can imagine! The energy in your body is the communicator of the nervous system. Heal one, you heal the other!

Other ideas: Hot springs; cold plunging; Epsom salt soaks; warm oil massage; chiropractic care; Yin or Restorative Yoga; Somatic Healing; Acupuncture

Our bodies are incredibly resilient. We can heal; and it’s important we do so, because otherwise the lingering effects will add up over time and affect our health.

So, let’s make these practices that calm our nervous systems a part of our day-to-day. We’ll heal from the past, but also build emotional and nervous system resiliency for the future. Because life will continue to throw things our way.

If we get into the habit of doing what serves us when we’re in a good place, it’s way easier to call upon those practices when we’re in a low place.

Treat your nervous system like your best friend and watch so much magic unfold. Contentment will hang around longer. We’ll be more trusting. We’ll rest better. And our emotions will come and go, instead of getting stuck. We all deserve it!

Jess Cartwright helps women going through big life transitions –whether it’s a new baby or wanting to show up differently in our lives. She does this through one-on-one yoga, meditation, energy healing, connection and guided international retreats. Find her at www.jessicaenergy.com or on Instagram @jessica.energy.