CMF said:Hi Em,
Love that info, thanks for sharing.
Makes so much sense and I love the 'tortoise shell example.
How is your stretching going? Are you finding it helpful?
Take care
Cmf x
ABSOLUTELY!
I work with a lot of clients who've had abuse in their background. I'm currently supporting family members who have also.
When anyone says to me things like "I can't breathe from the stress etc" and usually they are hunched over, if I feel the timing is appropriate then I say can you do this with me?.....
And I show them how to do the crucifix stretch. The wrists flexed back is like the "ping" moment, once you flex your wrists back and your head back, something happens. You can feel the change.
If we reflect upon the behavior of animals in a fright / flight / freeze state - heightened awareness / vigilance and they've 'flipped' - amygdala is exposed... like us, then they cover their vital organs of stomach and neck. We do too instinctively. We are animals after all.
Following constant heightened states of anxiety / trauma / abuse..... to affirm to our bodies that we are safe supports a correction of balance.
It's also a great pose for breastfeeding mothers - hunching to feed and protect babies/
It's also a great pose for gardeners lol - pushing barrows, raking, sweeping, digging etc.
It's also great for anyone using computers at sit down desks a lot. That's why I love the stand up desk. Affirming a feeling of being safe.
Love EM