One of the biggest road blocks in any healing journey is self blame.

The healing process is not a straight path. The path is unique to each individual. When you think of your journey, you may realize that most of the time you faced curves, turns and uphill climbs. 

Nothing feels stable or constant when you hit these bumps in the road. In healing, we all want a constant improvement, not the ups and downs.

The blocks in your path are encounters with layers of trauma and pain stacked upon each other.

Your body uses energy to peel one layer off at a time. Some layers require more energy than others.

Memories are always attached to each layer. When you release a layer, you can also have those thoughts pop up in your mind.

Two things can occur:
1. You fluctuate between having energy and fatigue, energy then no energy-this is partially due to the heightened amount of adrenaline and cortisol produced to clear the layer and the trauma
2. Higher amounts of adrenaline and cortisol can naturally affect and reduce dopamine levels within the brain-this can produce depression

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Central Vessel (CV) meridian pathway runs along the mid line of the body. It is highly connected to the BRAIN, and is often treated for brain chemical imbalances. 

The ups and downs of healing change your brain chemicals daily. This challenges the brain and can create brain fatigue as you heal layers of trauma. 

The CV energy pathway helps process the emotions of guilt, shame, and SELF BLAME. 

When the brain is tired, you are more prone to experience self blame. 

Don’t lose heart, realize you are processing through layers of trauma. Your body requires more energy at times than others.

Things to try:
– Rub and tap up and down the breastbone for 15 to 20 seconds 3 to 4 times a day while thinking of an old traumatic memory-this neurologically will release the thought
– Take the sayings of, “would have, should have, could have” out of your daily vocabulary

Don’t blame yourself, realize it’s a learning process that will bring higher health in your path! No time for blame!

Be encouraged today : “Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble…”🦋

Portrait by Jeremy Cowart
Art Direction and Style Lindsay Blaze