Anyone who has been affected by a significant degree of trauma in their lives can no doubt attest to the impact it has had on their mind. The process of our mind defaulting to negative thought at even the slightest hint of an adverse condition or situation, creates disharmony and an unsettled feeling within. Can we even begin to imagine the intensity of those emotions on those suffering PTSD? Our mind has the ability to continually switch between a variety of thoughts, mostly without us even being aware this is happening, and therefore leaving us vulnerable to the differing emotions that follow these thoughts. We are constantly held hostage to these situations, yet the majority of mankind has failed to even question why this is occurring, let alone take action to prevent it.
Aligned with the suffering our mind undergoes during such times, is the battering our body is subjected to, again without our awareness or understanding. Trauma lies deep within our physical structure, impacting us on many levels, and often manifesting itself in life threatening diseases or prolonged illness. Unfortunately, we have no education in place to increase awareness of this process, particularly in our formative years where it would have the greatest impact. Whilst medical research into PTSD accelerated after the Vietnam War and expanded exponentially into the late 80’s through the advent of anti-depressant medications such as Prozac, it was only treating the symptoms, but often left patients feeling heavily sedated and lacking energy and motivation. If we are suffering such unmitigated pain throughout mind and body, it is essential to find a solution that allows us to function wholly throughout our day, rather than to be left to wallow in our misunderstood misery.
At this point, the only available solution is to embed yourself in the present moment. Allowing our mind to regress to past thoughts of traumatic events leaves us open to untold suffering. By acutely focusing on what is happening in THIS VERY MOMENT, we don’t allow any past thoughts in. We remain seated in what is happening to us in the present, and we are able to function perfectly and make necessary adjustments to solicit positive outcomes, or at the very least control and limit the damage, by being present in the situation. There is absolutely no benefit in introducing past pain into the present, and expecting any other outcome, than greater suffering. Medical research over decades supports mindfulness and present moment awareness as being hugely beneficial in combatting the impacts of trauma. For your health’s sake, give presence a try. You can thank me later!!