This made me lol-- sometimes these posts get SO LONG I really do think, "hope someone is still reading!" Thanks, Kelly-- grateful for the read, the resonance, and the comment!
I never really resonated with CBT therapy..and your post helps me to see why…there is almost an unspoken patriarchal judgment implied in there that you have to do things “one way” to accept the status quo…change yourself instead exploring the possibility that external circumstances need to change..and how can we be a part of that change..or at least shift the idea that we are “wrong” and need to be “trained or fixed” but that we can open to new ways of being in the world and our own bodies…
Love the invitation to check in with our bodies…so easy ti ignore that piece and be stuck in my head..
Thank you, Kathy! I really relate to your thoughts on CBT. It was the first kind of therapy I ever tried (as a teen) and it was helpful in a lot of ways for me (prior to that, I had no idea I didn't need to believe every thought I had). So I'm really grateful for the help it gave me, AND I really see how it can reinforce existing societal norms and oppressive systems without (as you noted) exploring the possibility that external circumstances might need to change!
I always appreciate your perspective-- grateful to be in community! 💕
I found myself reflecting on a conversation I had earlier this evening. Even just thinking back on the interaction while reading (and then rereading after getting agitated and distracted) my heart rate increased and my lower body shifted and became restless, everything felt hot. I felt the need to move.
For me, noticing and not immediately reacting (moving!), is a huge step.
Next up - connecting these feelings and reactions to the complexes behind them for a more complete understanding of myself and the larger circle that I live in.
Thanks for describing your lived experience so well and the nudge towards my own introspection
Wow, Laura! So much good awareness. I always love hearing when people are able to connect those body sensations too mental experiences. Can’t wait to hear more.
Interesting, how complexes have a protective system to help us stay safe when they take over. At the same time we are being held back from our true potential. Finding more empowered ways to become aware of our blind spots that show up in feeling tone and sensation in the body, as well as in feelings of resentment and shame give us clues that we are not ourselves. Thanks for this Laura.
wow. I loved this from beginning to end. Was a wonderfully easy read and great at articulating things that have been central to to my growth and also my work supporting others to grow. Ty!
Yes, I’m still reading! 2025 Laura (and all your past, present and future selves :), thank YOU so much for sharing another ~thought~provoking post~ 🙏🏻
This made me lol-- sometimes these posts get SO LONG I really do think, "hope someone is still reading!" Thanks, Kelly-- grateful for the read, the resonance, and the comment!
I never really resonated with CBT therapy..and your post helps me to see why…there is almost an unspoken patriarchal judgment implied in there that you have to do things “one way” to accept the status quo…change yourself instead exploring the possibility that external circumstances need to change..and how can we be a part of that change..or at least shift the idea that we are “wrong” and need to be “trained or fixed” but that we can open to new ways of being in the world and our own bodies…
Love the invitation to check in with our bodies…so easy ti ignore that piece and be stuck in my head..
Thank you for this insightful writing
Thank you, Kathy! I really relate to your thoughts on CBT. It was the first kind of therapy I ever tried (as a teen) and it was helpful in a lot of ways for me (prior to that, I had no idea I didn't need to believe every thought I had). So I'm really grateful for the help it gave me, AND I really see how it can reinforce existing societal norms and oppressive systems without (as you noted) exploring the possibility that external circumstances might need to change!
I always appreciate your perspective-- grateful to be in community! 💕
Beautiful musings, Laura. I learn much reading your posts. Great reminders to check in with the body's signals for clues regarding our complexes.
For sure! I was thinking yesterday- sometimes those signals just register as confusing— but even that is good info to start with!
This one hit close for me.
I found myself reflecting on a conversation I had earlier this evening. Even just thinking back on the interaction while reading (and then rereading after getting agitated and distracted) my heart rate increased and my lower body shifted and became restless, everything felt hot. I felt the need to move.
For me, noticing and not immediately reacting (moving!), is a huge step.
Next up - connecting these feelings and reactions to the complexes behind them for a more complete understanding of myself and the larger circle that I live in.
Thanks for describing your lived experience so well and the nudge towards my own introspection
Wow, Laura! So much good awareness. I always love hearing when people are able to connect those body sensations too mental experiences. Can’t wait to hear more.
Interesting, how complexes have a protective system to help us stay safe when they take over. At the same time we are being held back from our true potential. Finding more empowered ways to become aware of our blind spots that show up in feeling tone and sensation in the body, as well as in feelings of resentment and shame give us clues that we are not ourselves. Thanks for this Laura.
Always appreciate your reflections Anne— your comment reminded me of those “blind spots”,… How incredibly difficult they are to see.
Excellent read Laura and one that many people can identify with...more later. Thank you.
Thanks Jann- always looking forward to your thoughts!
wow. I loved this from beginning to end. Was a wonderfully easy read and great at articulating things that have been central to to my growth and also my work supporting others to grow. Ty!
Mukhtara! So good to hear your thoughts— and so glad it resonated. Love that we’re on the same page!