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Picture of by Claire Mangion
by Claire Mangion

Yoga and Embodiment Facilitator

Trauma Healing and the importance of Feeling Safe

This article is for anyone who’s been through something that’s left a lasting mark—an experience that’s altered the way you see life, perhaps even the way you see yourself.

If you’ve known trauma, you may feel adrift, unsure of who you are, or even disconnected from your own body. You may want to heal yet feel a heaviness, a hesitation, even fear about facing the pain directly.

But here’s a truth I want to offer you: healing is possible.

Wherever you are on this journey, it’s okay to feel what you feel. This is not only natural—it’s part of the healing.

The Importance of Feeling Safe

Healing from trauma begins with a sense of safety, especially within yourself. But for many who have been through experiences like emotional, physical, or sexual trauma, this sense of safety can feel elusive. Trauma often disrupts our connection with our own body, making it feel foreign, even untrustworthy. It’s a feeling I understand well and one that can take time to transform.

Talk therapy has long been a trusted resource, offering space to express and process emotions. But science and somatic wisdom now show us something important: trauma is also held in the body, in layers of tension, reflexes, and patterns of protection that talking alone can’t always reach.

This is why somatic practices like yoga, embodied movement, and body-based therapies are so essential. They give you ways to reconnect gently with your body, to release the pain that’s often stored in our muscles and tissues, step by step. With each movement and mindful breath, you can begin to create a sense of safety within yourself again.

Emily's Story: A Journey to Feel Safe

One of my clients, Emily, grew up facing significant challenges, which left her feeling anxious, confused, and profoundly alone.

When she began therapy, it was a tremendous help—she found words for her pain, a safe place to talk, and a way to make sense of her experiences.

But over time, Emily realized that something more was needed. She was gaining awareness and understanding, but she wasn’t finding the safety she needed within her body, where her pain was still deeply held.

In her search for ways to support her healing, Emily came across my trauma-informed yoga classes and decided to give them a try. Through the gentle movement and embodiment practices we explored together, she began reconnecting with her body in a completely new way. It wasn’t just about moving; it was a space where she could feel her emotions, move through them, and release some of the energy that had been stored inside.

It felt like a new language, one where she was learning to listen to her body’s signals and respond with compassion rather than fear.

Over time, Emily noticed a shift within herself. She began to feel calmer, more grounded, and more at home within her body. Her experience showed her that healing doesn’t always happen through words alone. Therapy offers the essential gift of awareness and understanding, but it’s through embodied movement that we can feel truly safe in our own skin.

Ready to Start your Healing Journey

If you’re on a journey of healing from trauma, I invite you to try this gentle guided meditation, “Healing from Trauma.”

This meditation is designed to create a sense of calm, safety, and reconnection with your body. All you need is a quiet space and a willingness to explore the possibility of feeling safe within yourself.

Healing is a journey that moves at its own pace. Remember, it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling—it’s all part of the process. And as you take each step forward, know that a safe, grounded connection with yourself is possible. With time, patience, and care, you can heal deeply, finding a place of peace and comfort within.

For ongoing support, connection, and healing practices, consider joining The Embodied Voyage, my online sanctuary. It’s a supportive community offering yoga, embodiment, and somatic healing resources for all stages of the healing journey. Learn more and join us here.

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