A simple summary is that the traumatic memories don’t get fully processed, which means the recalling of them is different to other memories.
It’s possible to help these memories fully process, which changes the recall into something less vivid and overwhelming. For example with EMDR or somatic experiencing.
Trauma and Memory by Peter Levine explores this, as well as The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk.
> a member of the studio comes up with a creative activity to get us out of our heads and thinking more playfully.
It wasn’t about finding the simplest or best way. It was freedom to be playful.
Freedom to not be driven by criticism or optimisation. Freedom to have an idea, ask people to join you in playing, and enjoy seeing what emerges.
It happened that what emerged from this play session was a way to think about programming.
I think it was a wonderfully creative, collaborative and joyful idea. I loved reading about this space for designers to explore and try ideas without worrying if someone would say ‘this could be better’.
Designing and brainstorming needs openness and freedom to experiment. I feel happy that there’s spaces in the world where this is encouraged.
Pay attention to the feelings and sensations in your body as you watch. What emotions arise? What thoughts arise? How do you feel before you start, and how do you feel afterwards?
What do you observe when you notice the instinct to scroll away from one video to the next? Can you feel the impulse before you take action? What does it feel like?
What changes do you observe from watching each video? Does each video have a similar effect on you, or do you notice differences?
What is happening to your mind, heart and body in each moment, as you pay attention with nonjudgmental curiosity and compassion?
This might mean nothing to you, but I will tell my story regardless.
Last year I started learning maths again, 15 years after leaving school. Part of me wasn’t sure if I can do it. “I’m not a maths person” was my mindset (a fixed mindset).
Listening to Carol Dweck helped me understand the difference between helplessness (fixed mindset) and hopefulness (growth mindset).
Her ideas gave me courage. I changed how I viewed myself. I’m not “a maths person”, but I’m working hard at growing my maths ability. I’m not static, I can change.
It might sound simple and obvious to you, but it changed my world, especially after being raised in an abusive household. I wasn’t taught how to believe in myself, but Carol Dweck’s lessons in growth mindset replaced poor parenting with insights that actually help.
I’m now further down the line in my studying and I’m enjoying maths, which I can’t believe.
It used to be local but since the pandemic, our meetup became online only.
We get people from all around the world, often without webcams so it’s like a multi-person phone call, which helps it feel more comfortable (especially when sharing vulnerable emotions).
Whichever path you choose, I wish you luck with your journey.
For providing free support, have you considered a meetup group?
I run a self-compassion meetup group and it’s been a wonderful platform to create an online space for sharing emotional support together, and free for members (I pay the meetup organiser fee).
It feels rewarding and meaningful to offer support out of love, not money. Just humans being caring to each other. :)
It’s possible to help these memories fully process, which changes the recall into something less vivid and overwhelming. For example with EMDR or somatic experiencing.
Trauma and Memory by Peter Levine explores this, as well as The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk.