The Blog
Welcome to the second post in my series on thawing the freeze state. If you missed the first post, go read it now.
Embracing Warmth: Strategies to Thaw the Freeze State
Welcome back to our blog post series on chronic freeze. In this second installment, we’ll explore strategies that promote healing and growth for individuals trapped in the immobilizing state of freeze. Together, we’ll discover practical tools to reawaken the spirit and foster a sense of vitality.
Seeking Support: The Power of Professional Guidance to Thaw
One of the most crucial steps in healing from chronic freeze is seeking professional support. We’ll delve into the importance of trauma-informed coaches and mental health professionals, how to find the right professional, and the benefits of somatic coaching. With their guidance, individuals can navigate the journey out of freeze and towards healing. Look out for this in my next post because there’s too much to cover here!
Embracing the Present: Grounding and Mindfulness
Grounding techniques serve as invaluable tools to reconnect with the present moment and thawing the freeze state. We’ll explore various tools that aid in thawing the freeze state and fostering a sense of presence and calm. These practices empower individuals to reclaim their connection with the here and now.
Grounding Exercises to help thaw freeze
- 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
- Body Scan: Focus your attention on each part of your body, starting from your toes and slowly moving up to your head. Notice any sensations, tension, or areas of relaxation.
- Grounding through Breath: Take slow, deep breaths, counting the inhales and exhales. Pay attention to the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body.
Mindfulness Practices to help thaw freeze
- Mindful Breathing: Direct your attention to the sensation of your breath as it naturally flows in and out. Notice the rise and fall of your belly or the sensation of air passing through your nostrils.
- Body Awareness: Bring your awareness to your body and notice any physical sensations, tensions, or areas of ease without judgment.
- Loving-Kindness Meditation: Cultivate feelings of compassion and well-wishing by repeating positive phrases for yourself and others, such as “May I be happy, may I be safe, may I be at peace.”
Sensory Tools to Help Thaw Freeze
- Grounding Objects: Hold a comforting object in your hands, such as a smooth stone, a soft piece of fabric, or a stress ball, focusing on its texture and weight.
- Aromatherapy: Use essential oils or scented candles with calming scents like lavender or chamomile to engage your sense of smell and promote relaxation.
- Music or Nature Sounds: Listen to calming music or nature sounds, such as ocean waves or bird songs, to create a soothing auditory environment.
Conclusion
In this second post, we’ve delved into strategies for healing and growth from chronic freeze. By seeking professional support and embracing grounding and mindfulness practices, individuals can begin to thaw the frozen state and rediscover their vitality. Stay tuned for my next installment, where we’ll explore empowerment and resilience on the path to overcoming freeze.
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Unraveling the Frozen State: Identifying Chronic Freeze and Its Indicators
Welcome to the first installment of our blog post series, where we explore the depths of chronic freeze and its impact on individuals’ lives. As a somatic coach, I am dedicated to supporting individuals in their journey out of freeze and rediscovering their vitality. In this post, we’ll uncover the signs, symptoms, and behaviors associated with chronic freeze, shedding light on this immobilizing state.
Examining the Freeze Response: A Closer Look at Its Impact
Chronic freeze is a state that emerges as a response to trauma, causing individuals to experience prolonged immobilization and disconnection from their emotions and the present moment. It’s often the body’s last resort when it comes to protection from a perceived threat. And for marginalized bodies, it’s often the default threat response to systems of oppression. This section delves into the freeze response and explores how trauma triggers this survival mechanism, leading to the frozen state.
Behaviors That Speak: Signs of Chronic Freeze in Daily Life
Recognizing chronic freeze can be challenging, as it manifests differently in each individual. However, there are common behaviors and expressions that may indicate someone is stuck in this frozen state. I’ll explore persistent avoidance, emotional numbness, dissociation, hypervigilance, and decision-making difficulties as key indicators of chronic freeze. By understanding these behaviors, we can develop a deeper understanding of this immobilizing state.
Conclusion
In this first post, we’ve started unraveling the complexities of chronic freeze, understanding its impact on individuals’ lives and identifying the behaviors associated with this frozen state. By recognizing these signs, we can begin to explore strategies and tools to support individuals in their journey out of freeze. Stay tuned for the next installment, where we’ll delve into strategies for healing and growth.
