How Do I Know If This Nervous System Therapy Is Working?

Healing your mind, body and soul can be a daunting task. Especially when there’s so much going on in the world.

Where do you start? How will you know if it’s working? I’ve gotten these questions many times over the past week. In the next 300 words I’ll walk you through the process of moving from an old normal to a new normal.

After working with thousands of people worldwide I’ve noticed a common thread through each person's unique experience. You can apply these 5 phases to any part of your journey, from learning how to bake banana bread to healing systemic racism to healing your own nervous system. I originally learned this concept from one of my favourite teachers Stephen Terrell who works primarily with children and families who’ve experienced developmental trauma, specifically adoption.

Typically I introduce this to clients in their first Personal Mastery Session but I wanted you to have access to it regardless if we ever work together.
By the end of this article you’ll see HOW moving to a new normal is part of healing and absolutely doable.

THE 5 PHASES OF WHOLE BODY HEALING

1. I DON’T KNOW
Dysfunctionally keeping it together with what I know. I don’t know what’s next . . .
When I sit with a client and I hear ‘I don’t know’ It tells me that they’re open to healing, open to something new. Sitting in that ‘I don’t know’ is uncomfortable yet potent grounds for transformation.

2. WHERE IS THE LOGIC?
None of this makes sense. This can feel confusing. What, where, how, why questions come to the surface. Think a drunken disoriented feeling or if you have kids the early developmental years of 2-3 years old. When a child asks a million questions trying to make sense of the world. Finding logic in their experience.

3. FIRM YES, BUT
The grappling of moving to a new normal. An awkward stage, filled with resistance. Easy to slide backwards here. Have you ever heard someone say ‘yea but’ in a conversation? Which literally cancels out anything you said prior —resisting newness.
If a character in a movie had to play the role of this phase, it’d be an awkward teenager hitting puberty and trying to figure out that hormonal madness. Yeah but --- I don’t know what to make of this, so I’ll say two contradicting words to express my sentiments. That messy middle part.

4. DISTINCT YES, AND
Even though this happened, is happening — I can see a new normal evolving. Even though I feel uncertain I’m beginning to re-imagine my future. More coherence here📍

5. CONSCIOUS AWARENESS:
Hello 👋🏽 NEW NORMAL. Acceptance. You’re moving towards a stronger sense of self. Unity and togetherness.


Rinse repeat. With this new awareness you’ll be able to move through obstacles with more resilience and ease. I invite you to use my Signature 6 Phases to help you with your healing. When you support your own healing, you support humanities healing. ⠀

With love and encouragement,


Luana



BONUS. . .

Show Me A Basic AF Relatable Example Please:

PHASE 1: I don't know
I don't know how to bake banana bread! I don’t know where to begin. I want to make banana bread because it’s delicious, comforting and everyone’s doing it. I don't know how to make it yet.

Phase 2: Where is the logic?
How do I make banana bread? Should I google it? Should I call mom? Does Pinterest have the best recipes? Do I even have the right ingredients?

Phase 3: Firm Yes But
Yes I want to make banana bread but it’s easier to buy it. I’d have to go to the store but I don’t want to miss the latest episode of Money Heist. Yeah but I probably won’t end up doing anything, it’s too much of a hassle.

Phase 4: Distinct Yes And
Even though I want to watch Money Heist and I could just go to the store and buy banana bread I’ll make it. I know it’ll be worth it. I’ll make it and share it with my family while we watch Money Heist together.

Phase 5: Conscious Awareness
The struggle to make my first banana bread was REAL. I’m proud of myself for moving through the obstacles and overcoming the inevitable resistance. I actually enjoyed making it, I feel a sense of accomplishment.

Phase 6: New Normal
I memorized my favourite banana bread recipe and I don’t even use measuring cups anymore because I just have a feel for it now! I make it every Sunday as a comforting ritual before a busy week ahead.