Hello, my friends, today I want to share something that has been deeply meaningful to me. In this post, I will touch on two seemingly unrelated topics: a brown bear and trauma. It might sound unusual at first, but I promise it will make sense as we dive into it.
I had an experience today that really moved me, and it gave me a new perspective on trauma, healing, and the power of transformation. I want to reflect on what this experience meant to me, how it connects to old patterns and beliefs, and the frustration we sometimes feel when we believe we’re not making any progress on our healing journey. But I’m here to tell you: progress is always happening, even when it doesn't feel like it.
The Healing Journey: Trauma, Old Patterns, and Hope
You might be wondering, what does a bear have to do with trauma? Well, I’ve always known the connection, but today I learned so much more. My journey, and the content I share, often touches on spiritual awakening, trauma healing, and understanding the science behind it all – how trauma affects our brains, bodies, and behavior, and why it’s so hard to change, even when we desperately want to.
So, today, I’m living in the mountains, and I went to visit a sanctuary for brown bears. These bears have been rescued from horrific conditions – many of them were kept in circuses or used as restaurant attractions, often locked in tiny cages and treated cruelly. The trauma these animals endure is unimaginable, and as I stood there, I couldn’t help but reflect on the deeper meaning of their experiences and how it relates to the healing process we go through as humans.
The bears in this sanctuary were rescued and brought to Switzerland, where they are given the chance to heal in a large, natural environment. It’s incredible to see how their behavior slowly starts to change as they begin to adapt to their new surroundings. They are no longer in cages, and they can roam freely, looking for food and even creating their own shelters for the winter.
Trauma and the Brain: The Power of Neuroplasticity
What really struck me during my visit was the conversation I had with a worker at the sanctuary. We talked about how long it takes the bears to adjust to their new life. Although their instincts are still intact, it takes time for them to re-learn the behaviors that were once natural to them – such as finding food, building a den, or interacting with their environment.
This got me thinking: the brain is incredibly adaptable. Even after enduring horrific experiences, our brains have the power to heal. This is known as neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to reorganize itself and form new neural connections. In the case of the bears, it’s amazing to think that even after years of trauma, they can learn to live freely again.
Humans, too, can change. We often get stuck in old patterns, beliefs, and survival mechanisms that were formed in response to trauma. These patterns are deeply ingrained in our brains and bodies, making it difficult to break free. But just like the bears, we have the ability to adapt, to learn new behaviors, and to create new experiences.
Healing Takes Time: The Importance of Correcting Experiences
One thing the worker shared with me was how the bears take time to trust again. At first, they are hesitant to venture too far from the safety of their shelter. They go out for a while, then retreat, unsure of what the world outside holds. Slowly, however, they begin to build confidence, and with each small step, they learn to trust again.
This process of re-learning is similar to the way humans heal from trauma. It’s not an overnight change. It’s a slow, steady journey, filled with ups and downs. As humans, we also have to create correcting experiences – new, positive experiences that challenge our old beliefs and patterns.
For example, if you were bullied as a child and learned to avoid groups of people because they felt unsafe, a correcting experience might involve facing that fear by entering a group setting and discovering that not all people are harmful. At first, it might feel uncomfortable, even scary, but with time and patience, you begin to realize that the world is not as dangerous as you once believed.
Just like the bears, we have the ability to adapt, but it takes time, courage, and compassion for ourselves.
Why You Are Making Progress, Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like It
I’ll be honest with you: I’ve had moments when I felt like I wasn’t progressing at all. There were times when I thought I was still stuck in my sadness, my old patterns, or my depression. I wondered if I would ever break free from the pain I had been carrying for so long. But, looking back, I can see how far I’ve come. Healing isn’t always linear, and it doesn’t always feel like you’re moving forward. But the truth is, every small step counts.
Healing is like putting together a puzzle – it takes time for all the pieces to fall into place. You may feel like you’re stuck in a loop, dealing with the same issues over and over again. But what you’re experiencing is not the same as before. With each repetition, you are moving forward – even if it’s hard to see in the moment.
So, if you’re feeling discouraged or like you’re not making progress, I want you to know that it’s completely normal. Keep going. Every bit of effort you put into your healing is worth it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. And trust me, you are making progress.
The Power of Self-Love and Trust
Over the years, I’ve learned that self-love and self-trust are the foundations of healing. The more we trust ourselves, the more we can handle the challenges that come our way. And the more we cultivate self-love, the easier it becomes to navigate difficult emotions and experiences.
I’ve been through my share of challenges. I’ve struggled with complex PTSD, addiction, and a variety of other difficulties. But now, looking back, I can see how much I’ve changed. Healing doesn’t mean everything is perfect. There are still tough days, but I have a new sense of inner strength and trust in myself that I didn’t have before.
Even when life throws challenges my way, I now know that I am capable of handling them. Healing is not about avoiding pain or struggle – it’s about building the inner resilience to face it and grow stronger through it.
Final Thoughts: Keep Going, You Can’t Fail
If you’re on the healing journey, whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual, I want to encourage you to keep going. Even when it feels like you’re not making progress, I promise you, you are. You can’t fail as long as you stay committed to yourself and to your healing process.
And remember, just like the bears in the sanctuary, we all have the ability to heal and adapt. No matter how deep the trauma or how difficult the journey, there is always hope. You can create new experiences, build new patterns, and live a life that feels more aligned with your true self.
Take care of yourself, my friends. Be patient with your process. Keep trusting yourself, and know that every step you take is a step toward healing and transformation.
Thank you for reading and I wish you a beautiful day.
Franziska
If you want to learn more about the bear sancuary: https://www.arosabaerenland.swiss/eng
If you would like to watch the whole Episode on YouTube
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