When a tornado barrels though a community, sudden loss of lives, living quarters and lively-hoods literally upends us. Our bodies have self protective mechanisms. Sometimes we simply become so overwhelmed that the only feeling we have is being numb. How may we heal from trauma?
Our town recently felt the effects of an estimated F4 tornado. Parts of town look like a war zone, while other parts are eerily untouched. In a community of roughly two thousand residents, we lost four people. At least thirty-five were injured. One-hundred-fifty-three homes sustained major damage or were completely destroyed.
Thus far, the most heart-felt healing element of our grief has been the overwhelming support from not only those of us who still have standing homes, but also from many others (individuals as well as companies). This strong support originated throughout our county, our state and even across our country. It has come in the form of big hearts overflowing with food, clothing and cash donations. We have seen it in volunteers offering cleanup of debris and assisting in temporary relocation efforts. Even with all of this, many of us may be feeling desensitized.
I have experienced numbness prior to this tornado. Following the loss of our son, within two years, I lost both my brother and my dad. Another four years later I lost my mom. There is no other way I could describe the subsequent losses other than feeling numb. As a mother who has lost a child, there was really no grief that could surpass the loss of someone so young - so out of the ordinary from the so-called order.
With sudden loss, such as a tornado could cause, the same protective mechanism of shock may come. Being bombarded with one horrific factor after another is more than we can handle, so our bodies, in trying to protect us, may shut down our emotional overload. Here are some actions that may prove helpful.
Coping with Trauma: Healing with The Arts
When the planes crashed into the World Trade Center, it was also a mind numbing event. A number of days following, a radio station played a CD called the Prayer Cycle. I found this to be a beautiful, tear-inducing masterpiece of choral and instrumental music. In fact one of the most moving pieces was played at our son's service.
It is good to trigger one's release valve of tears on occasion. We truly do need to allow the tear ducts free reign to do their work. If nothing else, at least allow oneself a long hot shower. That way, no one else must know that some of the flow is from one's eyes.
Another blessing for our community was that a group of people an hour's drive away held an all day art experience here for children of the community! They were able to paint and craft and play the day away. What a gift of healing this can provide! See what visual arts can do: https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/art-therapy-children-who-have-survived-disaster/2010-09?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0rnjYFSjIOFhVqGS2Vb3MYoztKnshhMs0qMeWgUIC1Pjcy0IBbItEbomc_aem_ARWe5F-dX3UMRdJ1eoHkXwjphT0XhC4525kvB4Y1du-8wdAIu4gC0SXRm10MYk7uGXiPR_zH9g26G8nqKUMZ5V7e
Additional Arts Strategies Heal the Trauma
Writing can help to express our emotions and free the paralyzed feeling. Simply grab a piece of paper and allow thoughts to pour out onto the page. Do not worry if they are complete sentences or thoughts. That's right, just write. That may be therapy enough. If so moved, pick it up later and beautify it - maybe turn it into an essay or a poem. If it helps, simply tear up the ugly writing and burn it. It is different for everyone.
Grab some art materials. It may be simply making fast, angry, frustrated marks. Just allow it to come forth. Sometimes even when painting bitter, furious, exasperated marks on the canvas, a hidden beauty may emerge from the chaos, much as the beauty of helpers that was borne by a tornado.
Find a drum - my favorite is a deeply resonant, Native American hoop drum. It is so awesome, I can feel the profound resonance within me. Additionally, play the piano, a guitar, a wind instrument or another instrument of choice. Sing a song. Listen to music. Allow one's emotions free reign.
Here are a couple of my posts on healing that the arts can provide: BROKEN and Peace Inducing Arts.
Heal the Numb with Nature
Nature is healing. Find a park and go for a walk. Look for the tree with the most massive trunk. I love to lean next to one of my favorite trees. I sit upon the ground and nestle next to the tree. Two roots along either side of me feel as if I am being cradled in my mother's lap. Trees, particularly large ones, have massively amazing energy. Just imagine the tree's sap flowing up and down the inner trunk. If nothing else, it can begin in the imagination! Pretend to feel it, that it is caring for you, much as your mother does or would have. With practice, one may eventually get to the point when one can feel this beautiful energy. Mother Nature will see to it!
If you or someone you know has been coping with any kind of trauma or tragedy, remember the arts and nature are wonderful coping mechanisms for your healing journey!
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