FAQs Archive - Page 6 of 21 - SmartBody SmartMind

Q: Are there certain exercises that are meant for addressing specific issues?

To some degree, yes. There are a few exercises focused specifically on soothing and regulation, like the Kidney Adrenal exercises and ‘Gut-Brain Awareness and Intention’. And there are some tools in the Healthy aggression module that are specifically for working with anger and tension. That being said, it’s highly individual and some people may not respond to these things in the same way as others. Some people may get more uncomfortable and agitated when they tune into their kidneys and adrenals. Some people may respond really well to Orienting when they get activated, others may get MORE activated from this and respond better to something like the Containment exercise. The exercises in this program are about giving you a large and varied pallet of tools to work with creatively. Ultimately, it’s about learning and internalizing these interventions and using them, and even combining them, organically and creatively, moment to moment, in whatever way works well for your unique system.

Q: How to communicate with loved ones while healing in this work, if they just don’t get it?

Have a look at this letter we drafted precisely for this purpose. Feel free to modify or use this as is (this was written for our SmartBody SmartMind students, so if you are in the 21 Days program, just modify it a bit to reflect that). https://smartbodysmartmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/How-to-Support-1.pdf

Q: Can I still heal while being in a relationship with a toxic person, or living in a toxic family situation?

If you at least have access to a safe room that is your own, and have the ability to have boundaries about who enters (a lock is a good idea!) then you can begin the process. But, in order to fully heal you WILL need to eventually be in a safe living situation and be able to let go of, or hold very strong boundaries with, the toxic people in your life. Here is an article entirely about this subject: Sometimes we have to break up with our family .

Q: 3. As I do this exercise, the 'non painful' area starts to have some slight pain, almost like my body is shifting some of the pain to create more space where the pain was intense. Is this normal?

Yes, this is a pretty common occurrence. The pain can dilute and spread out, and it can move into other areas, and the pleasant areas can also change and move. Both can influence the other. The real goal here is to notice things can change; that our system can let go of stuck places when we are able to let it experience other things than just that painful spot.

Q: 1. I don’t know how to play! Should I just follow this lesson from time to time, and try the tiniest of things? And hope, over time, this ability builds and transfers to other aspects in my life?

I would suggest doing that, yes, and also really going back to the basics. Remember the Follow Your Impulse lesson? What impulses arise in you from moment to moment, and how might you follow them? Also, it sounds like there may be a real need for you to allow yourself to be silly! Try seeing what it is like to make faces, funny sounds, and impromptu movements. Finally, if possible, I highly suggest hanging out with some young kids, if possible, even if this only means watching kids at play in the park. If you let them, they will show you the way. :)

Q: 2. I do not enjoy touching myself gently. It feels creepy-crawly. Any suggestions on how to work with this?

First, I would encourage you to explore the creepy-crawlies! What is wanting to be expressed there? What does it mean to you that paying gentle attention to yourself evokes this reaction? Are there images arising? It may be that this is tapping into some old trauma, and that is an opportunity to explore and express. If, on the other hand, you simply prefer firmer touch, then use firmer touch. :)

Are there certain exercises that are meant for addressing specific issues?

Are there certain exercises that are meant for addressing specific issues?Irene Lyon2020-11-25T11:38:57-08:00

How do I work with limiting subconscious beliefs, intrusive thought loops, internal dialogue, paranoia, and self-criticism? Will these thought patterns ever change from doing this work?

How do I work with limiting subconscious beliefs, intrusive thought loops, internal dialogue, paranoia, and self-criticism? Will these thought patterns ever change from doing this work?Irene Lyon2024-12-21T11:43:40-08:00

How to communicate with loved ones while healing in this work, if they just don’t get it?

How to communicate with loved ones while healing in this work, if they just don’t get it?Irene Lyon2020-11-25T11:36:56-08:00

Can I still heal while being in a relationship with a toxic person, or living in a toxic family situation?

Can I still heal while being in a relationship with a toxic person, or living in a toxic family situation?Irene Lyon2020-11-25T11:36:13-08:00

How do we process toxic shame?

How do we process toxic shame?Irene Lyon2020-11-25T11:56:01-08:00

Can you explain a bit more about why some of us have constant disturbing dreams? Why is the body/mind perceiving such a threat at night? And what can we do?

Can you explain a bit more about why some of us have constant disturbing dreams? Why is the body/mind perceiving such a threat at night? And what can we do?Irene Lyon2020-11-25T11:54:45-08:00

How do I tell the difference between a healthy impulse or resource vs an unhealthy coping strategy?

How do I tell the difference between a healthy impulse or resource vs an unhealthy coping strategy?Irene Lyon2023-04-05T14:31:45-07:00

3. As I do this exercise, the ‘non painful’ area starts to have some slight pain, almost like my body is shifting some of the pain to create more space where the pain was intense. Is this normal?

3. As I do this exercise, the ‘non painful’ area starts to have some slight pain, almost like my body is shifting some of the pain to create more space where the pain was intense. Is this normal?Crystal McLeod2019-11-13T12:56:34-08:00

1. I don’t know how to play! Should I just follow this lesson from time to time, and try the tiniest of things? And hope, over time, this ability builds and transfers to other aspects in my life?

1. I don’t know how to play! Should I just follow this lesson from time to time, and try the tiniest of things? And hope, over time, this ability builds and transfers to other aspects in my life?Irene Lyon2019-11-11T19:15:19-08:00

2. I do not enjoy touching myself gently. It feels creepy-crawly. Any suggestions on how to work with this?

2. I do not enjoy touching myself gently. It feels creepy-crawly. Any suggestions on how to work with this?Irene Lyon2019-11-11T19:14:03-08:00