Exploring Physical Recovery after the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Decision
In the wake of the recent U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending 50 years of constitutional protection for the right to an abortion, millions of people are experiencing a wave of emotions, from grief and sadness to anger and pain. Amidst this tumultuous time, the importance of self-care and finding a sense of agency in one's own body has never been more crucial.
Somatic healing, a practice that focuses on the body's physical and emotional responses, can provide a means of support and empowerment. The belief is that having agency in your own body is an important human right, and though lawmakers may not agree, you may be able to find a sense of safety in the body through somatic practices.
The body can hold the key to healing, and the more we listen to what our body needs, the greater a friend our bodies can be in times of crisis. The psychotherapist Avigail Lev emphasises the importance of allowing the sympathetic nervous system to move us into action, responsible for the fight or flight response, rather than interpreting feelings of fear and anxiety as a need to relax.
However, it's essential to approach these practices with caution. For individuals with a history of trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it's always a good idea to visit a licensed practitioner before trying therapeutic exercises for the first time.
Somatic healing practices such as breathwork, interoceptive awareness, and physical movement can help support the human nervous system and provide a healthy way to feel, process, and heal. Breathwork, for instance, allows the nervous system to release stuck patterns through prana, our life force energy. Three ways to practice are tuning in, 4-7-8 breathing, and diaphragmatic breathing.
Shaking the body can be another somatic technique to release nervous energy or tension, starting with the palms of the hands and gradually including the arms, neck, head, sides, and legs. Grounding, imagining feet pressing downward, feeling anchored into the earth, and using affirmations like 'I am anchored to the earth and am fully supported', can also help in these challenging times.
It's important to remember that fear and anxiety can be a force for change, moving us toward taking actions that matter and that protect our collective. At the same time, it's crucial to acknowledge the collective trauma that this situation has caused. Collective trauma, such as the trauma experienced by millions in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, can spread from person to person within a community.
In times like these, practicing somatic healing techniques can be a wonderful way to release emotions, ground yourself, and take back control of your emotional response to events in the world. While the legal landscape may be uncertain, the power to heal and find a sense of agency lies within each one of us.
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