Understanding Trauma Responses: From Jumpiness to Mindful Awareness

A few months ago, I had an eye-opening realization about my own reactions that led me down a path of self-discovery and healing. It all started with a seemingly innocuous scenario: my husband, who happens to be a trained ninja in ninjutsu, would enter the room while I was engrossed in watching television or cooking dinner, and I would experience an extreme jump or startle, a full-body reaction that felt overwhelming.

Concerned about this exaggerated response, I decided to address it directly with my husband. I asked him if he could make some noise before entering a room, so I wouldn't have such a strong physical reaction every time. Surprisingly, this simple adjustment started to work, and I felt relieved that I had found a solution.

However, as time went on, I delved deeper into understanding trauma and its effects. I enrolled in a course on neural linguistic programming (NLP) focused on clearing trauma and PTSD. During one of the sessions, I raised the question of whether feeling jumpy or easily startled could be linked to trauma. The facilitator's response was a definitive "Yes."

This revelation led me to explore further, and I came across the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), a tool designed to assess symptoms related to traumatic experiences. Question 18 on the PCL-5 directly addresses the issue: "Are you feeling jumpy or easily startled?" The connection between my physical reactions and trauma became clear.

Realizing that my jumpiness was a potential symptom of unresolved trauma prompted me to take action. Through the techniques I learned in the NLP course, I embarked on a journey of clearing past traumas. The results were transformative.

Upon returning home, I decided to test my newfound awareness. I asked my husband to playfully startle me, mimicking his ninja skills, to see how I would react post-healing. What I discovered was profound. While I still experienced a startle when caught off guard, it was no longer a full-body jump filled with fear and anxiety. Instead, it became a moment of heightened awareness, a signal to refocus my attention rather than a trauma-induced panic.

This shift in my response highlighted a crucial distinction: trauma responses engage the entire body, whereas genuine startles prompt a shift in focus without overwhelming physical sensations.

I share this personal journey not only as a testament to the power of clearing trauma using NLP but also as a reminder to pay attention to your reactions. How often do you find yourself feeling jumpy or easily startled? Is it a whole-body response rooted in past trauma, or is it a fleeting moment of surprise that redirects your attention?

Understanding these nuances can lead to greater self-awareness and pave the way for healing and growth. By recognizing and addressing your trauma responses, you can move towards a state of mindful awareness, where every startle becomes an opportunity to pause, assess, and choose your response consciously.

So, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences. How do you react when surprised? And more importantly, what can these reactions teach you about your journey towards healing and wholeness?

I believe that the potential for greatness resides within you. You have the capacity to become the leader you aspire to be, pursue your passions wholeheartedly, and attain the success you've always dreamed of.

I specialize in catalyzing high-performance mindset shifts, utilizing the transformative power of quantum linguistics and proven coaching techniques. My mission is to propel you beyond your limiting beliefs, unleashing your inner badass and empowering you to take confident action towards the growth of your business and revenue.

If you're eager for a magical transformation, desiring tangible results, and ready to release your inner badass, I invite you to schedule a Clarity Session with me. Let's embark on a journey together to uncover the pathways to your success and unlock the full potential that resides within you.