Normalization Ponderings…

If you’ve spent any time with me at all, you’ve likely heard me say, “of course, that makes sense,” a lot. This month, I want to talk about the concept of normalization. In the healing arts, normalization is the act of guiding someone to understand that their struggles, thoughts, emotions, or fears (all experiences) are not signs of weakness, but part of the ebb and flow of the human spirit.

It’s like saying that the storms we face are not rare, but part of the natural rhythm of life. It’s not about waiting for the storms to pass, but learning to dance in the rain. Through this gentle reassurance, we come to see our challenges as a shared experience, helping us heal and grow without shame or in isolation.

Majority of people who land in our ceremonial healing spaces are hear because they want relief. Relief from the pain they carry. I’ve yet to meet a fellow soul where their response to something doesn’t make sense. Shame makes sense, anger makes sense, grief makes sense….So much of the work we do is just that, getting to know what’s alive within us and why it’s there. Allowing it to speak its wisdom so our hearts and minds understand.  

So, what if our emotions, sensations and thoughts made sense. What if, when shame, anger, sadness, a scary thought, depression, anxiety or [insert most things] arrived we said to the part of us feeling/thinking that way…ahhh, “this makes sense, of course” or challenge them by saying “perhaps those thoughts and feelings are not facts.”

I say it often - PTSD should not be called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It should be called Post Traumatic Stress Response (PTSR). Our bodies and minds responding to abnormal or challenging events IS normal, it is NOT disordered in anyway. The traumatic experience is what WAS dis-ordered. I hope you all realize just how abnormally, normal we all are.

I invite you to stop shaming yourself and start loving on yourself by normalizing. Perhaps ponder over these questions.

Reflective Questions

Is there an emotion, thought or sensation I have that I tell myself is not normal? Can I soften my perspective, take a deep breath and remind myself that my response is totally valid and normal?

Love you, mean it.

Rhea & The Entire Sacred Moon Therapy Collective Team.