Creating Safety with Sensations

A pivotal turning point in my healing journey was when I really started to

feel safe in the moments of experiencing sensations. 

After discovering TMS mind–body work while I was couch-bound with Long Covid, I gradually began integrating the understanding that I am safe and not broken. With that shift, I slowly started reintroducing activities into my life.

In the beginning, I would make little deals with myself to ease the fear. Things like: “I’ll prepare a meal, and then I can rest on the couch the rest of the night.”

Or, “It’s safe to walk out into the garden as long as I sit down right after.”

These gentle agreements helped create a sense of safety which is okay.

We need those stepping stones.

But eventually, something shifted.

The real change came when I began to trust that I was safe during the discomfort, not just after it ended.

I remember moments like standing in the kitchen, cleaning, and suddenly feeling dizzy. Before, I would have panicked and rushed to lie down. But I started to breathe through it, to stay present, and to remind myself:

I am safe in this moment and it is just a sensation.

Slowly, moment by moment,

I began to feel safe no matter what sensations were arising. 

- Even in the moments when I most wanted to escape. Instead of waiting to “get back to safety,” I practiced creating safety within.

This process took deep patience and trust.

However, as I continued to meet each sensation with safety instead of fear, those sensations began to lose their power.

They slowly began to fade.

I very clearly remember the first time I went to a yoga class in person again after not going for over three years. (Previously, I had been the instructor!) So on this day, it was a very big deal to even just go out in public and be in a gentle yoga class.

I did experience sensations.

But I am grateful that I was able to stay through the whole class while continuing to bring my focus back to my breath, along with continual words of reassurance to myself. I did feel some fear, but I did it anyway! And I was so grateful and proud of myself.

That day, the instructor happened to take a photo. I have it saved to remind myself of the challenge of chronic symptoms and the resilience that helped me heal.

I deeply honor the courage and strength that all of my clients show through doing this work.

Today, I feel immense gratitude to be free from that challenging dance. I know how overwhelming it can be to fear every sensation in the body.

But I also know that it is possible for the body to calm, for the nervous system to soften, for the sensations to fade.

This deep knowing that I am safe in my body, no matter what, has given me a new sense of grounding and calm that I didn’t have before I became sick.

If you’d like to explore how TMS mind-body work can help with chronic symptoms, or want support along your journey, you’re welcome to book a free discovery call or email me.

Healing is possible. 

With support and reassurance,

Alisha Braswell