Energy, Emotion and Evolution

Moving Through the Layers of Trauma

Trauma is a deeply personal experience that can have a lasting impact on our lives.

It is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have lasting negative effects on a person's physical and mental health. It can be caused by a wide range of events, including natural disasters, accidents, war, terrorism, physical or sexual assault, and childhood abuse or neglect. The symptoms of trauma can vary from person to person, but they often include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, feeling numb or detached, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, feeling angry, anxious, or depressed, and having physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or muscle tension.

Much like a tree carved into a glacier, trauma can be held frozen at a cellular level. 

When an experience is too overwhelming to process, the energy becomes "locked" in the body’s very cells. The life of the tree is still there, but it is etched into the cold, immovable weight of the ice, creating a state of internal stasis.

It can also make it difficult to trust others, to feel safe, and to live a full life. It can interfere with their ability to work, go to school, or maintain relationships. It can also lead to problems with substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide. If you have experienced trauma you may be wondering how to heal.

There are many different types of therapy that can help, and the best approach for you will depend on your individual needs.

Whilst talking therapy may work for some people, others find that their body needs a different path to heal. Not all talking therapy works for everyone, which is why a holistic perspective is offered; finding a way that works for you is important.

Energy Healing

Energy healing is a holistic approach that uses the body's energy field to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Channelling the energies of Seichem (including Reiki) along with Shamanic practices can help you to release areas where your natural flow has become stuck.

These overwhelming experiences can often leave us feeling physically and emotionally blocked. Energy work helps to clear these obstructions, allowing the body to begin its own healing process. At times, the past leaves us feeling disconnected from ourselves and our intuition; these practices help us to reconnect with our inner wisdom and guidance.

When the nervous system becomes dysregulated, it can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. Energy healing helps to calm this system and promote a sense of relaxation. It also supports the immune system, which can be weakened by long-term stress, helping to protect the body from illness.

The Body’s Rest Button

A key part of this relaxation involves the Vagus nerve. You can think of this as your body’s rest button. It is a long nerve that connects the brain to the body’s vital organs. When we are stuck in a survival response, this "button" can feel broken or unreachable. Holistic practices help to stimulate this nerve, sending a signal to the body that it is safe to come out of stasis and return to a state of balance.

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing focuses on the body’s physical response to the past. Rather than focusing on the "story," this method works with the nervous system to "thaw" the survival energy—like fight, flight, or freeze—that didn't get to finish when the event happened. It is about teaching the body, through physical sensation, that the danger has passed.

TRE (Trauma Releasing Exercises)

TRE is a series of simple exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress and tension. By triggering a natural "shaking" mechanism within the muscles, it allows the nervous system to let go of the high-alert state, helping the body to return to a place of calm.

Sound Healing

Sound healing uses vibration and frequency to interact with the body's cells. Because trauma is essentially "frozen" or stagnant energy, the literal vibrations from instruments like gongs, singing bowls, or tuning forks can help to "shake" that energy loose. It helps to bring the body’s internal systems back into a harmonic and relaxed frequency.

Ecotherapy

Ecotherapy, or nature therapy, is based on the idea that our well-being is deeply connected to the natural world. When we are stuck in a survival state, we often feel separated from the world around us. Spending time in nature—whether through mindful walking, gardening, or simply sitting in a green space—helps to ground our energy and soothe the nervous system. Nature provides a safe, non-judgmental space where the body can begin to breathe again and remember its own natural rhythm of growth and renewal.

Emotional Dowsing Techniques

Emotional dowsing is a type of energy healing that uses a pendulum or other tool to help us to connect with our emotions and core beliefs. This can be a very effective way to identify and release the emotions and limiting beliefs that are associated with the past. This technique is vital for reaching the root cause of the distress. Emotional dowsing can help to release these stuck emotions and allow the body to heal.

Logosynthesis

Logosynthesis uses the power of words to shift the energy held in our memories and internal images. It helps to retrieve energy that has become "split" or stuck in a traumatic moment, returning it to the present so the body can let go of old patterns and resolve the stasis.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

EFT uses tapping on specific acupressure points to release the emotional distress and pain often associated with these experiences. It is a practical tool that helps to clear the emotional charge from memories, allowing the body to feel more settled.

Bach Flower Essences

Bach Flower Essences are a subtle form of energy medicine that works on the emotional layer of the body. They help to shift the specific emotional states—such as shock, fear, or hopelessness—that can keep the body stuck in a specific energetic pattern. They are a gentle way to support the emotional evolution of the self.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Animals have a unique way of helping us regulate our nervous systems without the need for words. Being in the presence of an animal can help lower the "fight or flight" response and provide a sense of safety. Animals don't judge; they simply exist in the present, helping the body to feel grounded and reconnect with a sense of calm.

Shamanic Healing

Shamanic healing is an ancient approach that looks at trauma from a spiritual and energetic perspective. It works on the belief that when we experience something overwhelming, a part of our vital essence may "step away" to survive. Shamanic practices, such as soul retrieval, work to bring those fragments back, helping the person to feel more "whole" and addressing the root cause of the distress at a soul level.

Past Life Regression

Sometimes, the stasis we feel doesn't seem to belong to our current timeline. Past Life Regression explores the idea that we carry energetic imprints from other experiences into this life. By accessing these memories through a relaxed state, we can identify and clear old patterns or "frozen" energy that our bodies have been holding onto, allowing for a deeper evolution in the present.

Energy, Emotion, and Evolution

This process is about an evolution—a shift in how the body carries what has happened. By working with energy and the emotions held at a cellular level, we are helping the body to finally move on from the stasis of trauma. The tree carved into the ice represents a moment frozen in time, but through this work, we are allowing the body to find its own way forward, moving at its own pace into a state of more ease.

Even if you are not in formal therapy, there are many ways to support your own journey and gently encourage your body to move out of the "frozen" state

• Journaling to externalise internal chaos and give your emotions a place to live outside of your body.

• Breathwork to signal to the Vagus nerve—your body's rest button—that it is safe to calm the "fight or flight" response.

• Guided Imagery to rebuild a sense of internal safety and create a "mental sanctuary."

• Nature Connection to ground your energy; simply sitting with a tree or walking on the earth can help the body feel held.

• Gentle Movement such as Yin Yoga or mindful walking to help the energy in your limbs begin to flow again.

• Creative Expression through art or music to communicate what words often cannot reach.

  
  

Moving Forward

The evolution of the self is not a race, and it is not about arriving at a perfect destination. It is about the quiet, steady work of loosening the ice. By addressing the energy we carry and the emotions we have stored, we allow ourselves the grace to change. You are not defined by the moment you were frozen; you are a living, breathing being capable of a beautiful and continuous evolution.

About the Author

Jane Taylor is a Guide, Practitioner, Educator and Author dedicated to helping others navigate the complexities of the human experience. Her work is profoundly shaped by her own personal journey and her deep understanding of how the body carries history. By exploring the intersection of energy and emotion, Jane has gained a unique perspective on how to address the root causes of distress at a cellular level. Through her writing and teachings, she shares holistic wisdom to help others unblock their natural flow and embrace their own path of evolution and wholeness.

From the Moonlight Path a New Beginning

The Day After the Lunar Eclipse, The Moon Lights the New Path Ahead

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia eleven years ago, and for the past eight years, this blog is a space where I share the holistic practices and methods I use to manage the pain. But to be finally free, I must change the narrative. The time has come to call it a day on a name that has defined me for too long as The Holistic Fibro Fighter.

I have come to know that I was holding onto trauma at a cellular level, a trauma that kickstarted my body into shutdown and resulted in a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Living with a condition of which there is no cure has made me fight for so long. But I know that constantly reliving that same story keeps the energy alive, and I want to remain free from the pain I have now tamed. With the help of shamanic and energy work, I have reconnected with myself and begun to heal the broken parts of my soul. This is still a work in progress, and this blog post is part of that process. Now, the pain is a gentle whisper to remind me to look after myself and listen to my body. It is the wisdom from within.

I'm excited to announce the next step in my journey and a new home for my work. My blog is now called Jane Taylor Articles, and it is part of a new collection of intuitive wisdom offerings. The original content from The Holistic Fibro Fighter will remain on my Jane Taylor Online website as a complete and valuable archive of my journey.

The Journey

For over a decade, fibromyalgia has been an invisible illness that held me captive. My first symptoms began in 2013 when I was 42, and after my diagnosis in 2014, my entire life was changed. It stole my energy, my very sense of self, and took all my plans with it. Its impact covered my 40s and early 50s. In my mid-40s, I also went through an early menopause, and the medical profession never picked up on the similarities between its symptoms and fibromyalgia. As a result, fibromyalgia shrouded those changes so much that they went unnoticed. But in facing its demands, I was forced to stop and discover what is truly important in my life. Now, I am in a phase I like to refer to as Cronehood, having gained wisdom from this journey. I know that what matters most is the freedom that comes from letting go of the fight, and the inner wisdom born from healing and self-discovery.

A New Beginning

I am stepping into a new era where I am me, no longer defined by a label or a fight. The content on my various platforms now reflects that. I am moving forward with a freeness of spirit, a lightness of heart, and a quiet knowing that my life has been transformed, giving me a clear sense of the new path ahead. Over time you will see less of a presence as I gradually step back from these places.

It feels like the recent full moon, lighting up the sea the day after the eclipse—a bright light to mark this new path.

The shadow passed, the world held its breath,

Then silver light returned from death.

A path now shines, upon the sea,

A new beginning, guiding me.

Please Note that due to circumstances beyond my control, I have lost access to my original Facebook pages.

Thank you for being here with me. I am so grateful for your presence on my journey, and I invite you to join me in this new era.

You can find me janetayloronline.com

With a heart full of hope,

Jane

When 'Healing' Comes Unsolicited Trusting Your Own Fibro Journey

Hey everyone, Jane Taylor here, the Holistic Fibro Fighter! Welcome back to the blog, where I dive deep into navigating fibromyalgia with a holistic approach – focusing on mind, body, soul, and spirit. As an energy healer and therapist myself, I know how crucial it is to understand and protect our energetic space.

Today, I want to share my insights on something I know many of you living with fibromyalgia can possibly relate to; those moments when well-meaning (or sometimes not-so-well-meaning) people offer up their spontaneous spiritual diagnoses or healing prescriptions. It can be… a lot, maybe? And often, it feels like a genuine energetic intrusion.

I recently had an experience that perfectly illustrates this. I was at an event, and someone I barely know spotted me and immediately launched into a monologue about my 'third eye chakra', declaring it "open and connected" and then, incredibly, added, "if it needs anything doing to it, I will let you know." Honestly, I was stunned into silence. My only response was to mentally crank up my psychic protection, which, as many of you know, I use daily – even just for a trip to the supermarket to shield against those pesky energy vampires!

This recent encounter brought back a memory from a couple of years ago. I was once told by a self-proclaimed shaman (who, to me, seemed more like someone with a rather inflated ego) that I was a witch who had been drowned in a past life and they claimed to have just healed me. My face was more 'what the...?' My thoughts, however, were much clearer "How dare you. I did not give you permission or ask you to heal me. I wasn't even having a conversation with you!" No wonder, in ancient folklore, people could be turned to stone by a simple stare! It truly leaves me wondering why those who give out unsolicited healing think it's ethical to behave in such a manner.

Your Energetic Space - A Sacred Boundary

As an energy healer, I view our energetic space as deeply personal and sacred. It's like the perimeter of your home – a boundary that you control, that offers you security and privacy.

I liken the invasion of energetic space to something that happened to me a few months ago. I was so shocked and extremely angry to find a woman standing in my front hall – my private home! – without permission. She was supposed to be visiting the next-door neighbour, but there she was, just inside my front door. It was a blatant act of trespass, and my immediate reaction was one of shock and anger. In that moment, I realised I should have locked the door! It was a lesson learned about physical boundaries, and it highlights exactly what's so different about your energetic space.

So, what's the difference when someone intrudes on your energetic space? In my view, there isn't one. It's just as much an invasion. Just as you wouldn't expect someone to walk into your physical home uninvited, you should not have to tolerate someone barging into your energetic field, making unsolicited pronouncements or attempting 'healings' without your consent. You are the gatekeeper of your energy.

The Healing Power of Your 'Happy Place'

These types of encounters, whether recent or from years past, got me thinking about something crucial I often share here at The Holistic Fibro Fighter You are the expert on you. Your body, your energy, your unique fibromyalgia journey – these are all yours to navigate. And any healing that takes place? It comes from within, supported by the choices you make.

This brings us to my core philosophy as The Holistic Fibro Fighter. Doing what makes you happy isn't just a nice idea; it's a powerful healing modality. When you engage in activities that genuinely bring you joy, peace, and a sense of purpose, you're actively contributing to your wellbeing. This isn't about fleeting pleasure; it's about shifting your energetic state, reducing stress, and fostering an environment within your body that is conducive to healing.

Think about

• When you laugh, you release endorphins, reduce cortisol, and create a sense of lightness.

• When you create – whether it's art, writing, gardening, or cooking – you tap into a flow state that can be deeply therapeutic.

• When you connect with people who genuinely uplift you, who see and appreciate you, it can be incredibly restorative.

• When you move in a way that feels good – gentle walks, stretching, dancing – whatever brings you ease and mobility, without pushing your limits.

• When you practise self-care, whether it's a warm bath, meditation, reading a good book, or simply resting without guilt.

These aren't just 'feel-good' activities; they are acts of self-love that directly impact your nervous system, your immune function, and your overall energetic vibration.

For me, my happy place often involves getting outside. There's a profound peace I find in dowsing – connecting with the earth's energies – and in the quiet observation of birdwatching. These simple acts ground me, allowing me to reconnect with myself and find solace.

Honouring Your Need to Retreat

Last year, my world was shaken when we lost our beloved dog. The grief has been brutal, and, as many living with chronic conditions will understand, it caused my fibromyalgia to rear its ugly head with a vengeance. I retreated, spending some essential time alone to process. My friends were supportive during this period, but even as a therapist, I know that isolating yourself isn't generally ideal for mental health. Yet, for me, it was precisely what I needed to do – to cry, to truly feel the pain, and to allow myself the permission to do so without external pressure.

Now, I'm getting better, slowly emerging from that necessary retreat. This experience deeply reinforced for me the importance of listening to your own needs, even when they might not make sense to others. What struck me during that time was that, mercifully, nobody tried to 'fix' me without permission. I was allowed to grieve and heal on my own terms.

My Philosophy on Sharing Healing Wisdom

For me, as an animistic energy healing practitioner, I believe all things are connected. Healing wisdom arrives only when the individual is ready for it, and each person will be guided to what they need, whether that's by reading or listening to the free insights and resources I share on my website, or by choosing to seek me out directly and take what resonates with them.

So, when someone walks into my orbit, my intuition helps me acknowledge it as a moment of connection, synchronicity, or divine guidance. Yet, my approach is to never offer unsolicited enlightenment or healing. To me, giving spiritual advice or attempting healing without consent is both uncalled for and unethical. My philosophy is rooted in empowering individual journeys, not in dictating what anyone needs.

Protecting Your Sacred Energetic Space

And for those 'energy vampires' or unsolicited healers? My instinct to use psychic protection is spot on. It's all about setting healthy energetic boundaries. Just as you wouldn't let someone physically intrude on your home, you have every right to protect your energetic field from unwanted intrusions or drains. This isn't about being unkind; it's about self-preservation.

So, when someone offers unsolicited spiritual diagnoses or promises to 'heal' you, may wish to recall this

1. You are in charge of your own healing journey. You get to decide who you invite into your energetic space and what forms of support resonate with you.

2. Trust your intuition. That feeling of being stunned, of needing to put up more protection – that's your inner wisdom speaking. Listen to it.

3. Focus on what empowers you. Instead of being drawn into someone else's narrative about your energy or past lives, redirect your focus to what makes you feel strong, happy, and whole.

4. Happiness is a powerful healing tool. Actively seek out and engage in activities that bring you joy. They are not a distraction from healing; they are an integral part of it.

   
   

This is what being The Holistic Fibro Fighter means to me: empowering myself, honouring my own unique journey, and recognising that the most profound healing comes from within, guided by my own path to happiness and wellbeing.

Until next time, keep shining your light, on your own terms.

Jane Taylor, The Holistic Fibro Fighter 💜