🌿 When the Body Lets Go: Understanding Nervous System Release After Trauma

For so many of us on the path of healing, recovery, or spiritual awakening, there’s a moment that can feel as terrifying as it is profound:

👉 Nervous system release.

That moment when your body lets go of something it’s been holding—sometimes for years, sometimes for a lifetime—and you’re left flooded, shaky, overwhelmed, or deeply exhausted.

If you’ve been through it, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, I want to help you understand it—so that if and when it happens, you’ll know:

✨ You’re not crazy.

✨ You’re not broken.

✨ You’re healing.

✨ It does feel very scary… but you dont need to be scared, i promise. Let go. Let your body take over, roll with the punches. Its not always pleasant (you will cry.. alot). But I promise you - its worth it

💡 What is Nervous System Release?

When we experience trauma—whether it’s a single event, ongoing abuse, or chronic stress—our nervous systems can get stuck in survival mode: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.

This isn’t just psychological.

Did you know: We carry trauma physically. It lives in our bodies—not just our minds. It is in our muscles, our cells, our breath, our nervous systems. And when the body finally feels safe enough, it releases that trauma both physically and emotionally.

That release might look like:

• Shaking, trembling, or crying

• Deep exhaustion, like every cell just gave up the fight

• Sensory overwhelm or vivid visions

• A sense of being “floaty” or ungrounded

It is real. It is physical. It is valid.

🖤 My Personal Experience: When My Body Let Go

The first time it happened to me, I didn’t know what was going on. I researched, (of course) and learned about what is called Dark Night of the Soul—truthfully that’s what it felt like: a total breakdown of everything I thought I was. Guys - it was serious. I was legitimately suicidal for a bit. It is not fun, it is hard. Very hard. But - think of a tunnel. If you cant see the light at the end - it is THERE i promise. I couldn’t see it at all, but i kept going because, how else could i share it with you? Then, something in me let go.

My body softened in a way I will try to describe for you: I felt loose, I said I my body felt like Jell-O—like every muscle I had been clenching for decades just… stopped. Best analogy I can think of - And for the first time in as long as I could remember, I could rest. Guys, i mean like REALLY rest. Peacefully. If you have been stuck in survival mode your entire life, that sounds like fairies, unicorns… I know. I thought so too - but you can get here.. I did. Ive been fighting since I was double digits - and at 40 years old.. my body is finding peace.

More recently, I experienced something even more intense—a full sensory explosion. I was overwhelmed by vivid images. I was assaulted by all five senses—flooded for nearly an hour. It was terrifying. It was beautiful. It was everything.

I immediately called my sponsor hoping she didn’t think I was drinking - it seemed so insane, I was afraid to tell another person. I thought they would tell me to call a psychiatrist. (Which I am not embarrassed to say - I chose to do anyway. My personal transformation is extremely intense and if there is support, that I am entitled to and can afford shout out to state insurance why would I not take advantage of that). It gives me even more information that I can share with you (not medical advice, ever… .not from me. Anything I learn is specific to me and my situation - my research is generalized. Always remember its my research. I can make mistakes and get wrong info, im human. Always do your own research).

We are walking through our journeys together.. and im here for you. Email me any time. If I start getting emails maybe ill open up a dialogue.

When it was over? I was exhausted. I spent the two weeks in bed—completely drained. But little by little, I got up. And little by little, I felt better.

🌱 Why It Feels Scary (And Why That’s Okay)

Letting go can feel terrifying because your nervous system has been locked in survival for so long that safety itself feels unfamiliar. The “normal” you’re returning to is something your body forgot how to trust.

That fear?

It’s part of the process.

It doesn’t mean you’re crazy.

It doesn’t mean you’re weak.

It means your body is healing.

🛠 How to Support Yourself Through It:

💖 Breathe slowly and deeply. Longer exhales calm your system. Research grounding exercises, body scans… mediations guided or not… those are the things that helped me.

💖 Ground through your senses. Name what you see, hear, touch, smell. This is a great exercise, it is called 5-4-3-2-1. When i check my heart rate and its high - this is my go to.

💖 Talk to yourself kindly. “I am safe. I am not in danger. This will pass.” If this is too difficult - talk to your younger self. Talk to your 5 year old self, with care and compassion.

💖 Rest. Hydrate. Eat. Brush your teeth, and remember to floss. Do all the things that are good for your body. Be gentle. Your body is doing hard work

With Love,

Dana & Nicky.