The Nervous System & Core Wounds: An Exploration & Journal Exercise

In the process of healing, we inevitably confront the factors that keep our nervous system in a constant state of alert, often referred to as the fight-or-flight mode. In this article, I will present several lists to reference if you are at one of these valuable junctions of unwinding and downregulating your nervous system. Ultimately, we will encounter what we might call core wounds—disempowering beliefs about ourselves that serve as the foundation for unhealthy patterns in relationships with ourselves and others. These core wounds can result from personal life experiences or be inherited from family, friends, culture, or society.

Adopt a Compassionate Mindset

Before we begin, I encourage you to approach this journey with compassion, neutrality, and curiosity rather than a mindset of “I need to figure out what’s wrong with me.” Fear and judgment often arise during this process, which is why things get stuck in our system. However, allow an overarching theme of genuine self-exploration to keep the journey from becoming too dark or heavy. Many who have been on this healing journey will tell you that at some point, there is an acceptance that every aspect of our journey—the hard parts, the blessings, the sticky bits, and shadows—all ultimately serve a self-empowering, self-loving, authenticity-blossoming purpose.

The Goal is Not Constant Calmness

The goal is not to feel calm and relaxed all the time but to be aware of when we are “stuck” in fight-or-flight mode and when we are thrown off balance by emotional triggers. Consider your ability to ride the waves of life’s challenges and to notice when the seas are calm, taking the opportunity for stillness when it presents itself.

First, Assess Your Current Safety

Before diving into the past, assess your present situation. Make a list of what is currently stressing you out and discern between genuine threats to your well-being and anxieties or fears. The latter will give clues to your core wounds. None of these are judgments—just pieces that may or may not increase your stress levels.

Questions to Consider: