Trauma can affect us deeply, impacting both our minds and bodies. While the Three Principles—Mind, Consciousness, and Thought—offer helpful and often life changing insights into how we experience life, they often miss the crucial physical aspects of trauma. In this post, we will dive into these limitations, introduce polyvagal theory, and provide evidence that trauma is stored in our bodies. We'll also explore how recognizing our inner reality through the Three Principles can still be beneficial, but only when combined with body awareness.

Understanding the Three Principles

The Three Principles, created by Sydney Banks, a Scottish welder who had a life changing spiritual insight focus on how we experience life from within through the interaction of Mind, Consciousness, and Thought.

• Mind is the universal intelligence that flows through all of us.

• Consciousness is our awareness that enables us to experience life.

• Thought creates our perceptions and experiences.

   

These principles can be liberating. They help us see that our feelings are shaped by our thoughts and not merely external events. For example, a stressful meeting may make one person anxious while another remains calm, highlighting that our thoughts shape our reactions.

However, the Three Principles do not address the physical side of trauma and how it influences our bodies.

The Body and Trauma: An Overlooked Connection

Trauma does not only exist on a mental or emotional level; it affects us physically too. Research shows that trauma can alter our nervous systems, cause muscle tension, and even lead to chronic pain.

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that nearly 40% of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also reported chronic physical pain. This connection illustrates the significant toll trauma takes on the body.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert on trauma, emphasizes that “the body keeps the score.” This means our bodies can become stuck in a heightened state of stress or shut down entirely, resulting in various physical and emotional symptoms. The Three Principles, while transformative in understanding our thoughts, do not offer direct solutions for tackling these bodily responses.

Introducing Polyvagal Theory

To understand the connection between trauma and the body, we can look at polyvagal theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. This theory reveals how our autonomic nervous system impacts our responses to stress and trauma.

According to polyvagal theory, there are three primary states of the autonomic nervous system:

1. Social Engagement: This state fosters feelings of safety and connection, allowing us to engage with others.

    

2. Fight or Flight: When we perceive a threat, our bodies may enter a hyper-alert state, priming us to confront or escape danger.

    

3. Freeze or Dissociation: In extreme stress, we might shut down, feeling numb or disconnected from reality.

    

Recognizing these states helps us understand how trauma influences our reactions. The Three Principles may shed light on our internal experiences, but they do not address the physiological changes that occur during trauma.

The Evidence: Trauma Stored in the Body

Numerous studies confirm trauma can manifest as physical symptoms. For instance, a study by the American Psychological Association discovered that individuals with a trauma history often report gastrointestinal issues. Chronic pain and anxiety can also arise, further linking psychological trauma to physical ailments.

Somatic therapy—an approach focusing on body awareness—demonstrates the importance of addressing trauma held in the body. Techniques like yoga, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing help build a connection to our physical selves, allowing us to process trauma more effectively.

Although the Three Principles offer valuable perspectives, they do not provide comprehensive tools for managing the physical aspects of trauma.

The Role of the Three Principles in Healing

Despite their shortcomings, the Three Principles still contribute to healing. They encourage individuals to see that their feelings come from within rather than external events. This insight can be a powerful starting point for many.

For example, someone who feels overwhelmed by work can benefit from realizing their stress is influenced by their thoughts. This understanding fosters emotional resilience, which can be crucial in navigating trauma.

It's equally important to acknowledge that healing stored trauma also requires targeted methods beyond the scope of the Three Principles.

Integrating Body Awareness into the Three Principles Framework

To achieve a more complete healing journey, integrating body awareness with the Three Principles is essential. Effective practices may include:

• Mindfulness Meditation: This can enhance awareness of bodily sensations and emotional responses, deepening our connection to ourselves.

   

  Breathwork

   

By embracing these practices alongside the Three Principles, individuals can develop a holistic approach to healing that addresses both mental and physical trauma.

Final Thoughts on the Interplay of Mind and Body

The Three Principles provide remarkable insights into how we shape our experiences from within. Yet, they do not fully encompass the physical side of trauma stored in the body. Combining these principles with body awareness practices allows for a more thorough understanding of trauma and its impacts.

Understanding how trauma affects both mind and body can lead to profound healing experiences. If you want to explore how the Three Principles can assist in your healing journey, consider booking a free session where we can discuss your experiences and begin uncovering meaningful insights.