Are you tucking yourself away?

During a recent Thai massage session, a client was in the midst of a somatic release, processing emotions stored within their body. They were both shocked and intrigued to feel the layers of emotions, memories, pain, and history their body was holding. Some of these were consciously known, while others were not. The client described this experience as a feeling of "tucking yourself in," borrowing a phrase from the Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor. In the show, this refers to a ghost trapping a living person in their own memories, keeping them stuck in a cycle of the past.

 While I’m not a fan of horror, I found this explanation to be a brilliantly poetic way of describing trauma. Trauma is often defined as unprocessed emotional energy resulting from one or more events. It’s not the event itself that lingers but the physical, emotional, and mental experiences we associate with it. These energies need to be held, cared for, witnessed, and healed with compassion to release us from the cycles of the past.

 A poignant example of this can be seen in a family’s “caretaker.” Whether through physical or emotional stewardship, this person is often the one supporting everyone else. If an elderly family member passes away, the caretaker may have to push aside—"tuck away"—their own emotions, fears, and grief to hold up the rest of the family. If this person doesn’t later receive love, compassion, and acknowledgment from their family, friends, partners, or therapist, those tucked-away emotions and energies can lead to disruptions in their overall well-being.

 Creating a safe space for ourselves to process trauma is essential. Too often, we find ourselves prioritizing others needs over our own, falling into the role of caretaker in our relationships, careers, or communities. But healing from trauma requires the opposite approach, it demands that we turn inward, acknowledging our needs and offering ourselves the permission to process and heal at our own pace. Just as we might nurture a loved one in pain, we must extend that same compassion to ourselves.

The start of a new year often brings with it feelings of hope and renewal, but for many, it also heightens uncertainty and fear—especially when a changing political landscape looms. With the next administration taking office, many of us may feel the weight of fears for our safety, our rights, and our futures. These external stressors, layered on top of personal traumas, can amplify feelings of vulnerability and make the path to healing feel even more daunting.

Processing trauma in such times is not a linear journey, nor is it one that fits neatly into the fabric of daily life. It requires intentionality—a deliberate decision to pause, to feel, and to confront what we may have "tucked away." This is where practices like massage, bodywork, and somatic healing can play a vital role. These modalities create a safe, supportive environment for untucking the layers of emotions, memories, and energy stored within our bodies. They offer a compassionate way to process and release, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves in a deeply healing and grounded way.

Putting ourselves first in this way can feel selfish, especially if we've internalized the belief that our worth is tied to what we provide for others. But prioritizing self-healing is an act of courage. It’s a declaration that we deserve the same love and care we so freely give. And in times of political or societal upheaval, this act of self-preservation becomes even more vital. By tending to ourselves, we fortify our ability to face external challenges, advocate for our rights, and protect the communities we care about.

Healing is not about erasing the past but rather integrating it. It’s about witnessing the parts of ourselves that have been hidden away and allowing them to come forward to be heard, understood, and loved. This process doesn’t just benefit us—it ripples outward. When we heal, we show up in our relationships, communities, and lives with greater authenticity and empathy, breaking generational cycles of trauma and creating space for others to do the same.

Massage, bodywork, and healing provide a way to gently, safely begin this process. They help us untuck what has been buried, offering a sense of release and renewal. As someone committed to this work, I am here to help create that space for you—a space where you can begin to process, heal, and reconnect with yourself. In a world that often feels uncertain and unstable, committing to your healing is a form of quiet resistance. It’s a way of reclaiming your power, honoring your needs, and ensuring that you move forward with the safety and care you deserve.