In 2014, when Taylor Swift proudly celebrated her life strategy for dealing with stress in her song, “Shake It Off,” it turned out that she was actually onto something – something more than a catchy melody. While T-Swifty was probably referring to dancing and keeping a light-hearted attitude (nothin’ wrong with either of those!), there is an additional nugget of truth to the idea that you can move through stress with a good old shimmy and shake.
Dogs do it, don’t they? After an unsettling moment, you might catch your furry friends rolling through a full-body shiver. Or maybe you can picture some nature documentary footage of a deer or gazelle, suddenly alert with vigilance, only to flicker their ears, shimmy their skin, and carry on with grazing.
There’s actually a much deeper process underlying these little moments of bubbling energy, and it’s not only for nonhuman animals. It’s related to your nervous system, your connective tissue (muscle and fascia) and the dynamic interplay of tension and release that leads to natural, full-body tremors that come in waves, rhythms and vibrations.
So it is like dancing, only without any effort. If it sounds like magic, you’re not alone in thinking so. These vibrating body tremors can be learned, honed and regulated through a practice called TRE: Tension & Trauma Release Exercises.
We’re offering a fresh opportunity to learn this practice, with TRE certified provider Leslie Stokman. Join our four week course Integrating Stress & Tension with TRE starting Monday April 25. Our small group sessions will focus on developing and regulating self-induced and therapeutic tremors, practicing mindful presence with your experience, and learning an approachable overview of nervous system theory to help you make some meaning of this wonderful ability we all share.
Leslie also offers one-on-one sessions at The Branches.
Here’s what Leslie has to say about her experience of learning and teaching this modality:
“I began to practice TRE because I was looking for another tool to help my body and mind integrate the change and disruption of several traumas. My consistent practice has brought me greater ease and comfort in my body, and a much greater sense of grounding.
“I love teaching others about the beauty of their nervous systems, and guiding them to safely encounter their amazing tremoring abilities.”
Curious? Read a bit more here.
The Branches 