Resources can regulate us. They can make distressing things a little more bearable. They can help our nervous systems sink into relaxation (whether momentarily or for a sustained period of time). They can help us when we are totally dysregulated (ie. and not in control of our emotions at all). They can also help us experience a more regular – and spacious- regulated space (ie. our Resilient Zone, where we are experiencing any emotion and able to be in control of it). Resources are amazing.

So, what exactly is a resource, Robyn? I’m glad you asked!:

A resource is “any person, place, thing, or memory that helps to uplift you, or strengthen you or bring you peace. (The Trauma Resource Institute). In EMDR, another effective trauma modality, resourcing is an integral part in the protocol before processing traumatic memories.

There are also all sorts of resources we can draw on to help ground us and help us move toward a regulated space when these things happen.

One resource could be a loved one. Another resource could be faith. Some other resources could be: running, your dog, being in nature, or looking at seashells or imagining the waves. Note: the beach is a powerful resource for me, and I’ve updated my logo to a sea shell… because hopefully it will serve as a reminder for me (and also you!) to reach out for our resources when we need or want them!

More about Resources: They could be anything. They could be physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, tangible, or intangible. They could be common. They could be unique and creative. They could be internal or external.

Surrounding ourselves with our resources helps our mental health. May we draw on our resources, and may they support, comfort, and uplift us.

Warmly, Robyn

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For More:

• One way to help identify your resources is by asking yourself, when/where does it feel good to be me? One of the answers to this question for me is being in nature and exercising pretty intensely. 🙂 This may be the total opposite for you! And that speaks to the diversity of humanity. The important thing is trying(!!) to be aware of when it feels good to be us, because there are so so many things and circumstances where it may not feel good to be us. An example in my own life last weekend!!:

• This was a JOY moment from the Gentle and Joy experiment.
• This was also a morning full of glimmer moments, my favorite being me cheering on other racers as we passed each other (either me going up and they going down, or the other way around).
• This was a morning that made my unique sensory profile sing.
• I took this photo around the 2 mile mark.