Editors Note: Over the past three months, I had the opportunity to attend 8 days of professional training with the Center for Mind Body Medicine in Sonoma County. Although I went as a community volunteer sponsored by my church, the program intersects significantly with the consulting work I do with local healthcare organizations. This is a brief overview of my experience.
Shortly after the Carr Fire ripped through our community last summer, I found myself in a meeting with the Integrated Care Committee, a group of local healthcare leaders working to improve services for those suffering from addiction, mental health challenges, or both. It was clear to all of us that our community was battered by this experience.
This particular group knew more than most about the emotional state of our community before the fire. Rates of addiction, poverty, child abuse and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) in Shasta county are all significantly higher than the state average. The writing was on the wall. We came into this disaster at a distinct disadvantage. A large percentage of our population was already struggling with chronic stress and emotional trauma. And then the fire. The feeling of despair was palpable. This group knew their patients and clients would be challenged to manage this new trauma. They also knew their own professional skills and capacity would be stretched thin while providing the extra support necessary to help heal our community.
Instead of trying to re-invent the wheel, we quickly contacted colleagues in Sonoma county to discover how they were working through their own trauma from the Tubbs fire in 2017. This was our introduction to the Center for Mind Body Medicine.
I'll admit, the title of this organization didn't initially strike a chord with me. To be perfectly honest it sounded a little "out there". When I attended the CMBM training in Sonoma county we came up with an official term to describe how this model feels to those that are unfamiliar. It all sounds a little "woo-woo" (usually said with air quotes and maybe an eye roll).
In spite of my skepticism, I dug in and researched the Center for Mind Body Medicine and their model for community healing. Initially I was intrigued by the research studies that seemed to show that this stuff really works. In diverse communities such as Houston, New Orleans, Kosovo, Gaza and Haiti, the Center had engaged people in small-groups and taught simple self-care techniques with remarkable, healing results. Then I started reading participant testimonials and watching the YouTube videos of people that have been affected by this work and their experiences sounded hopeful, transformative and genuine.
Ultimately I felt called to attend the CMBM training in Sonoma because I knew our community needed SOMETHING. I knew we were reeling from our fire experience and I felt like maybe there was something in this CMBM model that could help our community heal.
What I didn't realize is how much this training would affect me personally. I went into the experience fully focused on how to bring back something tangible and healing for our community. What I got was something tangible and healing for myself.
So, what is this "woo-woo" program, exactly? It's learning simple techniques to calm your mind and body. It's coming together in a safe, small-group community to relax and reflect. It's building an understanding of the intricate linkage between mental and physical health. It's exploring spirituality, and embracing your own healing power. It's an invitation to try and experience different things, see how they feel, and find the self-care tools that work for you. Full disclosure: Everybody isn't going to love every experience. The key is to try it out, be fully present as you participate in the group, and trust the process.
It is NOT therapy. It is not me or other group participants giving advice or telling you what to do. It is not about "fixing" you or other people. It is not forcing you to do or say anything. The group experience provides an invitation. Your response to that invitation is completely up to you.
Back in November, before I left town to attend the CMBM training, I didn't know what was to come of this. It didn't really make sense. I wasn't sure how it would all turn out.
But I went.
Rarely do we know how a story ends. But often, the story begins with faith and trust. With letting go. With not fully understanding the outcome or the journey, but finding the courage to take the first step anyway. In spite of our doubts. In spite of our insecurities. In spite of the little voice in our head saying, "This all sounds a little woo-woo."
If you're intrigued, or even if you're skeptical, I encourage you to explore the Center for Mind Body Medicine model, or speak to me about joining a small group. I can't guarantee where the journey will lead. I can't predict your personal outcome. I don't know what insights will be revealed to you. I do know that sometimes small miracles come in unexpected places. And the most fruitful journeys are often those that begin even before the final destination is clear.
