How the Body Stores Trauma and Why GLOW Matters

Many people think of trauma as something that lives in the past. But trauma, especially when left unresolved, can live in the body in very present and persistent ways.  It doesn’t always show up as a painful memory- it often reveals itself in patterns of behavior, tension in the body, or emotional reactions that feel “too big” for the moment. Trauma can quietly shape how you see yourself, how you relate to others, and how you move through life - oftentimes, without even realizing it.

When the Fight response is activated, a person may become confrontational in an attempt to resist the threat. Emotional outbursts such as anger or aggression, controlling patterns, defensive reactions, or over-assertiveness can take the lead and even become a way of living.  It’s important to remember: this is a reaction, not a reflection of the person’s true character. Often, underneath these behaviors there may be shame, regret, or confusion—feelings that can create even more struggle when left unresolved.  Ask yourself: Do I sometimes react in ways that don’t feel like the real me—or send a message I never intended to give?

When things in life happen that cause pain or stress, another coping mechanism is Flight.   This includes any avoidant behaviors such as numbness, dissociation, disconnection, emotional unavailability and states of anxiety, overworking, restlessness.  In varying degrees, an imprint of this pain is felt throughout your entire being (mind, physical body, emotions, and even your spirit)- it’s influence still lives in your body affecting your perception of "normal". When one is living in this state, they are living with disconnection.  Remember, you cannot heal what you cannot see.  Ask yourself: Where do I avoid connection or presence in my life?  

When someone finds themselves in a Fawn state, they often lose touch with parts of their own identity. It can look like codependency, people-pleasing, difficulty saying “no,” or constantly seeking validation. In this state, comfort or safety are sought by avoiding conflict, appeasing others, seeking approval or compliance.  But the cost can be high: choices may be made that feel uncomfortable, or one may even compromise personal values in order to preserve a fragile sense of peace in the environment around them.  Ask yourself: Are my values my north star - or do I compromise them for the sake of others? Do I know who I am, even when those around me don’t?

Here are some other ways trauma can show itself: body pains (stomach upset, muscle tension, headaches), hyper-vigilance (when one is constantly scanning the room for danger or has diffiuculty relaxing), intrusive memories (flashbacks, re-experiencing a trauma), or emotional symptoms such as mood swings, unexplainable or illogical fears, intimacy issues, attachment difficulties.

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Studies show that trauma impacts the nervous system, immune function, and even gene expression. According to Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, traumatic experiences change the way your brain processes stress, regulates emotion, and responds to safety cues. When trauma is stored in the body, you may find yourself feeling hyper-vigilant, chronically exhausted, emotionally numb, or disconnected from your own needs.

It's important to understand that these trauma responses aren’t weakness... It’s your body doing its best to protect you.  Stress response is actually a strength and protective response; but it is also meant to be a short term response and not a lasting state of being. 

Research from Harvard Medical School confirms that stress and trauma can lead to long-term changes in the brain, including a heightened amygdala (responsible for stress/fear, emotional processing and learning), reduced hippocampus volume (which helps regulate emotion and store memories), and weakened connections in areas related to decision-making and emotional regulation.  

But healing is possible. Your body is both resilient and regenerative, and you hold real influence over your inner environment and your quality of health. You always have a choice—you can reclaim your agency: the inner power to guide your thoughts, shape your actions, and choose how you want to live. This is your growth edge. It is the hidden gift within your pain.

You can:

• Grow a self- awareness, self-reflection practice to better understand your strategies, your patterns, and your needs.
• Interevene.   Step in and redirect yourself at the first signs of old reactions.  Remember the Power of the Pause.  Honor the space you are needing to better assess- Find your breath- Step outside the story to see the bigger picture and help you restore your ground- Gain sight of your desired outcome- Make a plan ...and when you're ready, return with the presence of your strength, Grace, Love, and your sound mind.
• Allow Grace, Love, and care to be present within your own self at all times.

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The GLOW lifestyle invites you into a different kind of recovery. Through Grace, Love, and Observation, you cultivate self-awareness without shame. You begin to recognize your body’s cues and needs with curiosity instead of judgment. You reconnect with your Whole self.

•  Grace allows space for imperfection.
•  Love provides the safety to connect and brings healing.
•  Observation brings in awareness without blame.
•  Reconnecting with your Whole self means living in harmony with your truth- mind, body, and spirit aligned and living intentionally.

This is not about bypassing pain or pretending everything is fine. It's about building a relationship with yourself that is strong enough to hold your pain and gentle enough to help it transform.  Giving your wounded spaces the attention and love it needs so that healing can happen. So that your wounds can truly heal, no longer needing the extra attention.  It is allowing yourself to receive the wisdom and the care your experience has given you.

At Finding GLOW, we don’t promise overnight fixes. Through gentle awareness and the GLOW mindset, we promise a lifestyle that brings you home to yourself - one breath, one reflection, one empowered choice at a time.

When you become your own friend, your own advocate, and your own witness, healing happens naturally. And as you begin to live from your whole self, the world begins to feel safer, more open, and full of possibility.  You notice ease and true joy returns, even in the presence of stress because your capacity grows.

GLOW is not just healing. It is living - fully, intentionally, and in alignment with the strength that has always been yours.