HEALING FROM CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE
by Linda Cucurullo • Hempstead

Healing from sexual abuse is a long road and there are many levels that need attention. Early sexual trauma wounds the spirit and steals the soul. One minute you’re an innocent child, the next minute you feel frightened and powerless. If this continues through days, months, and even years, your body becomes the home of fear and unexpressed anger; your body becomes numb to natural feelings and subtle messages. Emotional pain and terror hover over you like monsters in the darkness that you live in. Your body energy is deformed and blocked as it holds the posture of shame, fear and anger.

I am a survivor myself, as well as a close relative and friend to countless other victims. Some are in the healing process, others are still frozen. I can tell you from experience that the body can remember things that the mind has long ago put to sleep. We live with our past terrors which have formed our posture and have been ingrained in our body structure. We can hold on to patterns that no longer serve us, making it difficult to move forward.

In working through my own healing, I have studied the supportive healing arts from early adulthood. I began with yoga and fortunately my teacher did not teach an athletic brand of yoga. It was slow, meditative and gentle. Through his instruction I eventually let go of tensions I had been carrying around for years. When my body was calm and at peace again, I began to heal emotionally. I began to really know my own true spirit and love it.

Healing Techniques:

The breath that restores life
Provide yourself with a safe space, curtains and shades drawn and a door that can be locked. Feeling safe is very important. Lie on the floor or bed and cover yourself with a sheet or blanket. Place a heavy book on your lower belly and begin the following deep breath. Do at least ten of these breaths or stay for as long as you want. I assure you that you will feel safe, quiet and relaxed for hours after a simple breathing session. Breathe in through your nose sending the breath deep into the belly moving the book upward. When you breathe out do so through your mouth as if you are blowing out a candle across the room. You could add the following mantra as you breathe: “I am safe.”

The tennis ball technique
The hands and feet can hold much tension. Take a tennis ball and massage the soles of your feet.. With firm pressure, roll the ball over the tops of your feet and each toe. Do the same with the hands—massage both tops and bottoms. This exercise provides a great release.

Belly Massage
Lie down on your back and massage your belly. In addition to stimulating new blood flow, this technique also sends the body a message that it is loved and cared for:
The body can be touched in a loving way. Practicing these few rituals will help you heal on many levels. One last thing that you can do.: Every morning look in the mirror, state your name and say “I am safe.” Do this several times a day. This simple affirmation will help you feel your true self again.

Director of Basic Moves Yoga teacher training program, Linda Cucurullo is also a spiritual mentor and healing partner. She combines the healing arts of yoga therapy, loving touch and spiritual direction, offering group and private sessions. Call 516-483-4453 or email www.journeyinward.com