Hello Everyone and Happy Monday,
I just got back from a week in Wales, and let me tell you—it was *so* needed.
But here’s the funny thing: even though I was surrounded by stunning landscapes and complete peace, it still took me a few days to actually unwind. It got me thinking about how our bodies and nervous systems work, especially when it comes to communication.
You know that feeling when you step out of the city, expecting instant calm, but your mind’s still racing like you’re on the Tube? That was me for the first few days in Wales. It wasn’t until halfway through the trip that I really started to relax. And that’s because—our bodies take time to adjust, just like our voices do.
In his book The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk talks about how our bodies hold onto stress and trauma, and how important it is to feel safe and grounded before we can fully relax. It’s the same with communication. We can’t expect to jump from a hectic day straight into a clear, calm conversation. Our bodies need a moment to settle before we can truly connect.
During my time in Wales, I made a point to slow down—deep breaths, a little grounding in nature, and just being present. And it made me realize how important this is for our daily lives. Before we speak, especially in important situations, we need to give ourselves a minute to pause, breathe, and let our nervous system catch up. It’s a simple thing, but it can make a huge difference in how we show up and communicate with others.
So, this week, I’m reminding myself (and you!) to take a little time to settle into our bodies before diving into conversations. Whether it’s a quick grounding exercise or just a deep breath, it helps us bring our best, most authentic selves to the table.
Thanks for being here, and I’ll see you next week!
M x
So nice to read you, Molly, as always!
I need to travel to Wales...!
The Body keeps the Score is a book that gave me hope, thank you for the reminder. Françoise