What My Bones Know – Lessons Learned for Practice and Personal Growth
What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo was on my must-read list for much of 2024. As fate would have it, I forgot to pack a book during a December trip to visit family. Fortunately, I was able to grab a copy at Pearson before my flight! While I expected it to be a great read, I was unprepared for its profound impact on me, and I feel compelled to share some of it with you all!
Trauma and the Human Experience: Through vulnerable storytelling, Stephanie Foo offers an honest and authentic exploration of her experiences navigating her trauma and healing journey. I found myself reflecting on how trauma shapes the way we perceive the world and how it often goes unspoken in our day-to-day lives. This helped me recognize the importance of listening to and supporting those whose pain may not always be visible.
Somatic Memory: She introduces the concept of a “somatic memory” and how we often do not recognize the weight our bodies carry even when the mind has suppressed or blocked out painful memories. Trauma lives in the body, and sometimes, our bodies are the first to remember what the mind cannot.
The Individuality of Trauma: Trauma is unique to each person, and healing does not follow a linear path. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when healing feels messy or unattainable. It is important to remember that even when healing doesn’t happen “neatly” or on a predictable timeline – it does not mean you are falling behind. Progress may feel slow, but moving intentionally is far more significant than rushing toward an endpoint.
The Power of Validation: It is quite profound to have one's pain and suffering acknowledged, held, witnessed and supported. Offering validation is not just about sharing words of support or encouragement, but it is also creating a space where people can feel seen and, most importantly, believed.
Cultural Sensitivity in Healing: As a South Asian, first-generation immigrant woman, I’ve experienced the complexities of cultural identity in my healing journey. Our cultural backgrounds can shape our perceptions of trauma and recovery, and healing can often feel more complex when these cultural elements go unacknowledged.
So, if you haven’t yet picked up What My Bones Know, I highly recommend it. It’s one of those reads that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. And if you’re already in this field or even just navigating your healing journey, I hope some of these lessons resonate with you, too.