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I don't know how else to say it... we are in times of collective, regional, political, global and personal upheavals that somehow feel more unraveling than previous generations.

Is that true? Are there people who've faced so much all at once previously? Yes, probably.

The reality is that it's likely that humans have faced collective trauma over our entire evolutionary history. We've always had periods of relative upheaval... whether through disease, war, famine, colonization, natural disasters, or who knows what else.

Maybe it's part of the human condition, to endure crisis.

But we're exposed now, through our devices, to many crises happening all at once. With vivid imagery. And consequences.

Perhaps we're at a threshold of how much we can hold, each of us. Our hearts. Our bodies. Our minds.

The too-much-ness is so apparent right now.

Which is why we all need tools, strategies, practices to support us.

Today's guest, personal trainer and somatic nervous system coach Lizzy Zima, has both personal experience and professional training in how to support ourselves through times of upheaval and crisis.

She lives in Swannanoa, NC - one of the most devastated communities after Hurricane Helene - and has recent stories and embodied wisdom to share about what it's been like on the ground in a disaster zone *and* what helped her most when she was in her most activated sympathetic nervous system states.

She also shares some simple somatic practices to explore if (and when) you're feeling stuck in a "freeze" state to help you sense safety in a gentle way.

Mostly this is a poignant and timely conversation in a world that feels unsteady.

Listen to learn:

• how strength training can support perimenopausal health
• some basics on sympathetic nervous system activation
• what "mobilization" looks like when adrenaline + cortisol are pumping
• why it's key to learn about how to tend your nervous system
• how to identify and navigate the "freeze" state

Resources:

• Today's shownotes: Get Lizzy's links + free offerings here
• Episode 17: How stress messes with your hormones
• Episode 97: Nourish your nervous system w Ayurveda
• Episode 142: Relaxation through song + ancestral folk traditions
• Grab Lizzy's free somatic deep rest meditation

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal concerns.

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