In The Eye Of The Storm: The Wake of Hurricane Helene
Moving Through Collective Trauma as a Highly Sensitive Person (FREE OFFERS FOR HEALING)
Paralyzed. Numb. Lost. Overwhelmed….
These words describe how I’ve been feeling recently. The power of Hurricane Helene has shaken everyone to the core. No one expected it would hit the Asheville area this hard. The sounds of helicopters and chainsaws create a constant sense of unease. The impact has taken me on a deep dive into grief.
I finally cried yesterday morning.
I cried for everyone who is currently displaced from their home. I cried for those who no longer have a home. I cried for those who lost their lives and the people they left behind. I cried for the devastation to the land–though I know she will recover. We all will, but the pain runs deep and wild like the rivers overflowing around our city. I cried for the people who have lost their livelihoods.
There’s so much devastation.
My heart has felt broken, and in that brokenheartedness, I have felt unable to take any action. I’ve felt so overwhelmed by the posts on Facebook and group chat threads—bouncing from one message to another until I burned out. I intended to see where the help was needed, but the sensory overload was leaving me paralyzed.
I’ve sat at home, quietly judging myself for this.
I wish I were the type to spring into action like so many amazing people in our community have. Had I been amid the flooding and destruction of the hurricane when it was happening, I would have—I’m amazing in those situations. I intuitively know exactly what needs to be done—but not being in the middle of it all—I was blessed to be in Charleston when it hit and returned to Hendersonville on Friday, where we we still had no power or water, but weren’t hit as hard—I’ve felt as useless as I would if I were hundreds of miles away. I somehow forget that being a highly sensitive person, these things affect me deeply, they take me over. There is a lot of collective grief, fear, and uncertainty right now and I can feel all of it—the emotions are palpable for me.
My nervous system has been overloaded. I had to fully disconnect to feel a sense of safety in my body again.
When my floodgates opened yesterday morning, I realized I’d been in a state of grief for the last few weeks. My decision to step back from my relationship with my mother has been weighing heavy on me. It took the crying for Asheville and the surrounding area, everyone affected, the grief of what’s happened and what’s to come, for me to feel the sadness of losing my mom. Today I woke up and felt restored to some sense of a baseline and feeling of safety. I feel more clear. I feel connected to Spirit again.
I’m remembering to have compassion for the way I need to move through these big events, instead of judging myself for not being like others.
I’m remembering my gifts and how I’m meant to serve–by being authentic (sharing vulnerable, even the parts of my self I feel shame around), letting others know they are not alone (because I know if I’m feeling this, there are others out there feeling it as well), and returning to my center, to Creator, so I can hold a safe space for myself and others.
I am often told I am a calming presence and a great listener. I was reminded of this during my meditation and journaling this morning.
I was struck with how I can serve–by holding intentional space for others, leading meditations, and being in prayer. I would love to hold various free meditation workshops for the collective, some in-person for those who can make it, and some virtual, for those who can’t. Please let me know if anyone knows of or has a space where these workshops could be hosted. If anyone would like to collaborate, that would be amazing- the more healing we can bring, the better!
I also want to offer free healing meditation calls for those affected by the hurricane in any way.
Even if you aren’t physically in the area, as I know we sensitive types feel this even when we aren’t in the middle of it all. The call will provide a safe space for you to share how you’re feeling and feel deeply heard, I’ll lead you in a personalized meditation based on what you share, provide reiki during the meditation, and then we’ll close in prayer together.
If you are feeling the weight of Hurricane Helene, you are not alone.
Schedule a Free Healing Meditation Session here.
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Love Always,
Becca