There is no denying the fact that healing from trauma is a process. It can take some time, but there are different steps you can take – even baby steps – that will help move you closer to your goals.
In his book, Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model, Dr. Richard C. Schwartz discusses several exercises that can help with the healing process. One of those exercises is called the path exercise, and this is one that I would like to go over with you today.
The Path Exercise
To begin the path exercise, you will want to first get into a relaxed position. You may want to lie down on your bed because it is a place where you feel safe. Start by taking some deep, relaxing breaths.
Now, imagine that you are at the base of a path. This can be a path you know or one that is new to you. Your intention is to travel down it, but first, you need to have a meeting with your Parts (your emotions and thoughts). Let them know that want to go down the path without them and ask them to stay at the base. Tell them this will be a beneficial experience for them as well as for you and assure them that you will be back very soon.
Some of the Parts might be afraid to let you go without them. Ask for any other Parts that are not afraid to care for those Parts while you are gone. If they are still afraid, you may need to put off your traveling to another time. Instead, spend some time talking with the Parts about their fears. But if you sense that you have permission to go, begin traveling down the path.
As you go, pay attention to whether you are watching yourself go, or if you are actually on the path and just seeing the scenery around you. If you are watching yourself, one or more of your Parts is traveling with you. Find that part and ask it to return to the base of the path.
Traveling Along the Path
What do you notice as you travel along the path? Are you thinking about anything? If you are, that is another Part that needs to return to the base. You may need to go through this process a few different times. Each time you gently ask a Part to return to the base, you may notice more of your Self emerging as you become more aware of it and less aware of the thoughts and emotions.
Once you have spent enough time on the path, return to the base and reunite with your Parts. How did they do without you? Try to hold on to the new energy you experienced while you were on the path without them. Thank your Parts for allowing you to go.
The Purpose of the Path Exercise
There are a lot of reasons why the path exercise is so helpful. It can:
- Help you understand who you really are separate from your thoughts and emotions.
- Help you feel more peaceful and joyful.
- Help you learn how to live in this present moment.
The path exercise can help you teach your Parts that it is safe to separate from your Self. Even if you were not successful this time at walking down the path, you can be later. You have started the process of showing your Parts that there is nothing to fear.
This is just one of the exercises that can help you as you seek to heal from trauma. There are many more, and I would love to work with you and help you take that journey. Please contact me today to make an appointment.
