“The past may knock — but you decide whether it walks in.”
You flinch at a tone. You tense up at a look. You pull away before someone even gets close.
This is the body remembering.
Trauma trains us to expect danger. Even when none is present. It teaches us to brace — even in safe places.
But the nervous system can learn. And you can remind it:
*Today is not then.*
*This person is not them.*
*This moment is not the past repeating.*
You’re allowed to pause before reacting. You’re allowed to choose how you respond.
You don’t need to relive the old story to feel prepared.
Let your breath be a bridge — from memory to presence. From past to possibility.
You are safe to be here now.
Find a quiet space and sit with your spine supported. Close your eyes. Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly. Repeat inwardly: 'This is a new moment.' Breathe slowly. With each inhale, feel your body where it is. With each exhale, let go of past tension. Stay for five minutes, gently returning to the phrase: 'Today is not then.'
Write a short note to your body — from your wiser self. Acknowledge how it’s protected you. And gently remind it: 'You don’t have to keep bracing. I’ve got us now.' Keep it near as an anchor when past reactions rise.
Miles V. “I used to react before I even knew why. Every little thing triggered old panic. When I started repeating 'today is not then' — something shifted. It helped me stay here, in this breath, with this person. And that changed everything.”
You’re not in danger anymore — you’re in healing.