CORE "Workout"
People who exercise will argue that – do what you want, but ultimately this idea of “core strength” is essential to make sure your muscles work together. Your physical core is that central stuff, a sort of physical hub - like your lower back, hips, pelvis, abdominal area – and strengthening all of that together gives you balance and stability. This month extends that model to your psyche. CORES are our bedrock – for example when we address core beliefs – it’s not just a passing belief – I believe in being a nice person, but a CORE belief – (all people have some in good in them, the world is a dangerous place). This isn’t just about beliefs but about other issues that are fundamental to us, almost like our psychological DNA. Because narcissistic relationships pull you away from yourself – these CORES are affected, shaped, and often undiscovered, but understanding these cores is also crucial to avoiding these relationships in the first place. Recovery from narcissistic abuse is shaped by the frustrations, hurts, traumas, and emotional abuse that occurs within these relationships, as well as much deeper themes – legacy issues, self-blame, shame, trauma bonds, and lots of dissonance. Recognizing your “core stuff” can help you better strengthen your self-talk, be present with feelings, and feel more “stable” and less “off balance” in the midst of the instability that is a narcissistic relationship. This month is about digging into those cores, the stuff you often don’t think about on a daily basis, but can reflect on as you go through your healing process.