Chi for Two helps me cope, so there is more space for HOPE

8/21/20262 min read

My difficult journey of living with multiple chronic conditions like over half of American adults inspired me to write this blog post.

HOPE can make all the difference when it comes to healing. Deep healing from complex trauma often takes a lot of time, energy, and resources. Yet what treatment methods are helpful can be hard to discern given the many claims made on the internet about how “life changing” said treatment can be. Unfortunately, there are health professionals who take advantage of people for financial reasons.

Fortunately, the Chi for Two® practices “Knowing No” and “Saying No” can help people navigate new treatments with new providers because they ultimately learn to trust their bodies above anyone else. Therefore, people are more likely to experience relief from symptoms sooner because their practicing of “Knowing No” and “Saying No” help make it possible to say yes to treatments only if they seem trustworthy.

Many Chi for Two contralateral practices like “Twist” “Alternate Shoulder Rolls” and “Knowing No” can help people see many possibilities instead of being stuck in a doom & gloom mindset. You might imagine if a mother or father kept telling their toddler to look at them all the time it would feel unsafe for that toddler to look away and explore their environment. However, the feeling safe to look away no matter the age helps people sense new possibilities.

The Chi for Two Circles of Support help make it possible to try new things and take new risks in a way that is incremental and sustainable. Chi for Two offers the womb, pouch, lap, watch, and “inner parents” Circles of Support depending on the need. The American “quick fix” obsession can take a backseat instead of driving the bus when practicing Chi for Two.

The Chi for Two practice “Potentially Supportive Surfaces” can help allow for "rest" to become rest & digest rather than mindlessly viewing media that exacerbates ongoing distress. For example, I have found lying down on my bed or a recliner with a steam eye mask can help improve my energy since I cannot nap. I used to “doomscroll” on either my laptop or iPhone for hours before realizing I could rest my body for less time with more benefits.

Chi for Two practices promote executive functioning by helping people move away from Shut-down or Fight/Flight into Social Engagement nervous system functioning. When executive functioning is more accessible, practicing healthy habits like meal prepping whole foods, managing time, and generally taking care of oneself is easier to maintain.

"When we do practices seeking presence, deep urges for support get stirred." Caroline Gebhardt, co-developer of Chi for Two®

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