In this fractured world, confusion can be rampant. There are so many shocking events and experiences that can leave us bewildered and confused, wondering what just happened, why the world is like this, or what the true meaning could be.
Whether we feel confused with the world at large, or with things on a seemingly smaller scale, confusion has a way of dysregulating us. It creates an internal tension, removing our real or perceived sense of safety and control that is present when we think we understand what is going on around us. Many of us jump to feeling frustrated or angry as a way to diffuse the stress. We might also feel embarrassed or ashamed that we don’t understand.
Confusion can also become a wonderful moment to take a pause and get curious about whatever is going on. Confusion can be like a sign post, alerting us that there is more to be discovered here, about ourselves, about others, about our environment, about our world. This shift towards curiosity helps our brains, and our bodies, become more receptive to learning and discovery, opening new doors of possibility, and regaining a sense of safety and connection within ourselves, and with those around us.
As you read through the following reflections by trauma therapist Dr. Rebecca Bailey, extreme trauma survivor Jaycee Dugard, horse specialist Margie McDonald, and self-actualization coach Carmen Theobald, consider what “connection” means to you.
Horse Sense North is the Canadian Partner to Polyvagal Equine Institute. Carmen regularly contributes to their “Word of the Week” blog posts. Her introductions to those blogs are now available here, through the Horse Sense North website. To read the full post, click here.
