This Has Nothing to Do with CPTSD

[HannahOne]

Love to read everyone's joy. Interesting that so many of us find joy in using our bodies in ways that give us a sense of movement, freedom, or groundedness.

That's how it is for me:

Horseback riding. The horse's legs are my legs. I'm a centaur!

When I was younger, long-distance running. Felt like flying.

Now, I love kayaking. I get to be a duck!

Hiking, especially in the desert and high desert. Red rocks light me up.

And, music, which is a different kind of movement and freedom. It also engages the body, into dance! I've signed up to take ballet this summer. In my youth, I studied belly dance, balaldi, mainly Egyptian style. I've recently started making playlists again and make sure to listen at least an hour a day.

And, animals. Animals are animated, they have movement and freedom, and an _anima_, a soul. Being with a being that is not a human being shifts my state into something without words, and it brings me so much connection and joy!