Hard to love

When the body is stuck in a protective state (threat) due to old trauma, it’s impossible to feel love, joy, hope - as it’s a biological state of the nervous system that’s goal is survival, not social engagement or authentic connection/intimacy. The physiology is one of being under threat/danger.

The felt sense of love, hope, joy, thanksgiving requires being in a state of safety neurobiologically.

Our bodies can’t experience positive emotions when under perceived threat. When our body is in threat physiologically, there is no capacity to connect with others, be present and open with others, no desire to know others or be in a surrendered state of worship.

All of this is happening in the body, driven by the autonomic nervous system.