Hardship or Trauma?

🌿 Hardship vs. Trauma

We’ve all gone through hard things. That’s part of being human.
But sometimes we carry an experience in our body that feels heavier, deeper—something that lingers even when our mind tells us we should be “over it.”

So what’s the difference between hardship and trauma?
And how do we begin to recognize what needs care, support, and healing?

Let’s explore together.

🌱 What is Hardship?

Hardship is part of the natural ebb and flow of life. It includes breakups, job loss, conflict, financial stress, parenting challenges, and more. These experiences are difficult and often deeply emotional—but they’re usually something we can move through with time, support, and space to process.

Hardship stretches us.
Sometimes it knocks the wind out of us.
But it doesn’t always shatter us.

🌊 What is Trauma?

Trauma, by contrast, occurs when our nervous system becomes overwhelmed and doesn't feel safe to return to regulation. It's not just about what happened—it's about how it landed in your body.

Trauma might come from a single shocking event—or from chronic, subtle experiences like emotional neglect, disconnection, or not feeling safe to be yourself. It's the "too much, too fast" or "not enough, for too long."

Trauma can leave us feeling numb, hyper-vigilant, stuck, disconnected, or reactive.
It’s not a character flaw—it’s a nervous system response trying to protect you.

🌬 Breathwork Insight: Your Breath is a Barometer

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned through breathwork is this:

Your breath reveals what your body still holds—even when your mind doesn’t remember.

You might come to a session feeling “just a little off,” and suddenly find emotion bubbling to the surface: tears, laughter, trembling, or deep stillness. That’s your nervous system letting go in real-time—when it finally feels safe to do so.

Breathwork creates space for your body to complete what was once interrupted.

It doesn’t require you to name or explain the experience. It simply asks:
Can you stay with your breath, and trust what unfolds?

💗 Why Naming the Difference Matters

When we don’t acknowledge the difference between hardship and trauma, we may

• Minimize what we’ve been through

• Judge ourselves for “not getting over it”

• Avoid the support we actually need

• Compare our pain to others and stay stuck in silence

Naming your experience doesn’t make you dramatic or broken—it gives you permission to heal.

🧘🏽‍♀️ A Simple Practice to Begin

Try this gentle breath practice when you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure what you're carrying:

Ground + Soften Breath (5 rounds)

1. Sit or lie down comfortably.

2. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly.

3. Inhale through the nose for a slow count of 4

4. Hold at the top for a count of 2

5. Exhale through the mouth for a slow count of 6

6. Pause at the bottom for 2

7. Repeat 5 rounds

Afterward, take a moment to notice:
💭 What sensations are present in your body?
💭 Is there any shift, even a small one?

This practice doesn’t need to fix anything. It simply offers space—and often, that’s where healing begins.

🌺 In Closing

Hardship and trauma are both valid. And both deserve support.

If something you’ve carried is asking for your attention—know that your breath is a powerful ally. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Join me for a LuLuKuMu session if you're feeling called. You’ll be held with care, compassion, and the deep belief that healing is always possible—one breath at a time.

With you,
LuLu