201+ Best The Body Keeps the Score Quotes (with Commentary)

Discover the best The Body Keeps the Score quotes that inspire healing, resilience, and self-awareness. Perfect for personal growth and reflection!

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk explores the profound effects of trauma on the body and mind. The book is filled with powerful insights into how trauma can shape our lives, from our emotions to our behaviors and physical health.

In this list of quotes, we will uncover the most thought-provoking and transformative lines from the book, paired with commentary to help us reflect on their deeper meanings and how they resonate with us.

Understanding Trauma: The Impact on Our Mind and Body

• “Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.”
• “The body remembers what the mind wants to forget.”
• “Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.”
• “Your body will keep the score, whether you want it to or not.”
• “The imprint of trauma can be felt in every part of the body, mind, and spirit.”
• “Trauma shatters our sense of safety, our ability to trust, and our capacity for joy.”
• “Our minds can hide the truth, but our bodies never forget.”
• “Trauma is stored in the body as sensation, not just memory.”
• “Emotions are not just felt in the mind; they are lived in the body.”
• “When the body holds onto the pain, the mind is unable to heal.”
• “The body holds on to the wounds that the mind cannot process.”
• “What we experience in our lives, both good and bad, is embedded in our bodies.”
• “The past is not dead; it is not even past. It lives in our bodies.”
• “Trauma is an overwhelming experience that we cannot process in a moment.”
• “The truth about trauma is that it’s a wound, but the scar can become a source of wisdom.”
• “Trauma doesn’t just affect how we feel-it alters how we see the world.”
• “The effects of trauma are not just emotional-they are embedded in every cell of our body.”
• “To heal from trauma is to reclaim your body and your life.”
• “We can change our story, but we must first acknowledge the pain that lives inside us.”
• “The body’s response to trauma can be both its defense and its prison.”

Healing Through Connection: The Power of Relationships

• “Healing happens through relationships, not in isolation.”
• “The antidote to trauma is not just therapy; it is human connection.”
• “In trauma, we feel isolated, but in healing, we find connection.”
• “We need to feel safe with others to heal from the wounds inside us.”
• “In connection, we find safety. In safety, we find healing.”
• “The presence of a compassionate witness can be the first step toward healing.”
• “Trauma takes away our ability to connect. Healing restores it.”
• “Human connection is the medicine that helps us heal from the wounds of the past.”
• “When we are seen and heard by others, we begin to heal the parts that trauma has hidden.”
• “To heal trauma, we must find relationships that allow us to be vulnerable.”
• “Our hearts can only heal when we trust someone enough to let them see our pain.”
• “Compassionate relationships are the foundation of emotional healing.”
• “Healing is a process of restoring our ability to connect with ourselves and others.”
• “True healing happens when we can reconnect with our own body and mind through the support of others.”
• “Through relationship, we can find the courage to reclaim our own lives.”
• “The healing power of touch is not just physical-it’s emotional.”
• “Trauma thrives in isolation, but healing thrives in connection.”
• “Recovery is not a solitary journey-it is shared with those who see and understand us.”
• “The ability to trust others is essential to overcoming trauma.”
• “The connection between therapist and patient can be the bridge to healing.”

The Power of the Present: Healing Trauma by Living in the Now

• “The present moment is the only place where healing can occur.”
• “Trauma lives in the past, but healing takes place in the present.”
• “In trauma, we are stuck in the past. In healing, we learn to live in the now.”
• “The body lives in the present moment, and healing happens when we reconnect to it.”
• “To heal trauma, we must learn to live fully in the present, not in the past.”
• “Healing happens when we stop running from the present and face it with openness.”
• “The present is where we can start to rewrite our story.”
• “The body does not know the past or the future. It only knows the present.”
• “By being fully present with our feelings, we can begin to release the trauma.”
• “Being present with ourselves means embracing the sensations of the body and the emotions that arise.”
• “In the present moment, we have the power to choose how we respond to our trauma.”
• “Healing is not about forgetting the past; it’s about integrating it into the present.”
• “The present moment is where we can begin to rewrite the narrative of our lives.”
• “Trauma is frozen in time, but healing can bring us back to the flow of life.”
• “By focusing on the present, we can find peace amidst the storm of our past.”
• “The body’s ability to heal is strongest when we are fully present with it.”
• “In the here and now, we can let go of the stories that trauma has told us.”
• “The power of now is where we find the capacity to heal the wounds of the past.”
• “When we embrace the present, the future becomes a place of hope instead of fear.”
• “Healing from trauma is not about forgetting-it’s about learning to live in the present with grace.”

Moving Through Trauma: The Importance of Body Awareness

• “The body keeps the score, and it’s telling us when we need to pay attention.”
• “Your body knows what your mind is trying to forget.”
• “The body holds the key to healing trauma, even when the mind doesn’t know where to start.”
• “Trauma disrupts the connection between mind and body-healing restores it.”
• “The first step in healing trauma is becoming aware of the sensations in our bodies.”
• “You can’t heal what you’re not willing to feel in your body.”
• “Our body’s responses to trauma are not random-they are messages that we need to listen to.”
• “Healing trauma begins with feeling safe in your own body.”
• “The body is the bridge between the past and the present-it is where healing begins.”
• “Trauma lives in the body as tension, fear, and pain can only be released through awareness.”
• “In the body’s tension lies the story of trauma-it can only be released through awareness.”
• “When we can feel our body’s sensations without judgment, healing becomes possible.”
• “The body doesn’t lie-healing begins when we stop ignoring what it’s telling us.”
• “Trauma can cause disconnection from the body, but reconnecting to it is the path to healing.”
• “Your body’s reactions to trauma are not weaknesses-they are survival mechanisms.”
• “To heal from trauma, we must first learn to listen to our bodies again.”
• “Trauma is often felt in the body before it’s recognized in the mind.”
• “The body does not forget trauma, even when the mind does keep the score.”
• “Healing trauma means becoming aware of how our bodies react to stress and learning to respond with compassion.”
• “The body holds the answers if we only take the time to listen.”

The Importance of Self-Compassion in Healing

• “You cannot heal unless you are kind to yourself.”
• “Self-compassion is the foundation of healing from trauma.”
• “Healing starts with self-compassion, not self-judgment.”
• “You are not broken; you are healing. Be gentle with yourself.”
• “Self-compassion means accepting yourself, even with the wounds you carry.”
• “The healing journey begins with self-love and understanding.”
• “You deserve to heal, and that starts with treating yourself with kindness.”
• “The first step in healing is forgiving yourself for not being perfect.”
• “To heal trauma, we must stop punishing ourselves and start nurturing ourselves.”
• “Trauma leaves scars, but those scars do not define you.”
• “Healing requires patience, both with yourself and with the process.”
• “Self-compassion isn’t about ignoring the pain; it’s about acknowledging it with love.”
• “You don’t have to be fixed to be worthy of love.”
• “True healing is found when you learn to embrace your imperfections with compassion.”
• “Self-compassion is about recognizing that healing takes time and that’s okay.”
• “You are not alone in your pain compassionate toward yourself, as you would to a friend.”
• “Trauma doesn’t make you weak-it makes you human, and you deserve compassion.”
• “Healing from trauma means accepting that you deserve kindness, especially from yourself.”
• “Becoming compassionate with yourself is the first step toward reclaiming your life.”
• “You don’t have to carry your pain forever to love yourself is how you let it go.”

The Role of Therapy in Trauma Recovery

• “Therapy is not about finding a quick fix- it’s about creating lasting healing.”
• “The right therapist can help you face your trauma with the support and safety you need.”
• “Trauma can be healed through therapy, but only when we feel safe enough to open up.”
• “Therapy helps us find the language for the emotions that trauma has silenced.”
• “Therapy allows us to reframe our story, turning pain into strength.”
• “In therapy, we can begin to process the trauma that has shaped our lives.”
• “Healing happens in the safe, non-judgmental space of the therapist’s office.”
• “Therapy provides a place to feel understood and supported, which is essential in healing.”
• “With the right therapy, we can break free from the hold trauma has on us.”
• “Therapy helps us reclaim our bodies, minds, and spirits from the grip of trauma.”
• “Therapy can help us separate our past trauma from our present selves.”
• “A good therapist helps us see ourselves through the lens of possibility, not just pain.”
• “Through therapy, we can develop healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.”
• “Therapy isn’t just about talking- it’s about learning to feel safe again.”
• “The first step in therapy is acknowledging the truth of your trauma.”
• “Therapy isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about learning to live with ihealthilyay.”
• “Therapy can be the lifeline that helps you reclaim control over your life.”
• “The right therapist helps you heal by walking beside you, not ahead of you.”
• “Therapy helps us reconnect with our sense of self, which trauma often strips away.”
• “Trauma therapy provides the tools needed to rebuild trust, both in others and ourselves.”

Trauma and Memory: Understanding How the Past Shapes Us

• “Memory is not a recording of past events; it’s a reconstruction based on our emotions.”
• “Trauma alters our perception of memory, creating gaps or distortions in what we recall.”
• “The past is not always a fixed reality; it’s something we reconstruct in the present.”
• “Trauma makes certain memories feel alive, even when time has passed.”
• “Sometimes, the body remembers things the mind cannot even comprehend.”
• “Memories are not just in our heads- they’re stored in our bodies, in our nervous systems.”
• “Trauma doesn’t just affect our memories; it changes the way we experience time.”
• “When trauma becomes overwhelming, our minds often fragment memories to protect us.”
• “The past, especially traumatic events, can continue to haunt us until we find a way to process it.”
• “Traumatic memories are not just painful-they are often disconnected from the present reality.”
• “Memory doesn’t always tell the truth; trauma can distort it into something more frightening.”
• “Reconnecting with the truth of your memories is a crucial part of healing trauma.”
• “Trauma imprints itself on the mind in ways that can feel almost impossible to forget.”
• “Healing begins when we understand that trauma changes how we remember just what we remember.”
• “The memories of trauma are often stored as fragmented sensations, rather than coherent stories.”
• “When the body re-lives traumatic memories, the mind struggles to understand the emotions behind them.”
• “To heal, we need to make sense of the memories trauma has left behind.”
• “Our memories are like pieces of a puzzle; trauma keeps us from seeing the full picture.”
• “Time doesn’t heal all wounds, but processing traumatic memories can help.”
• “The path to healing often involves revisiting painful memories to release their power over us.”

Post-Trauma: Navigating the Emotional and Physical Aftermath

• “The aftermath of trauma doesn’t just affect the mind-it takes a toll on the body.”
• “Post-trauma, our bodies react to triggers that our minds cannot fully control.”
• “The emotional fallout of trauma can affect every aspect of our lives relationships, careers, and sense of self.”
• “Post-trauma reactions are not signs of weakness-they are signs of resilience.”
• “Trauma’s aftermath is not a permanent state-it is a process of recovery and growth.”
• “The emotional and physical aftermath of trauma requires patience, understanding, and support.”
• “After trauma, it’s not about ‘getting over it’-it’s about learning to live with it.”
• “Post-trauma, our bodies and minds need a safe space to process what happened.”
• “Healing from the aftermath of trauma is a journey, not a destination.”
• “Surviving trauma doesn’t mean you are healed-it means you are beginning the process.”
• “Post-trauma, every trigger is a reminder that healing is still taking place.”
• “The impact of trauma on the body doesn’t disappear transforms into a new understanding of safety.”
• “Trauma can leave lasting imprints, but these imprints don’t have to define us forever.”
• “Emotional recovery after trauma takes time, and it’s okay to be gentle with yourself during this phase.”
• “Physical healing from trauma is just as important as emotional healing-one cannot happen without the other.”
• “Even after trauma, we can find moments of peace, joy, and healing.”
• “Post-trauma healing is not linear-it involves peaks, valleys, and unexpected breakthroughs.”
• “You don’t have to ‘move on’ from trauma; you can move through it with courage and support.”
• “Trauma can teach us how to survive, but healing teaches us how to live again.”
• “Recovering from trauma is a process of rebuilding trust in yourself and the world around you.”

The Science of Trauma: How Our Brain and Body Respond to Stress

• “Trauma alters the brain’s wiring, affecting how we process emotions and memories.”
• “When the brain perceives danger, it activates survival mechanisms that are hard to turn off.”
• “The fight, flight, or freeze response is an automatic reaction to trauma, meant to protect us from harm.”
• “Trauma overwhelms the brain’s capacity to regulate emotions, leading to intense, often uncontrollable reactions.”
• “The nervous system stores traumatic experiences, which explains why certain triggers cause such strong reactions.”
• “The brain doesn’t distinguish between physical and emotional pain processes them the same way.”
• “Stress, especially chronic stress from trauma, rewires the brain, making it more sensitive to future threats.”
• “The body’s response to trauma is a form of memory-it stores the information to protect us in the future.”
• “Chronic trauma exposure leads to changes in the brain’s structure, especially in areas responsible for memory and emotion.”
• “Trauma affects the brain’s ability to regulate fear, making us more susceptible to anxiety and panic.”
• “When trauma activates the survival response, the brain becomes less able to process and heal.”
• “The brain’s default setting after trauma is hyperarousal, making us more sensitive to danger.”
• “Even when the danger is over, the brain continues to perceive threats, keeping us stuck in a state of alert.”
• “The brain doesn’t ‘forget’ trauma; it stores it in ways that influence our thoughts and behaviors.”
• “The science of trauma shows that healing involves rewiring the brain’s response to stress.”
• “The limbic system, which governs our emotional responses, is significantly impacted by trauma.”
• “Rewiring the brain for healing involves creating new pathways that replace the old, traumatic ones.”
• “Trauma changes the brain, but the brain’s plasticity means it can be healed with the right interventions.”
• “Understanding the science behind trauma helps us understand why healing takes time and patience.”
• “Healing trauma at the brain level requires strategies that calm the nervous system and restore emotional balance.”

Moving Forward: Steps Toward Healing and Reclaiming Your Life

• “Healing is a journey, not a destination-you don’t have to have all the answers right now.”
• “The first step toward healing is recognizing that you deserve to heal.”
• “To reclaim your life after trauma, you must begin by reclaiming your body and mind.”
• “Healing doesn’t mean you forget the past-it means you make peace with it.”
• “Taking small steps toward healing is still progress, no matter how slow it seems.”
• “Reclaiming your life after trauma is about finding joy in the present, even with the scars of the past.”
• “You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment to heal; healing starts with where you are right now.”
• “Trauma recovery is about creating a life where you feel safe, empowered, and whole again.”
• “Even if you feel broken, you are still capable of healing and moving forward.”
• “Healing from trauma is about reconnecting with your true self, beyond the pain and suffering.”
• “The road to healing requires you to embrace the unknown and trust that you will find your way.”
• “Healing means learning to live fully, even when your past still feels present.”
• “Reclaiming your life after trauma involves learning to trust yourself and the world again.”
• “You don’t have to face trauma alone-healing comes with support from those who understand you.”
• “Healing is possible when you accept that it takes time, effort, and patience to rebuild your life.”
• “In healing, every day is a new opportunity to reclaim your power and your peace.”
• “The path to healing may be filled with setbacks, but each step forward is a victory.”
• “Trauma recovery is about learning to live again, not just survive.”
• “Moving forward from trauma means building a life where your past no longer defines your future.”
• “You are not your trauma. Healing begins when you remember who you are.”

Final Thought

Healing from trauma is a lifelong journey that requires understanding, patience, and a willingness to reclaim your life. The Body Keeps the Score teaches us that trauma isn’t just an emotional experience’s physical, mental, and spiritual. But the good news is, that through connection, self-compassion, therapy, and a commitment to the present moment, healing is possible. It’s not a straight line, and the path is filled with challenges, but each step brings us closer to the freedom and peace we deserve. Trust the process and honor your journey body and mind are capable of healing.