Near Death Experience (NDE), Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Long COVID & Somatic Healing with Dawn Christensen

📝 Episode TitleNear Death Experience, Chronic Illness & Somatic Healing with Dawn Christensen✨ Episode DescriptionWhat if illness wasn’t your body failing—but your body speaking?In this deeply moving episode of Rewriting the Illness Story, Paula sits down with somatic healing practitioner Dawn Christensen to explore a powerful journey through trauma, chronic illness, and spiritual awakening.After surviving a near-fatal car accident at 19, Dawn experienced a profound near death experience that reshaped her entire life. From years of intense physical recovery to being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and later navigating long COVID, her path has been anything but linear.Through it all, Dawn discovered something life-changing: the body is not the enemy—it’s the messenger.This conversation dives into somatic healing, nervous system regulation, creativity, and what it truly means to rebuild a relationship with your body rooted in safety, trust, and inner guidance.If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, stuck in chronic illness, or searching for deeper meaning in your healing journey—this episode will meet you exactly where you are.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat a near death experience can reveal about purpose and healingHow chronic illness can become a doorway to transformationUnderstanding Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and its impactThe connection between trauma, the nervous system, and physical symptomsWhy “the body is the messenger” (and how to start listening)How somatic healing creates safety in the bodyThe role of creativity and expression in healingNavigating long COVID and rebuilding from the inside outLetting go of hustle culture and reconnecting with your truth🌿 Key TakeawaysHealing is not linear—it’s layered and deeply personalYour body is always communicating, not betraying youSafety in the nervous system is the foundation for real healingYou don’t need to earn your worth—you already have a seat at the tableSlowing down and listening inward is where transformation begins💬 Memorable Quotes“The body is not the enemy. The body is the messenger.”“Healing is not linear.”“You already have a seat at the table—there’s nothing to earn.”“We’re not broken—we’ve just been disconnected.”👤 About the GuestDawn Christensen is a somatic healing practitioner, expressive arts counselor, and writer whose work is rooted in lived experience. After surviving a near-fatal accident, navigating chronic illness, and healing through long COVID, she now supports others in reconnecting with their bodies through nervous system regulation, creativity, and deep self-trust. 🔗 Connect with DawnSubstack: New Dawn Healing Arts  https://substack.com/@dawnchristensenFacebook: Dawn ChristensenNew Book https://www.etsy.com/shop/ANewDawnHealingArts?dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2FYou can find me at:https://www.instagram.com/rewritingtheillnessstory?igsh=MWEzZDc2bWFyaXpyZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrOR [email protected]: Island Glow by Dirk DealerBook with Meditation: You Are Not your Pain Book by Danny Penman and Vidyamala Burch (on Amazon).   https://amzn.to/3PIT118Cathy Heller You can find me at:https://www.instagram.com/rewritingtheillnessstory?igsh=MWEzZDc2bWFyaXpyZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrOR [email protected]: Island Glow by Dirk DealerBook with Meditation: You Are Not your Pain Book by Danny Penman and Vidyamala Burch (on Amazon).   https://amzn.to/3PIT118DisclaimerThe conversations shared on Rewriting the Illness Story are intended to inspire curiosity, self-advocacy, and personal exploration. They are based on the lived experiences, perspectives, and opinions of the host and guests and are provided for educational and informational purposes only.Nothing shared on this podcast should be interpreted as medical, psychological, or professional healthcare advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, medications, supplements, or treatment.Every healing journey is unique, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another. We encourage you to listen with an open mind, use your own discernment, and make the choices that feel right for you in partnership with your healthc...