“The Body Keeps The Score Quotes” capture the deep connection between trauma and the body, helping readers understand why healing often feels physical as well as emotional. These quotes offer clarity, comfort, and validation, especially for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, or past wounds. By exploring key insights from this groundbreaking book, you can gain a better sense of how the body stores memories and how recovery becomes possible through awareness, compassion, and self-care. Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or supporting someone you love, these quotes can spark hope and encourage real healing.
Healing and Trauma Awareness: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Trauma is not what happens to you, it’s what happens inside you.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body keeps the score long after the mind forgets.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “To change the way we feel, we have to change the way we think and move.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma is stored in the body as sensation, not story.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is possible when we feel safe enough to let go.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “When the body is traumatized, the mind becomes trapped in the past.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Recovery begins when we reclaim ownership of our bodies.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The nervous system never forgets; it only learns to survive.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body’s wisdom is often louder than words.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma changes the shape of the brain; healing reshapes it again.” Bessel van der Kolk
Mindfulness & Presence: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Mindfulness is the bridge between body and mind.” Jon Kabat-Zinn
- “The body knows what the mind cannot say.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Presence is the first step toward healing.” Tara Brach
- “The body is the home of the mind.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “When you slow down, your body speaks.” Eckhart Tolle
- “Breathing is the anchor that returns us to safety.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Awareness is the beginning of recovery.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “You can’t heal what you can’t feel.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Stillness is the doorway to healing.” Thich Nhat Hanh
- “The present moment is the safest place the body can be.” Jon Kabat-Zinn
Resilience Building: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Resilience is not surviving; it’s growing through what you survived.” Sheryl Sandberg
- “The body learns resilience through repeated safety.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is resilience in motion.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Recovery is a journey of rebuilding trust in your body.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Strength grows when the nervous system learns to calm.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma breaks you, but healing rebuilds you.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Resilience is the body’s ability to return to equilibrium.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “You can rewrite your nervous system with safety.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Recovery is the art of becoming whole again.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body remembers; resilience teaches it to feel safe again.” Bessel van der Kolk
Self-Love & Compassion: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Compassion is the antidote to trauma.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “You deserve tenderness from yourself.” Brené Brown
- “Healing begins with self-compassion, not self-judgment.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Your body is not the enemy; it’s your ally.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Treat yourself as you would treat a friend.” Kristin Neff
- “The body heals when we stop blaming it.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Self-love is the first step toward recovery.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Your nervous system needs kindness to recover.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “You are not broken; you are healing.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Compassion opens the door to safety.” Bessel van der Kolk
Emotional Intelligence: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Emotions are information the body uses to protect you.” Daniel Goleman
- “Trauma is emotion trapped in the body.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body signals before the mind understands.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Emotional intelligence begins with bodily awareness.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Feelings are not threats; they are messages.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The nervous system speaks in sensations.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Understanding your body is emotional literacy.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is learning to listen to your body’s language.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Emotions are energy; they need to move.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Self-awareness is the gateway to emotional freedom.” Daniel Goleman
Stress Management: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Stress is a body state, not a character flaw.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body stores stress as tension.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Relaxation is the body’s way of healing.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “You can’t think your way out of stress; you must feel your way out.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Breathing resets the nervous system.” Wim Hof
- “The body is a sensor for stress.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Stress is a signal that the body is unsafe.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Calm is a practice, not a destination.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The nervous system learns safety through repetition.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is the return to calm.” Bessel van der Kolk
Relationships & Healing: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Safety is the foundation of healthy relationships.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Connection is the antidote to trauma.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “You heal through trustworthy people.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Relationships teach the body it can be safe.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Love is not just emotional; it’s physiological.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma isolates; connection restores.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healthy bonds calm the nervous system.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trust rebuilds the body’s sense of safety.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Your body learns love through safe touch.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is a relationship, not a solo mission.” Bessel van der Kolk
Personal Growth & Recovery: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Recovery is growth, not just survival.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is the process of becoming fully alive.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Growth begins when you reclaim your body.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “You can rebuild your life one breath at a time.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Recovery is a courageous act of self-trust.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body remembers; growth teaches it new patterns.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma is a chapter, not your entire story.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is a new way of living.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Your body can learn to feel safe again.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Growth is the result of persistent healing.” Bessel van der Kolk
Courage & Overcoming Challenges: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Courage is facing the pain without becoming it.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body is brave even when the mind is scared.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is the act of showing up.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “You are stronger than your trauma.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Fear is a message, not a rule.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body’s strength is in its ability to recover.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma is a wound; courage is the medicine.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Recovery is bravery practiced daily.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body can learn safety through small steps.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Your nervous system can be retrained.” Bessel van der Kolk
Self-Care & Wellness: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Self-care is not selfish; it’s survival.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Your body needs rest to heal.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing requires nourishment, not punishment.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body heals when you listen.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Wellness is the result of consistent self-kindness.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Your nervous system needs predictable routines.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Self-care is building a safe inner world.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Your body is your home; care for it.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Recovery thrives on gentle consistency.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Wellness is a practice, not a goal.” Bessel van der Kolk
Wisdom & Life Lessons: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “The body tells the truth when words cannot.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma is a teacher, not a verdict.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is learning to feel safe in your own skin.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Your body is the first responder to life.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The mind can lie; the body remembers.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Recovery is the art of reconnecting with yourself.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma is real, but so is recovery.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body is the archive of experience.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is a lifelong relationship with your body.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Wisdom comes when you honor your sensations.” Bessel van der Kolk
Hope & Transformation: The Body Keeps The Score Quotes
- “Healing is the proof that change is possible.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Hope is the first sign of recovery.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body can learn safety again.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Transformation begins when you feel safe.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Recovery is a promise you keep to yourself.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body is capable of profound healing.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Hope is a muscle; use it daily.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Healing is a journey back to yourself.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “Trauma is not the end; it’s a new beginning.” Bessel van der Kolk
- “The body remembers healing as well as pain.” Bessel van der Kolk
Key Takeaways from the Quotes
These “The Body Keeps The Score Quotes” highlight a powerful truth: healing begins when we reconnect with our body and nervous system. Trauma is stored as sensations, not just memories, so recovery requires safe practices like mindfulness, movement, and compassionate self-care. By understanding how the body remembers, readers can shift from feeling trapped to actively rebuilding safety, resilience, and trust.
| Quote | Theme/Subcategory | Lesson/Takeaway | Actionable Tip |
| “The body keeps the score long after the mind forgets.” Bessel van der Kolk | Trauma Awareness | Trauma remains in the body even when memory fades. | Start a daily body scan for 3 minutes to notice tension. |
| “You can’t heal what you can’t feel.” Bessel van der Kolk | Mindfulness | Awareness is the first step to healing. | Practice mindful breathing for 5 minutes daily. |
| “Connection is the antidote to trauma.” Bessel van der Kolk | Relationships | Safe relationships support nervous system repair. | Reach out to one trusted friend weekly for a check-in. |
| “Self-care is not selfish; it’s survival.” Bessel van der Kolk | Wellness | Recovery needs rest and kindness. | Create a simple sleep routine and stick to it. |
| “Recovery is a journey of rebuilding trust in your body.” Bessel van der Kolk | Personal Growth | Healing is a gradual process. | Choose one gentle movement practice (walk, yoga) three times a week. |
| “The nervous system learns safety through repetition.” Bessel van der Kolk | Resilience Building | Consistency rewires the body’s stress response. | Use a calming cue (music, scent) daily to signal safety. |
| “Trauma is stored in the body as sensation, not story.” Bessel van der Kolk | Emotional Intelligence | Emotions show up physically first. | Journal sensations and emotions together after stressful events. |
| “Healing begins with self-compassion, not self-judgment.” Bessel van der Kolk | Self-Love | Kindness fuels recovery. | Replace one self-critical thought with a supportive one daily. |
| “Breathing resets the nervous system.” Wim Hof | Stress Management | Breath is a powerful tool for calm. | Practice 4-6 deep breaths whenever stress rises. |
| “Hope is the first sign of recovery.” Bessel van der Kolk | Hope & Transformation | Healing is possible and real. | Write one hopeful statement each morning to set intention. |
User Takeaways Section
- Practice a 5-minute daily body scan to recognize and release stored tension.
- Use breathing exercises as a quick reset whenever your nervous system feels triggered.
- Build safety through routine: consistent sleep, gentle movement, and calming cues.
- Strengthen healing by connecting with trusted people who support your emotional safety.
- Replace self-judgment with compassion to create a nurturing inner environment for recovery.
Final Thoughts
“The Body Keeps The Score Quotes” remind us that trauma is not just a mental experienceit is stored in the body and expressed through sensations, reactions, and physical responses. These quotes highlight the importance of reconnecting with the body through mindful practices, self-compassion, and safe relationships. Healing is not a quick fix; it is a journey of rebuilding trust in yourself, learning to feel safe again, and retraining your nervous system. By practicing consistent self-care, breathing exercises, and supportive routines, you can move from survival mode into a space of resilience and growth. These quotes offer guidance, hope, and practical insight for anyone navigating recovery, encouraging you to honor your body’s wisdom while taking small, steady steps toward wholeness.
FAQs
What is the meaning behind “The Body Keeps The Score”?
“The Body Keeps The Score” means trauma is stored in the body, not just the mind. Even if you forget details, your nervous system remembers through sensations, stress responses, and emotional triggers. Healing requires body-based practices like mindfulness, breathwork, and movement to retrain the nervous system and restore a sense of safety.
How can these quotes help in trauma recovery?
These quotes act as reminders that recovery is real and possible. They emphasize body awareness, self-compassion, and consistent practices that calm the nervous system. By internalizing these messages, you can shift from self-blame to self-care, build resilience, and develop healthier habits that support long-term healing.
Who is the author of “The Body Keeps The Score”?
The book “The Body Keeps The Score” is written by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert in trauma research. He explores how trauma affects the brain and body, and provides evidence-based approaches for healing, including therapy, mindfulness, and body-centered techniques.
Can trauma be healed through body-based practices?
Yes. Trauma can be healed through body-based practices because the nervous system holds trauma in physical sensations. Techniques like breathwork, yoga, somatic therapy, and mindfulness help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress responses, and create a sense of safety. Consistent practice supports long-term recovery and emotional balance.
Are these quotes suitable for daily motivation?
Yes, these quotes can be used daily to reinforce healing and self-awareness. They encourage a gentle, compassionate approach to recovery and remind you that progress is gradual. Using them as daily affirmations or journaling prompts can support emotional growth, resilience, and a stronger connection to your body.
Ava Monroe is a quote creator celebrated for her emotionally rich and honest writing. Her quotes explore self-worth, healing, relationships, and personal boundaries. Ava’s words connect deeply with readers navigating emotional growth, offering comfort, validation, and gentle encouragement through authentic expression.