14/12/2025
Following the events in Bondi last night 💔❤️🩹
It’s okay to not be okay right now.
If you’re feeling shaken, heavy, tearful, numb, irritable, angry, uncertain, anxious or on edge—even if you weren’t there—that response makes sense.
Vicarious trauma is real.
Witnessing, hearing, imagining, or identifying with an event can have a huge impact on our nervous system and our sense of safety and wellbeing in the world for ourselves and others.
After all, we feel things not only physically, individually and emotionally but also energetically and collectively.
And yes—you can feel grateful and distressed at the same time. Both can coexist.
Our bodies are going to be particularly hypervigilant to danger signals over the coming days so to start seeking out safety signals for the body is really important.
Some gentle invitations of how you might like to minimise nervous system overwhelm in the coming days:
🌿 Limit exposure – take breaks from news and social media
🌿 Orient to safety – using your senses (what can you see, here, taste, touch, smell) and grounding practices (feet on ground, sunshine, fresh air, movement).
🌿 Slow the body – longer exhales, gentle movement, warm showers where you can
🌿 Reduce stimulation – quieter spaces, softer lighting, fewer demands (again, where you can)
🌿 Connect – text a trusted person, sit near others, be in community where you can so you know you are not alone with this
🌿 Lower expectations – productivity is not the goal right now
🌿Routine - hydration, food, sleep where you can. Don't underestimate your foundations to support you. Simple is best.
🌿 Reach out to professional supports if you need it
There is no “right” way to respond to collective trauma.
Be tender with yourself.
Your nervous system is doing its best 🌻
To the Jewish community, the Bondi community, families, first responders and all involved there are no words except we stand with you.
For more support, please use the support services above or feel free to reach out via email at info@mindfullycurious.org whether it is support via 1:1 sessions or referring to the appropriate mental health service for you right now.
Take gentle, tender, loving care,
Monique
