I've decided to create a course to dive a bit deeper into the information in my book (links at https://www.zenmindmichelle.com/healingavoidance) If you're interested in taking the course, please let me know! I'll be recording classes soon and I'd love some real students to be present - free <3 Thanks for being here - please invite anyone else you think would benefit from support in no longer being avoidant! Don't forget to check out the "Classroom" for lots of free resources - and you'll get a free copy of the book companion with mindfulness and somatic exercises as well as journal prompts when you post/react and comment in the skool community. I'm also considering adding some events like online somatic and mindfulness practices or even some zoom meetings to share with each other - what would help support you on your journey!

As I've been doing work on myself (and working with others) I've noticed avoidance isn’t just about avoiding other people. It’s also about avoiding parts of ourselves. Avoiding the feeling that comes up when we slow down. Avoiding the grief we never had space to feel. Avoiding the anger that feels unsafe to express. Avoiding our own needs because needing once felt like a liability. For many of us with avoidant or fearful-avoidant attachment, pulling away didn’t start as a flaw—it started as protection. If no one helped you regulate big emotions… If closeness came with criticism, unpredictability, or loss… Your nervous system learned: distance equals safety. So we stay busy. We intellectualize. We distract. We disconnect—not just from others, but from ourselves. Healing isn’t about forcing vulnerability or pushing yourself into connection before you’re ready. It’s about gently turning toward what you’ve been avoiding inside—with curiosity instead of judgment. Because the goal isn’t to stop being avoidant. The goal is to feel safe enough not to disappear from yourself. You’re not broken. Your system adapted. And it can learn a new way—at your pace. Have you noticed any self avoidance?

Be sure to check out the "Classroom" for all kinds of supportive tools!

One of the most powerful parts of healing is learning to notice what’s actually going right. So many of us grew up scanning for danger, disappointment, or what still needs fixing…but not for our progress. Today, I want to invite you to pause and acknowledge a win — any win. 🌱 A win is anything that shows movement, intention, or awareness. It might be tiny. It might feel insignificant. It might be something no one else would notice…but you noticed. And that matters. Because every moment you pause before reacting…Every time you choose compassion over criticism…Every time you feel your feelings instead of shutting down…Every time you speak a need, set a boundary, or practice a new tool…— that is nervous system rewiring in real time. That is healing. 💛 Your progress is not measured by perfection. It's measured by presence, effort, and self-awareness. So share a win with us — big, small, or microscopic. Maybe you: • Took a mindful breath before reacting • Stayed in the conversation 15 seconds longer than usual • Noticed a trigger sooner • Asked for help • Rested instead of pushing • Gave yourself grace • Practiced one of the tools from the guide • Opened your heart just a tiny bit more today Whatever it is… it counts. Drop your win below. Let’s celebrate each other. You're doing better than you think. 💛✨

Hi everyone, and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. This is a space for connection, growth, and support as you explore your journey toward healing, self-discovery, and stronger relationships. Be sure to read the rules/guidelines located here - https://www.skool.com/healing-avoidance-9740/community-rulesguidelines?p=fa0f1975 Here’s how to get started: 1. Explore the Free Resources: Just by showing up here, you’ve unlocked access to a set of free resources designed to support your journey. Think of these as your starter toolkit—guides, exercises, and prompts to help you reflect, practice, and grow. Treat them like your personal course: take what resonates, go at your own pace, and come back whenever you need. You will find these in the "Classroom" 2. Unlock the Bonus Participation Offer: By being active in the group—posting, commenting, asking questions—you’ll unlock a special bonus: a free copy of the You Are Not Broken Companion Guide & Journal. This is a companion to your journey, packed with exercises, prompts, and guidance to help you stay grounded and intentional. 3. Your Journey, Your Pace: This group is here for you. There’s no “right” way to participate. Explore, engage, ask for help, and share when you feel ready. And remember—you’re never alone. Reach out if you need guidance or support; I’m here, and so is this community. Next Step: Start by introducing yourself in the comments below or in a new post! Share a little about who you are, what brought you here, and one intention or goal for your journey. 💖 I’m excited to walk alongside you and witness all the growth, healing, and breakthroughs that are ahead. Welcome!