Trust and Fear in an Uncertain World
By Shannon Stoby
I don’t know if we are generally a distrustful species or if we have just taught each other to be that way. Certainly, there is a survival instinct that may promote distrust. Our long history of feuding on this planet in the name who knows what may also be a contributing factor. Yet this general feeling of unease that we seem to feel toward our fellow man, this fear-based culture that we have created, is only breeding more of that which we fear.
Once again, I feel that some of this is partially an outward projection of our internal environments. While the accessibility of information can be wonderful, it is teaching us that we don’t know. That we have to rely on external sources to tell us what is ‘right’. What follows is a self-doubt and an assumption that these external sources are experts who have our best interests at heart. While this may sound like I am breeding some distrust of my own, at the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, I think the intent of those spreading information is always worth questioning.
Intuition seems to be a bit of a lost art. That innate trust of our bodies and minds that we know what is right for us. ‘Trust your gut’, ‘follow your heart’—these are common sayings, but less common practices as we research what the best answer is, filling our heads with so many possibilities that our bodies can’t be heard.
I’m not saying to reject all external information. Certainly, we can’t each be experts about everything and there is something wonderful and valuable about being willing to learn from one another. To reject everything outside of yourself is just another brand of paranoia. But, at the same time, to disregard that internal knowing in favour of external opinion is a personal disservice.
Like most everything in life, I suppose it is a balance. Perhaps the best you can do is to trust yourself to know where to place your trust, otherwise you end up fearing everything.
By: Shannon Stoby, PT, MScPT
Physiotherapist
Shannon is a Physical Therapist with an interest in helping her patients achieve holistic healing from whatever ails them and achieve optimum functioning in pursuing their passions.
Shannon graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Physical Education with distinction, and followed with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. She is licensed with the College of Physical Therapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Shannon has trained extensively in John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR), and this is the focus of her practice. She has worked with patients with mental illness, has trained in women’s health treatment, and is a sports enthusiast; MFR allows her a means to assist with all of these issues in a meaningful way. She has also worked across the lifespan, with experience addressing the health concerns of older adults. Through her experience in work and in life, she has come to understand that there is more to healing than just the body. While physical health is paramount, the roles of the mind and the soul in health and healing are of equal importance.
Shannon is excited for the opportunity to work with the talented team at IHI, and looks forward to working with you, in wherever the journey may lead.
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