I was mesmerized by the rescue efforts of the Chilean miners. These men had been trapped 2,000 feet beneath the earth for more than two months. The care and concern that went into keeping them as physically and emotionally healthy as possible, given the circumstances, is deeply touching.

The crowd of workers, engineers, friends and family gathered around the metal reinforced hole in the earth, as they waited for their loved one to emerge, is a stirring reminder of the ability of human beings to care deeply for one another. Every man was applauded as he left his dark temporary home and upon his return to the bright desert above.

This compelling event has me thinking about feeling trapped. Many people come to me for help because of feeling trapped. There are many reasons people feel trapped. People feel trapped by life, a dysfunctional relationship, depression, anxiety, work, finances, business challenges and myriad other issues. It's an uncomfortable feeling, to say the least. When feeling trapped, it's hard to not panic and feel hopeless.

The Chilean miner rescue had many parts to it that are a good reminder of what can be helpful in more 'run of the mill' feelings of being trapped.

Here are some steps they took:

They developed a careful and well-thought out plan for rescue

They had the right people on the rescue team, such as project managers, engineers, psychologists, medical personnel, consultants, family and friends

They consulted with experts in the particular problem area, such as NASA, on the effects of long-term isolation

They kept the miners connected to everyday reality by talking with them on the phone, sending them cell phones, ipods, letters from family

Upon rescue they were applauded and chanted to as they emerged from their underground prison

Family members were on hand to greet them after they were unhooked from their safety harness

They were greeted and congratulated by the people in charge of the rescue, including the Minister of Mining

Protocol was followed to the letter for each and every miner rescued

Most importantly, they were made to feel that their lives matter

The essential ingredients for release from feeling trapped are planning, connection, support, consultation, and hope. It's good to remember this recipe and to reach out for help whenever any of us feel trapped for any reason.

The miners most likely have some personal clean-up work to do dealing with the aftereffects of this prolonged trauma. That is part of the recovery process. I, for one, will continue to hold them in my heart as they traverse this next part of the tricky terrain of recovery

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Chris Wucherer, a life coach, business coach and psychotherapist, has 28 years of experience helping people create saner lives. She uses a wide array of practical tools, tips and a deep visioning process to help people move forward. Chris firmly believes and practices the principles that saner living makes for great living. She is the Saner Living Guru. Chris writes a blog and has a website. You can reach her at 734-669-7202 or by email.