#029: Why healing trauma is not a form of dwelling in the past

Through healing work the positive side of life becomes more accessible.

16 Jan 2023 — 2 min read

Hi All!

Today we have a look at what trauma work is, why it's not a form of dwelling in the past, and how we can get started with our healing journey to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Until next week,

David

An idea for you to consider

A common misconception among people who have gotten caught up in the positivity movement is that healing trauma is a form of dwelling in the past.

But healing your trauma is not about dwelling in the past.

It's simply a recognition that the past sometimes leaves wounds, that when unhealed, may continue to bleed in the present moment, even if you think you've moved past them.

So, how do you start to heal those wounds?

According to Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned trauma and addiction expert, there are multiple ways in, but it begins with the recognition that the healing process is necessary and possible.

What all good healing processes have in common is reconnecting you with yourself, both on the emotional and the physiological levels.

Whether you look at Somatic Experiencing, expressive dance, EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, Compassionate Inquiry, or traditional talk therapy it’s all about reconnecting people with their authentic feelings and emotions.

And when you do this healing work, a positive orientation to your life not only becomes more available, but it can actually become a natural expression of who you are.

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Through healing work the positive side of life becomes more accessible.

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Reflect: Then consider sharing this idea with others.

A quote for you to ponder

"If trauma is disconnection, then healing is reunification or the discovery of the embodiment of that connection. It’s becoming whole again, where you’re not split into all these defensive parts of you that are running your life. It means you’re not running around trying to soothe the pain all the time by means of drugs or sex or gambling or whatever; you’re not running away from yourself all the time by being always on the internet; you’re not trying to please people so they’ll like you. Instead, you consider what you want, what you prefer, what you feel—not in a selfish way of ignoring others, but also not in a way that ignores you either." - Dr. Gabor Maté

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Use this quote as a prompt to reflect. When was the last time you felt whole? What has happened since then?

An exercise for you to try this week

Take some time aside and use the questions below as a journalling prompt:

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There is no one-size-fits-all recipe for your healing path. Instead, it will most likely consist of many experiments with different therapies / tools. Which therapy methods have you already come into contact with? Have they helped you to heal? What methods would you like to try next to support your healing process?

Newsletter

David Luescher

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