Trauma can be a deeply disorienting and life-altering experience. It can impact our sense of security, erode self-esteem, and leave us struggling with a loss of trust—in others, and perhaps most profoundly, in ourselves. Yet, within trauma lies the potential for growth and healing, by reconnecting with our inner wisdom and rebuilding self-trust.
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
Trauma can be experienced by both individuals and collectives, with language such as violence, abuse, neglect, loss, disaster, being utilized to conceptualize the often amorphous feeling (that trauma is). Trauma and its impacts are pervasive, and may include feelings of helplessness, feelings of unworthiness, fear, a loss of control, challenges with sleep and appetite, challenges in interpersonal relationships, and mental health stressors (including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, and PTSD). Perhaps, one of the most corrosive effects of trauma is its ability to impact the connection we have with our inner selves –our inner wisdom. We may begin to doubt our judgment, question our instincts, and feel disconnected from our own emotions and needs, all of which can make healing feel like an unending mountain to climb
On Inner Wisdom
Inner wisdom is the deep sense of knowing that is within each of us. It's the voice that guides us, the gut feeling that signals when something feels good or is off, and the intuition that helps us navigate life. When we are traumatized, this connection to our inner wisdom can feel forgotten, or seem unreliable. Rebuilding this connection is crucial for healing and for restoring a sense of self-trust.
Possible Steps for Reconnection
*What is magical about considering our own inner wisdom, is that there are endless avenues for reconnection –you only have to listen to yourself, and what is the next right thing for you. Below are just a few gentle suggestions.
1. Practice Self-Compassion: What language are you using with yourself? Is it kind, and understanding? Does it encourage, and recognize that healing is not linear? (Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love, has established a practice called “Letters From Love” –which works to foster this practice, and can be found online via her Substack).
2. Listen to Your Body: Though our minds are what thinks about trauma, it is our bodies that experience trauma through our 5 senses. Paying attention to bodily sensations can provide insights into our emotions and needs. Additionally, movement such as yoga, tai chi, boxing, etc. allows us to release stored trauma and reconnect with our body's natural wisdom. (Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps The Score is a wonderful resource if you are interested in reading more about trauma and its impacts).
3. Reconnecting with Your Inner Self: Trauma often causes us to dissociate from our emotions and body, making it difficult to feel grounded and present. Practices such as mindfulness and meditation can help you become more aware, and re-open/re-engage the channel for listening to our inner wisdom.
4. Center Safety: When you listen to your body, and how it responds to stimuli –who do you feel safe with? Where do you feel safe? Fostering safe environments with safe people allows the prefrontal cortex (the thinking/wise part of our brain) to come online, and be in the driver’s seat of our lives.
5. Reflect: Reflecting on past experiences can help you recognize patterns and learn from them. This reflection allows you to see how far you've come and reinforces your ability to trust your inner wisdom. Reflection can come in multiple forms including journaling, art, and conversations with trusted friends and/or family.
Healing from trauma is a unique and personal journey, and trusting your inner wisdom and building self-trust are ongoing processes. Be patient with yourself, be kind with yourself, and remember that you already have all the answers, and all the knowing within you.
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