Individual and Collective Trauma

Trauma is something we are all affected by. Whether we are born into circumstances of collective or cultural trauma, or have experienced individual trauma in the form of birth, development or attachment. A one time shock incident or exposure to repetitive stress such as abuse or living in an unsafe environment can limit our perception and judgement of a situation, often causing us to react rather than respond. Trauma effects the brain and how we perceive certain situations. In childhood trauma, the healthy development of neural pathways may be interrupted. In cases of emotional trauma and PTSD certain areas of the brain (amygdala, hippocampus & prefrontal cortex) can be affected, changing how we regulate our emotions or respond to certain situations.

Trauma can be generational, passed from generation to generation. It can be vicarious, that is, something which is a result of countertransference via the people we spend significant amounts of time with. Trauma can be debilitating, causing illness and physical discomfort. It can cause certain limiting behavioural and thought patterns to occur which can ultimately restrict our ability to feel, connect, and to live from an open heart and creative place. Trauma can often cause a fragmentation of Self, meaning that there are parts of ourselves which we are not able to connect with. Perhaps even parts of Self which have not yet been discovered. It can compromise our ability to engage with others by replacing patterns of connection, with patterns of protection.

Trauma Growth

It is important to note that these patterns and defence mechanisms were implemented as a necessary survival tool. They were applied through the intelligence of the body to keep us safe and protected in a world which has been perceived as dangerous. However, when we have lived for a long time with such mechanisms and strategies, we may start to notice that they restrict our movement and autonomy, our ability to connect and thrive. We may notice that these mechanisms and strategies are no longer needed or are causing harm to our bodies….. Then comes the time to lovingly meet and integrate those parts of us and organically evolve into new ways of being. The process of trauma growth….. alchemising pain into joy and expansion.

Healing Trauma as a Collective

As well as individual trauma healing, which is very necessary, we can also look at trauma healing in the sense of collective healing. There is something incredibly beautiful and resourcing about coming together in groups to hold space for each other, to show up and be present for each other as well as for ourselves. For many, there is immense healing and transformation which occurs in holding space for others. A depth of understanding and compassion arises on a visceral level, experiencing first hand how one nervous system affects another nervous system. We start to gain insights and realisations about the interconnectedness of all living things, something we have long been distracted and separated from. We begin to acknowledge that we are not so different from our neighbour. And most importantly, we are not alone in this.

“The collective healing presencing field is an amazing healing resource for every one of us. And we become together, the voice of the self-healing mechanism of humanity, and of the planet.” - Thomas Hübl

Trauma Can Be Healed

With more and more awareness of trauma and how it affects individuals and society as a whole, there is a rise in highly effective modalities dedicated to the integration of trauma. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the effects of trauma can be minimised and often fully integrated through safe and simple practices, gaining more awareness about ourselves and our trauma responses. We can learn tools for self regulation and learn ways to bring a deeper sense of safety into our lives.

Evolve Breath & Body uses breathing techniques alongside embodiment practices to meet the areas where fight/flight/freeze energy is held in the body. In Evolve sessions and events we also emphasise the use of loving presence, play, compassionate inquiry and authentic expression through movement and sound. Giving an opportunity for the voice of your body, mind and emotions to be heard and held, creating space for individuals and groups to experience their own ability to heal and feel safe within the container of their own body.

Inspired by the work of some of the worlds leading trauma specialists in collective and individual trauma, such as - Peter Levine, Besssel Van Der Kolk, Alexander Lowen, Thomas Hübl, Stephen Porges, Pat Ogden and Gabor Maté.