From Trauma to Triumph: Mastering Emotions and Embracing Self-Love

In these times of monumental change affecting every aspect of our lives and our shared divine Mother Earth, we are all grappling with the challenges that these shifts bring. These changes impact us on physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual and social levels, touching the core of our community connections and heart.

Those with financial security may overlook the trauma of poverty and may not fully grasp the impact of pandemics like COVID-19 on families that lose their ability to work. Meanwhile, in the global north, significant climate events are unfolding. The effects of climate change are devastating many countries, with last year’s floods in Pakistan affecting one-third of the country. The Philippines, Bangladesh and regions in Africa are facing severe droughts and famine. These crises aren’t just about livelihood; they are matters of survival.

In addition to collective trauma, many of us face personal traumatic events throughout our lives. Our reality is shaped by how we perceive these experiences through our senses. For those dealing with significant stress, fear or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), these experiences can amplify the fear, leading to panic and anxiety. Trauma-sensitive mindfulness adapts traditional mindfulness practices with flexibility and care, making them effective for individuals with PTSD and anyone experiencing overwhelming emotions.

The difference between trauma and PTSD can be simplified like this: Trauma occurs when the nervous system becomes overwhelmed and normal coping strategies fail. PTSD, on the other hand, develops when there’s an inability to process and integrate that trauma into the broader mind-body system. Some people experience trauma and are able to process it without developing PTSD, while others cannot.

To deepen understanding in this area, David Treleaven’s book Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing is recommended. Finding ways to soothe the sympathetic nervous system is essential, especially when it becomes activated. With many experiencing trauma or emotional overwhelm, it’s important to learn self-soothing techniques to restore balance. Healing, whether from PTSD or less severe suffering, occurs in relationship—and that includes our relationship with our inner life, which is the domain of meditation. Meditation is essential for deep, authentic healing; it offers an inner refuge. The key message here is that trauma, as painful as it is, can become a gateway to spiritual healing, where the wound itself transforms into the entry point. As Lenard Cohen said, “In the broken places the light shines through.” Trauma can reconnect us with a sense of the sacred, soul, spirit and a fearless heart.

To heal and live a powerful, full and free life, it’s essential to cultivate self-love. In time, there will be a deep understanding of true identity, a trust in inherent goodness and a sense of belonging. As beautiful children of God, it’s important to recognize that our parents did love us, even if they were sometimes unable to express it. Understanding that it wasn’t our fault is key, and self-forgiveness is an act of love that is necessary.

One person put it clearly: “I’ve always been so ashamed of addictions, the conflictual relationships, the rage and the shutting down. But now I realize it wasn’t my fault; I was just trying to control the trauma. I didn’t have a better way.” This marked the beginning of her self-compassion and healing journey. Gradually, she began reaching out to friends, joining support groups, reengaging with life and stepping onto the path of healing.

Trauma is a universal response to endangerment and powerlessness, as are the symptoms of PTSD when trauma remains unprocessed. The release of shame begins with a deep, cellular realization: “It’s not my fault.” We are not to blame for being traumatized, for struggling to process it or for our nervous system’s reactions of anxiety and depression. Nor are we at fault for the coping strategies and behaviors we adopt to manage the pain. Trauma is often accompanied by shame that requires attention and healing. This applies to any deep emotional wounding, where a lingering sense of fault and shame affects our personality and behaviors, leading us to believe we should be different.

Recognizing and releasing this shame with the acknowledgment that “It’s not my fault” allows healing to reach the core of trauma and woundedness, initiating the process of opening and recovery. Unprocessed wounds can either fester in shame, or we can choose to embrace self-love, transforming these wounds into a portal for true awakening and freedom.

As we reflect on the power of self-love in the healing process, let us embrace this intention:

May we all love ourselves into healing. Just take a moment to sense the depth of that dedication. May we live from that field of loving presence, embracing all beings everywhere on our planet. May all beings heal, awaken and be free.

Maria Lezniak, NCCAOM Dipl Ac, is the founder of the NorthshoreHealing Centre and a healer and visionary. As a uniquely trained and licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, she is highly skilled in correcting the energetic patterns that lead to and sustain illness. Lezniak has been actively involved in Traditional Chinese Medicine and related practices for 22 years.