Hey #JustWrite!! The conversation of healing and trauma has resurfaced again in this month's blog. Prior to writing this blog, a majority of my conversations have been centered on going back to the root of many situations that have occurred not only in my life but in the lives of the individuals I have spoken with during this pandemic and before the pandemic. With the times we're living in, many people avoid speaking on any trauma in their life with the fear of being ridiculed and judged. The pandemic has brought forth even more conversations about what has plagued us for so long. In many ways, the pandemic exposed our pain and trauma with provided opportunities for many to connect with the intent of healing. A previous blog written August 2020 spoke about trauma, specifically in the black community. This month's book club discussion centers on the book, "What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing." by authors Dr. Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey. This book explores conversations on healing from past traumas through the stories of Winfrey's past. The overall premise is for people to understand how present day behaviors from others are the byproducts of past circumstances. The authors state that the question of, "what is wrong with me?" should be shifted to the question of "what happened to me?" in order to jumpstart the healing journey.
The book also takes the reader on a journey of understanding not only from a psychological perspective, but from a scientific perspective. Unresolved trauma affects the brain which leads to how our bodies respond to trauma-related stress through pain and medical ailments. The following are 3 key points gathered from the text:
1. Our earlier childhood experiences form and affect our brain as adults.
2. Our trauma can be dealt with by learning positive regulation strategies and setting boundaries.
3. Our support systems can help us overcome our past traumatic experiences.
Through everything, our communities we engage with on a daily basis (families, school, workplace, places of worship, etc.) need more information on how to be a support which can help anyone cope and heal. Join us on April 26 at 6pm as we unpack this topic even more with the understanding that we are not alone within our journey and healing process.
In His service,
Lequvia Ousley
