What is collective trauma?

Collective trauma refers to the psychological repercussions experienced by a group of people who share a traumatic experience, often extending across generations. This can emerge from large-scale societal events such as wars, genocides, terrorist attacks, pandemics, or natural disasters. Collective trauma impacts the shared identity of the group and can manifest in various ways, from shared grief and fear to changes in cultural behaviors, beliefs, and values. The collective memory of the trauma can become a defining aspect of the group's identity, influencing its narratives, customs, and relationships, and often requires collective processes of acknowledgment, grief, and healing.

Colonial legacies hurt the collective

Colonial legacies continue to cast a shadow on present-day societies, impacting various groups in multifaceted ways. White individuals often grapple with unconscious biases, guilt, and a homogenized cultural identity, erasing richer ancestral histories. Women bear the burdens of double oppression, as colonialism amplified patriarchal structures, leading to additional layers of marginalization and exploitation. Marginalized communities confront the compounded effects of colonization, from enforced hierarchies to cultural erasure. These enduring imprints of colonization ripple out to society at large, perpetuating divisions, misunderstandings, and systemic injustices.

Everyone has trauma, it’s what you do to move through it

Being alive means experiencing the gamut of life- including pain, suffering, death, fear and trauma. The idea is not that we escape it or somehow bypass it all with rainbows and bright light- no, that idea would not honoring the human experience. Instead, we are working with the intuitive wisdom of our psyche and body to move thorugh it, to accept it, to learn from it. This is what we call, alchemy.

Rituals and devotion are ways to alchemize stored trauma (energy)

To ‘alchemize’ something refers to the process of transforming or transmuting it from one state or form into another, especially in a manner that improves or elevates its nature, akin to the ancient alchemical practice of attempting to turn base metals into gold. In modern contexts, the term is often used metaphorically to describe turning negative experiences or emotions into positive ones or finding growth and value from challenges.

Trauma passed through DNA

Trauma can be transferred from one generation to the next through more than just shared stories and behaviors; it can also manifest at a molecular level. Trauma can leave an epigenetic mark on an individual's genes, which can be inherited by subsequent generations. While this does not result in a direct change or mutation of the DNA sequence itself, it influences how specific genes are expressed or activated.

This change in gene expression is termed epigenetic modification. Epigenetics delves into the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. Recent scientific studies have shown that traumatic experiences can alter epigenetic patterns, which in turn can influence the mental and physical health of the subsequent generation.

 Recent studies in the field of epigenetics suggest that unresolved trauma in the life of the mother gets passed along to offspring during gestation and affects the child’s likelihood of developing mental and physical diseases and the child’s ability to regulate and manage stress, potential, growth, and well-being. This process is referred to as Ancestral Trauma.

Ancestral Trauma: breaking the chains

Haudenosaunee wisdom shares with us that when we heal ourselves, we heal seven generations back into the past, and seven generations into the future. Every action we take must be with regard for our children’s future matters. We can use this as guidance for healing trauma. In rising above the remnants of one’s ancestors’ trauma, one helps to heal future generations, and their lineage. Transgenerational trauma can have significant affects on individual and family systems. Modern science is showing through the study of epigenetics what ancient cultures have known for many generations: unresolved trauma is passed down family lines. Our spirits have the power to heal this for ourselves and all our relations.

It is our birthright to be happy, connected, whole humans

Connection to one's deepest self is a cornerstone of mental and emotional well-being. To truly thrive and embody our most authentic selves, this connection is paramount. However, trauma can drastically distort and erode this bond.

Cognitively, trauma survivors often grapple with debilitating thoughts rooted in intensely negative core beliefs about themselves. These deeply ingrained beliefs can manifest as:

• "I will never be able to feel normal emotions again."

• "I feel like an object, not a person."

• "I do not recognize who I am anymore."

• "I feel devoid of life and emotion."

But there's hope. Medicine, like ketamine and psilocybin, when used with intention, have shown potential in rewiring and reprogramming these traumatic imprints. When combined with guided therapy, they can aid in forging new neural pathways, promoting healing, and fostering healthier self-perceptions. These therapeutic modalities work by helping individuals dismantle old traumatic narratives and co-create new agreements and beliefs about themselves, paving the way for profound transformation and renewed connection to one's essence. Ancient people knew this, and have been using plant medicine across lineages and time.

The Default Mode Network and it’s implications under threat

In the intricate map of the brain, the default mode network (DMN) stands out as a crucial region responsible for self-reflection and introspection. Positioned along the brain’s mid-line, the DMN becomes activated when we engage in self-related thoughts and experiences. Essentially, it plays a pivotal role in our sense of "self" and how we understand our place in the world.

However, when confronted with threats, the DMN can become overstimulated. Specifically, an intensifying ripple effect can occur between the DMN and the midbrain's innate alarm system (IAS), leading to heightened activity in the amygdala, a region of the brain central to our emotional responses. An overactive amygdala can skew our mental equilibrium, shifting our brain into a constant "flight-or-fight" mode, releasing a surge of cortisol. Cortisol, while essential in short bursts for dealing with immediate threats, when released continuously, becomes toxic to the body.

High cortisol levels can wreak havoc on physical health, leading to a cascade of issues ranging from high blood pressure to lowered immune function. Mentally, sustained cortisol release contributes to a gamut of disorders such as depression, chronic anxiety, and PTSD. For children raised in environments rife with abuse or emotional neglect, the repercussions are even more profound. These adverse childhood experiences can lay the groundwork for maladaptive neural wiring, resulting in heightened stress responses and an overactive nervous system.

Living perpetually in fight-or-flight mode is neither sustainable nor conducive to a fulfilled life. Beyond the physiological repercussions, this continuous state of high alert obstructs our ability to connect deeply with others, stifles our creativity, and distances us from experiencing life in its richness. Moreover, this heightened stress response dampens our capacity for cognitive flexibility, impeding problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. It limits our scope of attention and reduces our ability to engage in reflective and forward-thinking activities. In essence, being locked in a perpetual state of survival mode robs us of our fullest potential and capacity to experience life in its depth and richness.

In a broader societal context, understanding these neurological responses is crucial. Addressing the root causes and environments that perpetuate such responses can lead to more informed interventions and support systems, promoting healing and well-being for affected individuals.

The Impacts of Trauma 

At its core, trauma instills a heightened state of alertness, keeping individuals perpetually in a 'fight or flight' mode. This relentless state of stress creates barriers in forming trust, making it challenging to cultivate healthy, balanced relationships. Furthermore, trauma can lead individuals down the path of seeking temporary relief, often through substance misuse. Drugs and alcohol might offer a fleeting escape, a momentary feeling of “well-being,” but in the long run, they only exacerbate the isolation.

Trauma profoundly affects our ability to connect with others. To flourish, robust communities are essential. At the heart of these communities are individuals, and for individuals to thrive, deep and resilient bonds are paramount. Trauma can prevent us from bonding, and therefore thriving. 

The pathway beyond suffering

We don’t need to suffer. Suffering is old paradigm thinking, passed to us from generations of people who experienced multi-generational trauma, suffering, war, abuse, and hate. Through the realms of expanded states of consciousness, we can go to places our wounded mind won’t allow us to. We discover a bridge to the core of our being, linking us to the divine source, forebears, guiding spirits, nature's guardians, and our highest self.  And in this state where old wounds heal, self- love and self- respect are reclaimed, the ability to create community again ignites.

Whatever you are going through, love is the answer. Connection to others strengthens the bond of love.

Healing trauma is beneficial for several reasons:

◬ Physical Well-being: Unaddressed trauma can manifest in various physical symptoms, including chronic pain, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. Healing trauma can reduce or eliminate these symptoms.

◬ Emotional Stability: Traumatic experiences can lead to a range of emotional issues, from severe anxiety and depression to mood swings and emotional numbness. Addressing trauma can restore emotional balance, allowing individuals to experience a broader and healthier range of emotions.

◬ Improved Relationships: Unhealed trauma can negatively influence personal relationships, often leading to patterns of distrust, detachment, or conflict. By healing trauma, individuals can develop healthier relationships based on understanding, intimacy, and trust.

◬ Enhanced Cognitive Function: Trauma can affect memory, attention, and decision-making capabilities. Healing from trauma can lead to clearer thinking, improved memory, and better decision-making.

◬ Personal Growth: The process of healing can foster personal growth. Many individuals discover inner strengths, develop resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their life's purpose.

◬ Reduced Risk of Substance Abuse: Many people with unresolved trauma turn to drugs, alcohol, or other substances to cope. Healing trauma can reduce the reliance on these substances, leading to healthier coping strategies.

◬ Increased Presence: Those with unresolved trauma often report feeling "disconnected" or "distant" from the present moment. Healing allows individuals to be more present in their lives, leading to richer experiences and improved well-being.

◬ Freedom from the Past: Trauma can hold individuals hostage to their past, preventing them from moving forward. Healing provides freedom from this bondage, allowing individuals to create a new narrative for their lives.

◬ Beneficial for Future Generations: Research in epigenetics suggests that trauma can affect subsequent generations. By healing trauma, individuals not only benefit themselves but potentially future generations by breaking cycles of pain and dysfunction.

◬ Increased Capacity for Joy and Satisfaction: Healing from trauma can lead to an increased capacity for joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment in various aspects of life, from work to personal relationships.

◬ Enhanced Spiritual Connection: For some, the journey of healing from trauma deepens their spiritual connection, offering a renewed sense of purpose and understanding of their place in the universe.

Healing trauma is about reclaiming one's life. It enables individuals to move beyond the shadows of their past and embrace a future filled with potential, growth, and well-being.

Tuning into the frequency health

Sound healing is an ancient technology. Science is catching up to these ancient healing modalities. One of the leading doctors in epigenetics, Dr. Joe Dispenza, teaches ancient wisdom of vibration and resonance with an emphasizes on the transformative power of the mind. He believes that by regularly and intentionally tuning into the frequency of desired outcomes, individuals can manifest them in their lives. By combining clear intentions with elevated emotions and practicing focused meditation, one can rewire the brain and condition the body to align with these new beliefs and states. In essence, by consistently feeling the emotions of the desired future in the present moment, one draws that future into their current reality.

Everything on this planet has its own energy field, frequency, and vibration is rooted in quantum physics and is often attributed to the theories and principles surrounding wave-particle duality and the quantum field theory. Medicines too carry their own consciousness (when they come from plants) and energy signature. 

When we “tune into” the unique signature of the medicines energy, we tune into every soul that has also tuned to the frequency. On this path, we start to find others who are aligned through resonance. We also naturally have more empathy and love for others, as we are vibrating with them on a soul level through medicine. We may notice we are more easily able to read others thoughts, have more awareness for the world around us, and more spontaneous synchronicities. 

Attuning to the frequency of the earth

We are beings of energy. Every entity on Earth possesses a unique vibrational signature. Scientific research has identified the Earth's resonance at 432 Hz, a frequency associated with reducing stress and fostering equilibrium. Grounding practices - forest bathing, swimming in natural lakes and rivers and walking without shoes are so healing to our bodies.

The earth is rising to higher, 5d consciousness and she wants to heal

Our Earth yearns for healing. It silently calls for acknowledgment from its inhabitants of the pain that has marred its surface. Historical contexts shape regional identities. For instance, areas in America historically known for progressive ideologies and practices exhibit a continuation of these traits, with residents tending to be more forward-thinking, better educated, and enjoying improved life quality. Contrastingly, areas steeped in painful history might sometimes seem trapped in regressive loops.

Our current era, especially in the U.S., is marked by disconcerting violence: school shootings, child abuse, domestic violence, and more. The lingering energies of historical atrocities like slavery and genocide permeate the land, intertwining with our energy fields and psyches. This is explains why communities stay marginalized that live on land with significant historical trauma that has not received recognition and been cleared. This could be done with a community ritual or gathering, with a shared intention to release the trauma and with collective love and service to the land (through pickup up garbage, planting trees, singing songs, etc),

A new paradigm of earth-healing brings us back to earth-based teachings and practices

When we tread upon sites stained with the memories of unacknowledged violence, genocide, or intense suffering, we don't merely sense the lingering pain — it also amplifies our fears and reinforces the negative paradigms instilled in us. The continued marginalization of communities residing on such historically traumatized lands can often be attributed to this unaddressed and uncleared energy. Healing initiatives, be it through community ceremonies, collective intentions for trauma release, or acts of service like cleaning or tree planting, are steps toward restoring harmony.

Just as individuals periodically cleanse themselves of detrimental energies, Earth too seeks purgation. The intricate dance between energies in our body, the Earth, and our psyche holds significant influence over our perceptions. For someone deeply traumatized, their worldview gets filtered through their painful experiences, often with the lingering presence of the aggressor manifesting as perpetual fear of reliving that trauma. The Earth mirrors this — it retains and occasionally reenacts its traumatic past.

We are energetic, multi-dimensional beings having a human experience

As multi-dimensional beings, we resonate with energies and realms beyond what our five senses can perceive. Our emotions, intuitions, dreams, and even our spiritual encounters hint at the complexities and depths of our existence that go beyond the surface-level human experience. This perspective posits that our time on Earth, in these bodies, is just a brief chapter in a much grander cosmic story. The "human experience" we are currently undergoing is merely one facet of our expansive, multi-dimensional journey, offering us unique lessons, challenges, and growth opportunities.