War, Trauma and the Potential for Healing

These days I feel even more grateful than usual for my supportive practices of Continuum (mindful movement), meditation, and the ability to remind myself of my current age and resources (to help me not feel like a little one being easily overwhelmed). I look around my home and feel grateful to have one, as well as how quiet and beautiful it is, sitting on a hill with a view, surrounded by green gardens and the flowering of spring. I am only too aware that there are so many people who find themselves suddenly homeless in the wake of war. They don’t even have the basics of food and water or safe shelter.

The war in the Ukraine brings into focus the immense suffering human beings can encounter in life. To those of us working therapeutically with trauma, it is easy to also perceive the suffering generated by unresolved psychological trauma. Of all the offerings to help, I am most moved learning about a trauma therapist who is traveling to the Ukraine to teach trauma therapy to those there who are in a position to enhance relief.

I am also touched by the potential I and others detect in our current global situation. My dear mentor, the late Emilie Conrad, spoke these words ten years ago in 2012.

“Each one of us sitting here is emblematic of a universe of incredible potential. This is a time, THIS TIME, on this planet, where we have opportunity for immense capability to be present. Wherever there is difficulty, there is a time for ingenuity. There is a time for capacity to grow more.”

Emilie pointed out that each of us is a microcosm of the macrocosm. We are an expression of a planetary process, not isolated from the whole but aspects of the whole.

Trauma creates a breach, a separation, propelling us into the illusion of separation. Within this perceived isolation, we can forget our inherent connectedness with all other humans, with all beings, including the flowers, the trees, the rivers and oceans. This isolative status enables us to harm other expressions of the whole. This can express as war, terrorism, racism, disrespectful treatment of each other and the planet of which we are also a part.

At times like this, when unnecessary war (is it ever necessary?) wages, when climate change threatens our future, when a pandemic promotes fear and polarization between members of a community or even a family, we need to practice remembering who we are.

Potential Connectedness

Prior to and beyond the illusion of separation and its accompanying fear is our inherent connectedness and love. We all have this potential. It is part of our human nature.

We have the potential to grow, to remember and embody our ingenuity and apply it to the current reality.

Continuum, as Emilie taught it, supports us in melting the inhibitors to our naturally fluid nature. Fluid is not interested in division. Water flows where it can. Where there are barriers due to density in our tissues and our habits, we can begin to dissolve them as we slow down, soften and return to a sense of fluid wholeness.

I have always found my Continuum practice melts my heart. Old emotions held there are released, and love seemingly pours out in their place. I want to share that love with all beings. I sense my connectedness. Hurting another would be like intentionally injuring a part of my own body.

I want to treat other with care, compassion, and respect. I begin with myself and then find it easier with others. I acknowledge and hold the little one in me that experienced so much trauma and still needs the love and protection she missed back then.

Extending Good Will

When I meditate, I take some time to intentionally extend the good feelings in my body, the love and warmth in my heart, the sense of good will towards all beings. I envision those suffering as I allow my arms to energetically embrace them or the planet.

May all beings be happy. May all beings be peaceful. May all beings be free to move and live. May all beings be safe. May all beings know their inherent freedom and luminosity.

What supports you in knowing your inherent goodness and passing it on in your interactions with others and the world you live in?