Weaving Resilience: Healing Generational Trauma

The podcast "Whispers from Eden" explores the power of inner strength and aims to guide listeners on a journey of self-discovery. In the episode "Emotional Landscapes," the host, Deanna, shares her personal experiences of grief and emotional turmoil. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing our emotions, as they shape our lives and relationships. Deanna discusses generational trauma and its impact on individuals and communities, highlighting the need for healing and breaking the cycle. She also explores the manifestations of generational trauma, including emotional dysregulation, mental health disorders, and physical ailments. By recognizing and addressing generational trauma, we can foster healing, resilience, and transformation. Welcome to Whispers from Eden, a path to inner strength. A gentle whisper, a subtle nudge, a quiet word of encouragement, all have the power to transform, and that's what we're here about. In every episode, we will seek to cultivate a space that echoes the serenity and wisdom of Eden, exploring profound insights and sharing enlightening stories that guide us along the path to inner strength. In this auditory sanctuary, we delve deep into the landscapes of the mind, exploring the untrodden paths, challenging the limiting beliefs that shackle us, and planting seeds of resilience, courage, and fortitude. This is your journey and your destination, your path to uncovering the Eden within. Whether you're here for solace, seeking to bolster your resolve, or on a quest for personal growth, let the Whispers from Eden guide you towards your inner strength. Hi, I'm your host Deanna, and I invite you to join me on this transformative journey. Now, let's get ready to attune our ears to the Whispers from Eden. Welcome to today's episode, Emotional Landscapes, Navigating the Depths of the Human Soul. In the vast panorama of human experience, emotions stand as the omnipresent yet often misunderstood entity. They are profound, complex, and incredibly influential, shaping the contours of our lives. Emotions are the colors on the canvas of human experience, and they add depth to our own experience. They guide our actions, and they profoundly influence our relationships. In this episode, I really want to explore the enigmatic phenomena, shedding light on the significance and implications of emotions. This exploration dives deep into the realm of emotions, their spectrum, their value, and their role as conduits to our innermost selves. This journey will help us understand why it is important to listen to our emotions, and how doing so can lead to enhanced self-awareness, personal growth, and overall well-being. Let us begin the journey into understanding and appreciating the intricate labyrinth of our emotions. I want to begin by talking a little bit about my last 12 months. You see, for anyone who has followed my journey, are aware that my husband passed away suddenly in January 2020 of a brain aneurysm. We then went into a worldwide lockdown, so I really never grieved his death deeply, or processed the emotions attached to that grief until last year. It all started when I started to rediscover myself, who I was, trying to figure out who the woman was in the mirror, the woman that I was looking at. I started blossoming into this beautiful butterfly, and I bought new clothes and new makeup, and I did my hair, and I started getting healthy, and I was hiking, and I was physically feeling amazing, and I was toned and fit, and all those beautiful things. I thought to myself, this is great, I'm starting to really come into myself. Then all of a sudden, things started creeping into my life that created absolute emotional chaos. I had a sibling show up out of the blue. That ended up not being a good relationship. However, that relationship brought some truth to the light with regards to my own childhood that was extremely, extremely difficult to deal with. It opened my heart to someone and was so incredibly hurt and broken by that relationship. My unbelievable, incredibly strong brother had a stroke. My father died, and I discovered that I was living in a very sick house that was full of black mold. So it started affecting my autoimmune system and pulling my fibromyalgia out of remission, which had been in remission for over 20 years. And then the pain started, which stopped me from being able to go on my hikes, which was forcing me to stay inside more exposed to the mold. It was literally a series of events that just catapulted to March the 8th, 2023, when all of a sudden, I had an episode called transient global amnesia, while with a friend, and I don't remember hours of my life, and it will never come back. It affected me in such a deep, profound way that I was not really able to even process that. And I began the in-depth internal spiral into my own emotions. My brain was a mess. My body was a mess. I was gaining weight. I was feeling horrible. I was depressed. I was all of these things while still trying to slam out work with regards to my content, my app and all these things and not letting people down that were depending on me and my followers. And I was so incredibly focused to actually get out of this mess when I had a friend who had a cabin and we had had a conversation and we've been talking about where I was within my life and my mental health and all that. And she offered me to come stay at her cabin to heal. And so it was a massive, massive, massive move. I can't even describe it. Only to find out as I was just starting to get healthy, and I was just starting to feel my head was clear. I was the numbness in my feet was gone. All of these sorts of things. The pain was probably 50% better. I felt confident that I could start hiking again soon. All of these things were slowly starting to come into play, only to find out that I have to move immediately. We're in a housing crisis. There's nowhere to go. I drained my resources to make this move. And it was a huge move. And I'm not going to get into that for many different reasons. I'm talking about this because I'm talking about what led me to today. How I feel today in this moment. You see, I had a photo taken today. And I looked at that photo and I don't recognize that woman in that photo. I have put on weight. I look unhealthy. I look exhausted. I do not know that woman in that photograph. And I sat and I stared at her and I began to cry because I thought to myself, how the hell did I let this happen to me? And I understand I was extremely sick. And I understand I can't beat myself up. But you do it's it's it's a natural human response to do that. So I wanted to really talk about and open up emotions, generational trauma, how all of these things affect us. And what happens when we don't deal? We don't feel we don't allow ourselves to try to fully understand the depth of the pain that we were having. I even worked with a therapist and I did some pretty intensive shadow work as well. And I was really feeling good, starting to feel good, I thought. But the reality was, I was still physically sick. I was being exposed to toxic black mold on a daily basis. And as as spring was coming, and the dampness was coming and the heat was turned off, the moisture in the house was creating a toxic cesspool. And I was becoming even more and more and more and more sick, unable to work, unable to generate the income that I needed, all of those sorts of things. I was terrified. How do you move forward in that vicious spin cycle? So I moved, I got settled into the cabin, it needed a lot of work to get here, I had to move everything that was here out, clean it out, all kinds of stuff had to be done, because the owner had was at West, so was unable to be here during all of that. So we hired a crew, we got done, moved my stuff in and, and all that. I didn't realize how incredibly sick I was until the exhaustion hit from the move. I couldn't physically function for about the first four weeks. After the move, I was in excruciating pain, I was trying deeply to get things done to work through my list to to write content and all of those sorts of things. But at the end of the day, I was unbelievably psychologically and physically exhausted and spiritually broken. I want to begin by delving in a little deeper into understanding emotions, because you see, we're taught as children, emotions are bad. We can't show that we're sad or scared or any of those things. So we're taught to swallow the emotions, and to not allow ourselves to feel. And that is the internal programming that we are built with as we grow into adults, and we bring that into our own lives. The reality is, is emotions, in essence, are the universal language of the human psyche. They are profound and potent, undeniably impacting our thoughts, actions, and even our perspectives. Emotions embody a myriad of experiences, ranging from elation to devastation, love to apathy, and calm to turmoil. They reside at the core of our being, silently shaping our identity and life trajectory. Our emotions exist on an expansive continuum, with varying shades of intensity and subtlety. The ebullient heights of joy and love might make our hearts flutter, infusing our lives with vibrancy and pleasure. On the contrary, the depths of sorrow, anger, and fear may feel overwhelming, sometimes engendering desolation. Yet, it's crucial to recognize that every emotion, irrespective of its nature or intensity, carries an intrinsic worth. You see, they're not inherently good or bad. They merely reflect our subjective experiences and responses to the different circumstances. Each emotion actually unfolds a distinct narrative about ourselves, which sometimes we really don't want to see. It's like a key that might be unlocking a hidden part of our mind and soul. Again, a part we don't want to see. Emotions reveal our own aspirations, values, insecurities, and subconscious thoughts. They even shed light on our own personal history, shaping our personality and, to a significant extent, our own destiny. And they also play an essential role in our interpersonal dynamics, influencing how we communicate, empathize, and even connect with others. Understanding our emotions becomes an integral part of our own self-awareness and our own personal growth. It's akin to navigating a complex labyrinth, where each emotion is a pathway leading to a deeper comprehension of our innermost self. As we learn to identify, articulate, and manage our emotions, we actually gain emotional intelligence, which has profound implications for our own mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. However, understanding emotion is not merely about intellectual recognition. It's a bit of an experimental process that requires us to genuinely feel and wholeheartedly accept our own emotional states. Our society often promotes emotional suppression. Especially for emotions perceived as negative or undesirable. Yet, dismissing or ignoring our emotions only leads to an accumulation of unprocessed feelings, which may later manifest as psychological distress or somatic symptoms. On the contrary, though, when we validate and express our emotions, we actually pave the way for emotional release and healing. This process might involve tears, laughter, silence, or even a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Regardless, it's a testament to our own emotional honesty and resilience. You see, understanding emotions also implies recognizing their transient nature. Emotions, like waves, ebb and flow. They come and they go. They peak and they lower. This realization can be empowering, especially during periods of intense emotional distress. Reminding us that absolutely no emotional state is everlasting. There's always light after the darkness. Furthermore, understanding our emotions equips us with the ability to exercise emotional regulation. Emotional regulation does not mean actually suppressing or controlling our emotions at all. Instead, it's about consciously navigating our own emotional landscape, responding to our emotions in ways that are constructive and congruent with our own values and goals. Emotional regulation techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal, and self-compassion greatly facilitate this whole process. So you see, understanding emotions is actually a lifelong journey of self-discovering growth. Don't put a timeline on it. Don't beat yourself up if you have a bad day. It actually invites you to listen to the silent whispers of your own soul, exploring those uncharted terrains of your own psyche and embrace the full spectrum of your own emotional experience. See, as we embark on this journey that we call life, we cultivate emotional resilience. We nurture healthier relationships and we foster a deeper, more compassionate connection with ourselves and the world around us. We can't really begin to focus on our own emotions until we truly believe and fully understand that generational trauma is really a thing. And it's very complex. Generational trauma, also known as intergenerational or transgenerational trauma, is actually a multifaceted concept that has actually increasingly gained recognition within the field of psychology in recent years. Its emergence is a testament to the growing awareness of how trauma can actually reverberate across generations, casting shadows over individuals who may never have even directly experienced the original traumatic event. The mechanism behind the transfer of trauma is not inherently genetic or biological. Instead, it's actually rooted in patterns of shared experiences, behaviors, and even emotional dynamics. This is why neuro-linguistic programming is so effective. There's an understanding that the brain can be rewired. So, this pre-existing wiring or patterns permeate families, communities, and societies, creating a ripple effect that may actually span decades or even centuries. Consequently, the impact of traumatic experiences such as war, genocide, slavery, or personal abuses, it's not confined to those who directly experienced them. You see, it's their echoes can be discerned in the subsequent generations, manifesting in various complex in often debilitating ways. Adverse childhood experiences, otherwise known as ACEs, play a central role in the propagation of generational trauma. ACEs refer to traumatic incidents occurring during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. These experiences can alter a child's developmental trajectory, shaping their actual cognitive, emotional, and social growth. The trauma resulting from ACEs can extend far beyond childhood, influencing the individual's behavior, their mental health, and relationships in their adulthood. Notably, parents who have experienced ACEs are more likely to unwittingly perpetuate similar patterns of behavior, creating a cycle of trauma that can actually span generations. A parent who has experienced abuse may consciously or unconsciously resort to similar behaviors when dealing with their own children, thereby passing on the trauma. It's a horrible nightmare to even wrap your head around. Additionally, parents grappling with unresolved trauma may exhibit emotional unavailability, neglect, or overprotection, which can indirectly influence their child's emotional and psychological well-being. These are all of the things that came to the surface for me in the last year, was fully understanding why I had such a detachment to certain people, things, and feelings and emotions. It was a huge wake-up call for me. And that's what started the shadow work. You see, the generational impact of trauma also takes form in a more subtle, less visible way. The transmission can occur through learned behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes. For example, a family that has experienced severe poverty may instill in their children an intense fear of scarcity, leading to anxiety or overcompensation in their approach towards money and resources. Again, a key issue in the programming within my own family. It's also important to note that generational trauma is not limited to family units. It can affect entire communities or ethnic groups. My historical family comes from the Acadians who were deported in the 1700s. Families ripped apart, never to be seen again, put on boats and shipped out of Nova Scotia. So you see, the reality is this collective type of trauma, such as that, war, genocide, or even forced displacement, which is what happened to the Acadians, can actually imprint themselves on the collective consciousness, influencing that shared cultural, societal, and emotional landscape. Interestingly, though, research in the field of epigenetics has suggested that trauma may also leave a biological imprint on our genes, which can actually be passed down through future generations. So while these epigenetic changes do not actually alter the DNA sequence itself, they can influence how genes are expressed, potentially affecting an individual's vulnerability to stress, mental disorders, and other health outcomes. So, however, while the existence of generational trauma is undeniable, it's equally crucial to understand that it is not an inevitable destiny. You see, recognizing the patterns of generational trauma and seeking appropriate help can initiate a process of healing and breaking that cycle, offering hope for the trauma-free future, not only for yourself, but for subsequent generations. So in essence, generational trauma can open a window into understanding how our past, even the past that comes generations before our own existence, shapes our future. It's a testament to the enduring impact of traumatic experiences, the importance of trauma-informed approaches to mental health in education and in social services. By unraveling these complexities, we can actually pave the way for our own healing, resilience, and transformation. I want to go a little deeper and talk a little bit about the significance and manifestations of generational trauma. Generational trauma is akin to an invisible thread weaving its way through the tapestry of a family or community's lineage. Its impact reverberates across time, silently transferring its burdensome legacy from one generation to the next, hidden within the crevices of our own psyche. It subtly influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, manifesting into a myriad of ways that are often misunderstood or overlooked. These manifestations might surface as seemingly inexplicable fears or anxieties, but perhaps maybe a phobia that seems to have no basis in personal experiences, or an innate sense of dread and unease that lurks in the background of one's own consciousness. Emotional dysregulation characterized by intense fluctuating emotions and difficulties in managing your own emotional responses is another very common symptom associated with generational trauma. Generational trauma can also present itself as chronic depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. These disorders might appear to emerge out of the blue, confounding both the afflicted individuals and their loved ones. Often the origins of these conditions may be traced back to unresolved traumas from the past, reverberating through generations. Physical ailments too can be a manifestation of generational trauma. Somatic symptoms such as chronic pain, digestive issues, or cardiovascular diseases might be the body's way of expressing the distress caused by trauma. Emerging research in the field of psychosomatic medicine has been seen increasingly acknowledging the link between psychological trauma and the physical health outcomes. The relevance of generational trauma lies not just in its impact on an individual level, but even on a broader societal level, because it affects communities and it can shape collective memories of large groups of people, cultural narratives, and societal dynamics. Collective traumas, such as those caused by war, genocide, forced displacements, can leave deep scars on a collective psyche that is influencing societal attitudes, intergroup relations, and even policy decisions. You see, ironically, many people bearing the weight of generational trauma remain completely oblivious to its origins. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as inherent personality traits, personal failings, or even inexplicable quirks. This lack of awareness can compound the effects of the trauma, leading to deeper feelings of confusion, self-blame, and isolation. However, recognizing these subtle whispers of generational trauma can actually be a very potent catalyst for healing and transformation. It can shed light on the roots of our own fears, behaviors, and emotional patterns, facilitating a deeper understanding of ourselves and our heritage. The acknowledgment of generational trauma, however, is not about casting blame on our ancestors or dwelling in the past. It's about compassionately understanding our history to heal with our own present and shape a healthier, more resilient future. So, realizing and understanding the significance of generational trauma extends far beyond any academic interest, because its implications actually touch the core of our own personal and collective identities. So, emphasizing the importance of a trauma-informed approach to mental health, education, and social services is so important. By exploring and addressing the shadows cast by generational trauma, we can actually illuminate a path towards healing, growth, and even intergenerational resilience. We really need to be able to get to a point within our own lives where we break those chains and we build bridges to forge forward. It is actually imperative to our own healing process. This is really where I am in my journey right now. I've spent the last, I would say, 16 to 17 months breaking the chains, and now comes the exhausting part of actually building the bridges. You see, healing from generational trauma is an indispensable journey, and it's fraught with challenges and difficulties. It's a voyage into the very heart of your own self and your own collective memory, and that requires one hell of a deep resilience, unbelievable courage, and sheer determination. The process of healing could be likened to disentangling a complex knot that has been intricately woven over years and years and even decades, because it involves unraveling the past, understanding its impact on the present, and nurturing a healthier, more compassionate future. The importance of healing cannot be overstated at all. It serves as a pivotal step in liberating individuals from a burdensome legacy of their own past, allowing them to actually reclaim their future. You see, it provides the key to understanding the roots of their own fears, their behaviors, and emotional patterns, empowering them to change course and cultivate healthier ways of being. That, in fact, it's messy, dirty, dark, and exhausting, but you can do it. You see, healing from generational trauma is akin, again, to breaking invisible shackles, picturing yourself being shackled your whole life. These chains bind individuals to repetitive cycles of pain, dysfunction, and unfulfilled potential. It's the unfulfilled potential that is so hard to see. They stifle their own growth and create barriers to personal development. Through the process of healing, individuals can shatter these shackles, releasing that pent-up pain, unprocessed emotions, and those self-limiting beliefs that have passed down through generation after generation. You see, the healing journey also promotes emotional wellness and fosters more resilience. Because by addressing and processing this trauma, individuals learn to manage their emotions more effectively, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and actually enhancing their own emotional intelligence. Pretty cool, eh? See, the development of resilience empowers them to navigate future challenges more effectively, transforming adversity into a catalyst for growth and development. But moreover, it acts as an act of healing and not as an isolated process that benefits just that individual alone. You see, it impacts ripples across time, influencing a trajectory for future generations. You're building a bridge and fixing the future. Healing disrupts the cycle patterns of trauma, preventing its transmission into offspring. And it paves the way for a brighter, healthier future, where children are not weighed down by the unresolved issues of their own ancestors. Sounds pretty heavy, doesn't it? In essence, the act of healing one's own wounds can also act as love and protection towards future generations. And furthermore, healing generational trauma is a profound societal implication as well, because it contributes to social transformation, fostering empathy, understanding and unity within communities. Again, pretty cool, eh? By addressing the collective traumas and shared pain, societies actually are able to then move towards reconciliation, social justice and even peace. The journey of healing, however, must be remembered, it is not a linear process, because it involves setbacks and triumphs, tears and laughter, pain and liberation. It requires patience, self-compassion and often professional support. It's a lifelong commitment to oneself and to the generations that will follow. So, you see, healing from generational trauma is a significant undertaking with far-reaching implications. But it's a testament to the amazing strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience. It is the key to breaking the chains of the past, liberating the present, and nurturing a future where individuals and societies can thrive unburdened by the shadows of inherited trauma. Let's talk a little bit now about embracing the pain and how that can be a crucible of your own healing. You see, the journey towards healing from generational trauma often begins with a seemingly paradoxical act, the conscious decision to embrace our own pain. This process requires courage, self-compassion, and a degree of vulnerability that many find very intimidating. However, it is through this initial acknowledgement and acceptance of our own suffering that the path to healing and transformation actually unfolds. In a society that frequently promotes relentless positivity and equates happiness with success, the acknowledgement of pain and suffering can feel like swimming against the tide, which is such bullshit. Because we're often taught to avoid discomfort and suppress painful emotions or put on a brave face, regardless of what turmoil might be unfolding internally. This evasion might bring momentary relief, but it serves as a catalyst to the pain within us, allowing it to fester and often exacerbate the unresolved trauma. Embracing our pain is a radical act of self-honesty. And it involves acknowledging that we are actually hurt, that we carry wounds and scars and perhaps even gaping holes of emotional pain, crevices in the depths of our own soul. It demands that we remove the masks of this so contentment that we so frequently wear to placate ourselves and others. This is not an invitation to wallow in self-pity or despair, nor is it an endorsement of suffering. Instead, it is a very courageous step towards authenticity, a commitment to honor our own emotional truths, however painful they might be. I have to tell you, I have received an incredible amount of criticism from people, because I chose to be very public during my grief journey. And then last year, my mental health breakdown and the healing journey coming up from the pits of hell. I was so incredibly deeply criticized by people and even now continuing. So because people don't understand how incredibly important it is to speak your truth, to get the words out and to allow yourself to feel and deal. You see, this act of embracing our pain also involves allowing our own selves to experience our emotions fully. Rather than stifling back the tears or suppressing our anger, we actually permit these emotions to flow through us. And we allow ourselves to cry and scream and vent and mourn. By doing so, we create a space for these emotions to actually exist, to be seen, heard, and eventually processed and released. One key aspect of embracing pain is to adopt a compassionate non-judgmental attitude towards ourselves. You see, it involves recognizing that it is okay to hurt, to feel overwhelmed and to be vulnerable. It's all about acknowledging our shared human condition. Understanding that pain, just like joy, is an integral part of our own existence. You see, embracing our own pain enables us to map the contours of our own trauma, understanding its roots, its triggers, and its manifestations. Sounds fun, doesn't it? It can be because it can be very enlightening and you feel so much lighter at the end. By closely examining our own emotional responses and behavioral patterns, we can gain insights into the nature and impact of the generational trauma that we carry. Therefore setting the stage for targeted healing interventions. You see, understanding and accepting by embracing your pain that it becomes a potent catalyst for your own healing and encourages emotional honesty, self-compassion and vulnerability. I know, but it really helps. And it paves the way to your own authentic, true self, your own authentic self-expression, and your psychological liberation. It provides us with valuable insights into the intricacies of our own trauma, empowering us to actually navigate the healing journey with courage, resilience and hope. And above all, it actually grants us permission to be human, to experience the full spectrum of our own emotions, and to embark on our own healing journey at our own pace, while honoring our unique experiences and realities. Now comes the fun part, decoding the signposts and symptoms of your unresolved trauma. You see, unresolved trauma often operates like a shadowy figure lurking in the periphery of our own consciousness. It's elusive and influences our lives in a very subtle, yet profound way. And one of the paths that it often takes is the manifestation of symptoms that can actually be bewildering and seemingly disconnected from our own current experiences. You see, recognizing these symptoms can be a crucial first step in the healing process that's actually providing you valuable insights into the nature and impact of the generational trauma that we are carrying. You see, one common symptom of unresolved trauma is the presence of inexplicable fears and anxieties. And these can manifest as irrational phobias, intense feelings of dread associated with specific situations or people, or a general sense of anxiety that seems to pervade everyday life. Your fears might appear to have no direct link to your own personal experience, and they actually tend to then become very perplexing and distressing for you. Recurring nightmares or intrusive thoughts are other telltale signs of unresolved trauma. And these might involve disturbing images, scenarios or emotions that repeatedly surface in one's dreams or daydreams. And often these nightmares or intrusive thoughts are symbolically connected to the trauma carried within that individual's psyche, serving as a subconscious attempt to process that unresolved pain. Emotional validity is another more common symptom. You see, individuals with unresolved trauma might find their emotions fluctuating wildly with sudden boats of anger, sadness, fear, seemingly coming out of nowhere. This emotional roller coaster can be disruptive and confusing, leaving you feeling emotionally drained and out of control. And then there's persistent feelings of emptiness or disconnection that can also indicate unresolved trauma. You see, people might struggle with a chronic sense of numbness, a lack of purpose, or a feeling of just not being fully present in their own life. People might even find it difficult to form deep, meaningful connections with other people, or even experience a deep sense of loneliness, even when they're surrounded by people. There's such a disconnect. That's where I've been. I feel like I'm connected, but then I'm realizing very much so looking back, I'm very disconnected. It's a very bizarre thing to wrap our heads around. Self-sabotaging behaviors are another very common symptom and individuals will find themselves repeatedly undermining their own success or happiness by engaging in destructive behaviors or making choices that seem quite counterproductive. Well, these patterns can be frustrating and confusing, yet they're often rooted with unresolved trauma, serving as misguided attempts to coping with underlying pain. Finally, the inclination towards toxic relationships are such a sign of unresolved trauma. Individuals might repeatedly find themselves in relationships categorized by abuse, neglect, or emotional unavailability. You see, these patterns can be deeply ingrained, often reflecting a dysfunctional dynamic experience in the individual's family of origin. I don't want to sound like I'm beating up my family. This is really about understanding generational trauma and how it affects people. Nobody's to blame here. It's a matter of peeling away the layers to be able to figure out exactly how to fix it. That's what this last 16 months has done for me. It has peeled away layers to a point that I had a wide open, festering wound that I literally had to deal with. So you see, what happens is all of these symptoms, they can bewilder us as we're experiencing them. And we seemingly disconnect from our own present experiences. However, they are not random or inexplicable anomalies. Rather, they serve as signposts, pointing towards buried trauma, nudging individuals to delve a little deeper into their own emotional landscape and untangle the knots of their past. By understanding and acknowledging what these symptoms look like, you can actually initiate the process of your own healing. It's essential to approach this process with compassion towards yourself, patience, and recognizing that these symptoms are not your own personal failures, but survival mechanisms that have outlived their usefulness. It's a great time to release the shackles. So keeping in mind, these are not things that can tend to be done by reading a self help book. Really take a look at seeking out professional help. Because all of these symptoms can be managed and your brain can be rewired and that underlying trauma can be addressed, paving the way for healing, growth, and personal transformation. This is where the fun begins, learning how to harness the power within yourself. Because you have so many tools within you for healing. You see, embarking on the journey of healing from generational trauma is a very transformative process that requires you to have a pretty well stocked toolbox. And this toolkit consists of various strategies and practices that can actually facilitate introspection, emotional processing, and psychological growth. And it also requires a deep sense of patience, compassion and persistence, as well as a firm commitment to oneself and to one's well being. The first tool for healing is actually self awareness. And this involves recognizing the symptoms of your own own unresolved trauma by tracing them back to their actual roots and understanding their impact on your life. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of your emotions, your behaviors, thought patterns and triggers. Self awareness actually allows you to view your symptoms not as inherent personal flaws, but as signposts pointing towards the trauma that needs to be addressed. It also empowers us to take conscious control over our own healing journey by directing our efforts where they are most needed. Mindful practices are actually very powerful tools for cultivating self awareness. You see techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness based stress reduction, MBSR, can enhance our own capacity to remain present in the moment by observing our thoughts and feelings without any judgment, and by cultivating a sense of inner peace and balance. Meditation, for instance, enables us to create a space of stillness within ourselves, allowing us to witness our internal landscape without being fully swept away by it. Yoga, on the other hand, is a practice that combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation. But it also helps to release physical tension and promote emotional balance by fostering a sense of unity with the body and mind. Journaling is a invaluable tool for fostering self awareness and facilitating emotional processing. Video journaling is also extremely effective. It provides you a safe and private space for you to express your thoughts, your feelings, your fears and your hopes. I chose to do it publicly, which put me in a bit of a different position. But that that was my decision and was very, very effective for me and continues to do so. You see, regular journaling can reveal patterns, triggers, and coping mechanisms providing valuable insights into maybe some of the nuances of your own personal trauma narratives that we have in our own minds. But it can also serve as a cathartic outlet by allowing us to vent our own emotions, reflect our own experiences and track our healing progress. Therapy, particularly trauma informed therapy, is an essential tool in your healing process. And this will provide this would also require professional guidance and support. So you see, facilitating the safe exploration and processing of traumatic experiences is key. So you would be looking at therapists who have experience and training and maybe therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, which is called CBT or this is very, very powerful eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, which is called EMDR, or even somatic therapies that can help address the multifaceted impact of trauma by promoting cognitive, emotional and and somatic healing. Support groups can also be beneficial, but pick them wisely, you don't want to go deeper into the pits of hell. So you have to be very careful that the support groups that you step into are very well facilitated by professionals, because they know when to pull back and gain control of the room. But they they can very much provide you a sense of community and solidarity, reminding you that you're not alone in your own struggle by sharing your experiences with others that have walked similar paths that can provide you and them comfort, validation and a mutual encouragement. And of course, lastly, self care practices are crucial tools for healing. And this includes ensuring adequate rest, maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. And self care is an affirmation of our worth and vital component of sustaining a healing journey. You see, the tools for healing from generational trauma are multifaceted, and they encompass self awareness practices and therapeutic interventions, supportive communities and self care strategies. The healing journey is deeply personal, and different tools will resonate with different individuals. But there's a ton of tools available out there for you. So it's essential to approach this process with openness and compassion, and patience, recognizing that healing is not a destination, but a continued journey of self discovery, growth and transformation. So understanding and learning how to navigate the peaks and valleys during your path of healing is imperative. You see, the path to healing from generational trauma is a journey and a journey marked by a tapestry of experiences, emotions and personal growth. It's a path that meanders through peaks and valleys that weave through moments of hope and despair, strength and vulnerability, setbacks and victories. Yet, each twist and turn each peak scaled and valley traversed serves as an important milestone within your own healing process. The healing journey is not a linear one and it doesn't follow a straightforward trajectory from pain to recovery. Instead, it often resembles a winding path, where progress might be followed by apparent regressions, where moments of clarity might be interspersed with periods of confusion. And it's important to remember that these fluctuations are not indicative of failure, but are integral parts of the healing process. Each setback is an opportunity for learning and growth, each victory a testament to resilience and strength. With each step taken on this path, with each tear shed, and each fear confronted, you can chip away at the formidable bedrock of trauma. Each encounter serves to loosen the grip of the past, making way for resilience, strength and ultimately healing to emerge. It's the raw vulnerability of these moments that true transformation occurs. Healing from generational trauma is an act of tremendous courage and profound self love. It requires acknowledging a deep seated wound inherited from your past while recognizing and embracing the innate strength of the present moment and within you. It involves nurturing a healthier, brighter future, one where the chains of past trauma no longer dictate the course of our own life. The healing journey encourages individuals to fully experience their own emotions, and to grant themselves permission to hurt, to grief, to express their deepest fears and hopes. It underscores the importance of seeking help when needed, of reaching out to trusted individuals or professionals who can provide support, empathy and guidance. Remember, no one is alone in this journey. It's a shared human experience, one that connects all of us in our own collective struggle and victory. With patience, compassion and the right support system in place, healing becomes not just a distant possibility, but a certain reality. The journey might be long and at times arduous, but the destination, a life marked with self awareness, resilience and emotional freedom is undoubtedly worth your journey. As you embark on this transformative journey, you need to bear in mind the immortal words of Rumi, the wound is the place where the light enters you. I hear you. I've been glowing for months. Indeed, though, the very act of confronting and healing our wounds will allow the light of growth and strength and resilience to permeate into our lives. So to recap and close, as we navigate through this intricate landscape of emotions and generational traumas, it becomes evident that the journey towards healing is a path less traveled, yet one of profound significance. It's a voyage of self discovery, allowing us to confront the shadows of our past on masking the elusive figure of generational trauma that is silently echoed through the generations. Understanding our emotions and the generational trauma we carry is a formidable task, but it's the first step towards healing. Emotions are not just the feeling, they are powerful indicators of our own internal world, reflecting our deepest fears, aspirations and the invisible burdens that we carry. Generational trauma, a silent inheritance of pain and adversity, manifests itself through a myriad of symptoms, whispering tales of unresolved pain. Healing and choosing to heal from trauma is a huge act of courage, resilience and self love, because it requires you to go through uncharted terrains of your past, confronting those well entrenched trauma and pain cycles that we continue to live through. It necessitates acknowledging the presence of pain, allowing ourselves to fully experience our own emotions and to seek help when we need it. And the tools to facilitate this healing process are as diverse as they are empowering. Ranging from fostering self awareness, practicing mindfulness, journaling, seeking therapy to participating in support groups, and then of course, nurturing your own self care practices. Remember, the path to healing is often windy, marked with peaks and valleys, setbacks and victories. Yet each step forward, no matter how small your stride is towards liberation from your chains of past trauma. And it paves the way for resilience, strength in the future brimming with hope and possibilities. You see ultimately healing from generational trauma rewrites your own narrative, transforming inherited stories of pain and adversity into tales of resilience, growth and transformation. It breaks the cycle of transmitted trauma, freeing future generations from the inherited burdens of the past. It's an affirmation of our inherent worth, a testament to our own resilience and a beacon of hope that illuminates the path for others embarking on their own healing journey. So as I conclude, it is essential to remember that you're not alone in this, not in this journey. Countless others, including myself have walked and continue to walk this path, confronting our own generational trauma, finding our own resilience and forging a path to healing with patience, compassion and unwavering courage. Healing is not just a remote possibility, but an attainable certainty. So in the grand tapestry of life, generational trauma represents the darker threads that have been woven through our families and our histories. And again, not blaming anybody in particular. It is just a thing, a real thing. But the process of healing allows us to introduce new threads, vibrant hues of resilience, strength and hope. And through this transformation, we are not discarding or disregarding the past at all. Instead, we are embracing it, acknowledging it and learning from it and choosing to weave a future that reflects not only where we've come from, but also where we are determined to go. And in doing so, we are creating a legacy of healing, understanding and resilience for generations to come. You can do this. Listening to the podcast was your first step in understanding and allowing yourself the tools to move forward. Thank you for being here.