The Impact of Trauma on Self-Perception
Trauma can cloud our perception, distorting our self-image, self-esteem, and understanding of ourselves. This often leads to a misidentification, where we embody the ugly, fearful, or horrific feelings we experience - or we project these onto the world around us.
These distortions reflect our interactions with ourselves and others, whether we wish it or not, especially when we are unaware. At the heart of this lies an inner world shaken by chaos and insecurity.
Trauma can exile us from our bodies and from a sense of safety in the world. This experience can feel incredibly painful and hopeless once we have been "banished." Deep down, often unconsciously, we remember why we felt the need to escape our physical reality.
The Importance of Consciousness
Without the authority of consciousness anchored in our bodies, we lose the ability to act authentically and effectively. We struggle to discern and understand what is happening within us, making it challenging to integrate our experiences and let go of what no longer serves us.
When integration is lacking, we may redirect natural responses - such as anger, disgust, or revulsion - against ourselves or others in unhealthy ways.
Pathways to Safety
Any means we can use to return to a sense of safety is valuable. Shiatsu, art, nature, and meditation provide pathways that allow us to reconnect with our bodies and restore trust in ourselves. Through these practices, we can begin to regulate our internal states.
We cannot run from our history or make it disappear, but it is possible to find space again to embrace who we are beyond the wounds and pain we may have suffered, and live in alignment with our true selves.
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