| Description |
This thesis will cover my research into the many ways elements of spirituality influence of the journey of healing from trauma for adults, and possible growth as a result. The basic premise is that trauma experienced in childhood leaves deep wounds which play out in detrimental ways in potentially all areas of a person's life, more specifically how we relate to others, ourselves, the world and the Divine. Trauma disconnects us. Spirituality is about our connections. Healing from trauma inherently means reconnecting, so how can spirituality help? The healing journey is partly the ongoing work to excavate, process, and move out the wounds of the past. This involves examining old beliefs, behaviors, and ways of relating while also integrating new ways and ideas. The healing journey is highly intersectional, and tailored to each individual. It inherently involves the arenas of the mind, emotions, body, and spirit-as each human being has all four components and they work synergistically. Many Western paradigms compartmentalize these arenas to work with them separately, which reduces the effectiveness of their treatments by ignoring their interrelatedness. This study focused on this interrelatedness through qualitative interviews in a narrative inquiry style with eight participants. The world urgently needs healing and reconnection but it cannot be forced or coerced. To do so would be to deepen the original wounds. Rather, people need slow and safe experiences of nourishing connection, embodied joy, and calming presence while given space for reflection and expression. |
