The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect.
– Peter A Levine

 

Throughout 2022, Succeed and Soar will offer eight posts. Each names a heart and mind, a soul and spirit  condition. Some concepts are new to me. With some, I seek better understanding.

This first “Soul Song” examines Wisdom of Trauma, the positive adaptation to psychological pain and turning those wounds into wisdom. Resilience. I’d never heard Wisdom of Trauma and decided to research and present a little information right before February 2^nd. In the United states, that date is called Groundhog Day. In other cultures, the moments between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox are called Candlemas, a Catholic ritual of purification, and Imbolc from ancient Britain, a celebration of ‘the washing of the earth’s face.’

Winter’s frigid barrenness can represent loss, disappointment and grief. During such periods, spring’s lush green, budding trees and flower-scented warmth can seem like memories from another life. Six weeks after the darkest day of the year seems a good time to consider what Dr. Bruce Perry calls,” the experience where you’ve been able to get through adversity, and  … take what you’ve learned and use that to see the world differently. You use your pain and transform it into power and help other people. I think of the most transformative people I’ve ever known. Every single one of them had personal pain and traumatic experience that was a core element of who they became.” See more.

Just as at Candlemas and Imbolc, a time when lambs are born and roots are developing from seeds fallen beneath snow and ice, some cultures address troubles in healing ways. The Japanese prepare for spring with mamemaki where they prepare lucky beans and throw them at people costumed as demons.  Here’s a water ritual for grief and trauma from the Wicca tradition. Competent medical counseling is an important way to turn trauma into grace and empowerment.

I hope these insights have been helpful.  I’m definitely glad to know about ‘Traumatic Wisdom’ and that it means:

… redirecting your pain towards something constructive, preferably something that affects the lives of others in a positive way. It can enable you to search and find true positive meaning in your life. As well as ultimately become better versions of yourself. 
Source

A Powerful Resource & Must-See Film:  Discovering the Wisdom of Trauma 

“First Flowers 2b” (c) 2005 Sandra Gould Ford-All Rights Reserved This photograph is filtered to look like a water color painting. It was chosen because “First Flowers” reminds that spring always returns. Flowers bloom after winter.