My Journey of Life After Trauma
In this moment of reflection, my mind wanders back to the many trials and tribulations that once held me captive. The resounding trauma that was my constant companion seems quieter now, replaced by the peaceful hum of healing, a testament to the profound insights of Sydney Banks’ Three Principles.
His teachings have woven into my journey, illuminating the truth of my existence. The first of these principles, mind, confirmed my understanding that I was not a broken vessel, shattered into a thousand pieces, but a human being with an innate capacity for resilience and rejuvenation. I was lost in the labyrinth of pain, shame, and guilt, and every direction seemed to lead me deeper into the abyss of despair. Yet, the principle of mind reminded me that my life experience is created from within, that trauma was like a dark cloud of thought forms blocking out the sunshine of hope and happiness.
Then, the second principle, consciousness, allowed me to discover something that changed my life forever: the transformative power of healing. The realization that I could allow myself to heal was like a beacon of light guiding me out of the darkness. Consciousness helped me understand that I am not my thoughts or experiences but the awareness behind them. Through this heightened consciousness, I learned healing is about recovering from trauma and reclaiming our lives, identities, and potential.
The third principle, thought, was integral to my healing process. As I confronted my past, I realized my thoughts shaped my experience. Understanding and accepting what happened to me was the first step toward healing. I realized that I couldn’t change my past, but with the power of thought, I could decide how it would affect my future. For the longest time, I let my trauma define me, thinking of it as a heavy cloak, a constant reminder of my pain. But when I recognized that I was more than my thoughts, more than my trauma, that realization was incredibly empowering.
These principles guided me as I expressed my feelings, let go of guilt and shame, learned the importance of self-care, and asked for help. They were there as I mourned my life before the trauma, dropped my heavy load of guilt, started taking better care of myself, and sought support from others. They were the foundational understanding that allowed me to see that I am not my trauma, guilt, or shame but the thinker behind these experiences.
I am not fully healed, and I may never be, but with the understanding of these three principles, I know that healing from trauma is not a destination but a journey. There are still days when the echo of my trauma grows louder, and I feel like I’m back in that dark place. But those days are less frequent now, and I know how to navigate them. I have learned that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Healing is not linear; there are ups, downs, and even curves!
But every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory, for within each step lies the essence of divine wholeness. In wisdom, Sydney Banks reminds us, “Divine wholeness is not something we need to acquire; it is something we need to uncover.” Through my journey, these principles have guided me to rediscover the inherent completeness within me. Gratitude fills my heart as I recognize that divine wholeness is my birthright, a sacred inheritance that transcends the limitations of my past experiences. No longer defined by my trauma, I stand tall in the embrace of my resilience, a testament to the transformative power of the three principles. In this knowing, I transcend the label of survivor, embracing the radiance of a magnificent thriver, shining forth the light of divine wholeness in every step I take.
