Integritus Prime

Recently, I hosted my trauma course students for graduation. They chose a saree theme, so we dressed in our beautiful feminine sarees and met up for the awarding of certificates and a leisurely lunch. As I reflect on their journeys, I feel proud, excited, and grateful that they took the courageous step to go within and face what was holding them back. Not only did they take huge strides in their healing, they are also transforming their outer lives based on what they truly want and who they really are. On top of that, they want to continue with me as their guide, into a second journey – one of self-love. What an honor to continue the journey of empowerment.

In this post, I want to share their own perspectives of the journey as they reflected at the halfway mark. They discuss why they chose to do what most of us never do: heal from what was done to us so we can be who we truly are. And, they share how it feels.

Perspective 1: Breaking Harmful Patterns without Guilt

I honestly did not have many expectations when I first went into the course. When I started the course I was at the stage where I didn’t know what I didn’t know about myself and my underlying issues.  I did know however that I do have trauma and was interested in knowing how that has impacted my behavior. The course has helped me to recognize some of my trauma patterns and coping mechanisms. I am better able to see these patterns in myself and others and stop myself when I catch myself in a pattern. I am thankful that I have invested in myself through this course as it’s something that I have not seen offered both locally and through my online research. I am thankful for the safe space created by this course and for the guidance it has given me to navigate very difficult issues and memories that I have suppressed for many years. I am grateful also that the course reminds me to not feel guilty to want to look after myself, for myself.

Perspective 2: From Autopilot to Authenticity

I signed up for this class because I wanted to realign with my authentic self. This means that I need to understand the trauma patterns in my life and release them as they come…as the classes progress I am no longer in my auto pilot/numb mode but am seeing myself being present. Also, I have been able to block out a person who has been traumatic and had caused me so much pain and fear. I feel excited because even with the meditation we have had so far it has freed me so I am definitely looking forward to the healing rituals. I am looking forward to the [self-love] course. For the longest time I have put myself in the backseat and its important especially now more than ever to prioritize myself.

Perspective 3: Consistency is Key

I needed consistency in terms of time dedicated to some of the things we had talked about in one to one sessions and it was hard for me to do it on my own not know how to go about the journey and processes and having the discipline to lock down time for it…This [class] is bringing me to a whole new level in terms of self growth. There were things that were limiting me and  blocking me in terms of my potential as a human being and this is helping me break those chains. Thank you for the opportunity. I am so glad to be part of this at the time when I needed it the most. I would have crashed very badly from the pressure from every angle and with this I am learning some very valuable skills and perspectives to be able to look after my mental health.

It’s so important to be able to act on the inner knowing we have, that what we feel and do day to day isn’t based on our authentic self, but the coping mechanisms and masks created by trauma we have faced. Share with me your experience and where you are in the journey.