When we are attuned to reality, we may at times perceive and experience things that we don't like. We may feel pain and suffer trauma. Denying the situation, suppressing our discomfort, or ignoring our wounds (or those of others) does not eliminate the reality.

It is in acknowledging, exposing, and expressing what needs to be healed (individually and collectively) that we can purge the shrapnel of our pain, clean out the wounds, and return to a state of health & well-being.

Ideally, healing starts with a safe space and the support of others. The process of recovery can be effective when a community bears witness to the suffering and provides a safe container for the person, group or culture to express and integrate their wounds without blame, shame or judgment.

In itself, the very experience of being seen and heard by someone who cares can be powerful and healing, especially for those whose very autonomy or sense of self has been repeatedly suppressed or silenced.

When a core part of our being or identity is cut off or denied natural expression (physically, emotionally, mentally, through language, ceremony, connection, etc.) pain can erupt from the imbalance. It can show itself through psycho-emotional instability, illness, addiction or dysfunctional interpersonal patterns that can spread like a social plague.