Tara Brach, a clinical psychologist and meditation teacher, gives this talk on working with trauma. She speaks about when it may be wiser not to dive into whatever is present, and about loving-kindness as a way of creating some space first.
This talk complements trauma-informed professional care and is not a substitute for it. If the material here brings up more than feels manageable, please pause and reach out to a qualified professional.
In this talk, ‘Working with Trauma,’ Tara Brach explores how sometimes a case can be made to not dive into whatever is present. We may not be prepared for the pain of trauma beneath the surface, and pushing ourselves too forcefully into something may leave us feeling retraumatized.
Working with Trauma
Tara suggests that diving into the body when trauma is present is not always wise. Honouring our present moment needs can help us to assess what is the best mindfulness practice for us in any given moment. When diving straight into an experience or physical sensation associated with trauma does not feel like the right move, we can move instead towards loving kindness practices that may feel soothing and help prepare us to approach those experiences and emotions later on.
Taking Our Time
Sometimes we need to spend time building up our inner resources before diving into areas of trauma that we are not prepared to uncover just yet. To do this, we can take the time to practice opening our eyes to the world at present, grounding ourselves into our physical surroundings, or listening to meditations that may help us find a sense of inner peace and contentment. We can also call on the support of others around us, including a trauma-informed therapist or other professional. Whatever path feels most accessible in any moment may be the right course of action in that moment.
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