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In the clinical world of trauma treatment and trauma therapy, as well as in the world of trauma recovery, the term “trauma-informed” is frequently used. What “trauma-informed” truly means is “trauma-aware”. Living a trauma-informed life means living in a certain realm of mindful awareness regarding trauma and the many effects trauma can have on someone’s life. Our mindful awareness of trauma helps us to live with more compassion toward others, cultivating an open-minded, open-hearted policy of empathy. Rather than judge, criticize, evaluate, or analyze people’s behaviors at the surface, we take pause to consider the role trauma may have had in shaping those behaviors. Recalling some of the many traumas we may have encountered in our life, we realize how trauma has affected us and how our behaviors aren’t always perfect. Sharing in the human experience brings us closer together, helping us to realize we are all deserving of empathy and compassion, honor and respect, among one another.

Mindfulness is the foundation for living a trauma-informed live because mindfulness fosters awareness. Wisdom for practicing mindfulness can be found in some of the foundational philosophy of practices like Buddhism in the eightfold path.

Right understanding: Take time to research and learn about the complex disorder that is PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as the many ways people can be impacted by trauma. The more you can understand how the brain and body are actually affected, the more you can detach yourself from unhelpful beliefs about people. For example, you may have cast judgment on certain behaviors. Once you learn how those behaviors are rooted in trauma, you can practice mindful understanding; not excusing behaviors, but being able to have compassion and empathy for their origin.  Right thought: Buddha referenced “three poisons”: greed, anger, and ignorance. It is not uncommon to take on facets of other people’s trauma, especially when the manifestations of their trauma have a personal effect on you.  Detaching from greed, anger, and ignorance is a challenge for anyone. Once you have gained understanding of PTSD and trauma, you will be able to change the way you think about PTSD and trauma, as well as the people living with them.Right speech:  The eightfold path lists four kinds of right speech as part of this practice: words of truth, words of compassion, words of praise, and words of altruism. Verbal abuse is a very real form of trauma for many people. The sound of your voice, the volume of your voice, and your word choice can be triggering, stigmatizing, and shaming. Of course, you cannot know every single trigger for every single person you encounter. Generally, however, you can speak in appropriate volumes, with non-judging, non-shaming verbiage when it comes to PTSD, trauma, and mental health. If you are supporting someone in recovery from trauma, learn what verbal cues trigger them by asking them how you can adjust your speech to be more trauma-informed.

Everyone’s story starts before treatment. Everyone’s story changes the minute they arrive to treatment. The Guest House Ocala offers residential programming for trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues, customized to meet your unique needs. Call us today for information on life at the estate: 1-855-483-7800