Reviewed Date: August 15th, 2023
Though I am happy that trauma is talked about in mainstream media these days, it is something least understood. Watching a disturbing horror movie is not a traumatic event. As Gabor Mate says, “Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.” Trauma will affect you neurologically.
Many of us, to varying degrees, have been through traumatic experiences, and they have left an everlasting impact on us. We rarely question and look within ourselves. Instead, we would let trauma scars dictate our behavior and actions. It is not only harmful to us; it is harmful to people around us too.
It is important to understand ourselves; we cannot achieve it without the awareness of our traumatic past. We have to sit down and meticulously and honestly look at our negative patterns, self-limiting beliefs, and harmful behavior and should understand where they come from. We have to examine our childhood, especially the first six years of our lives.
The Child in You is an interesting book on trauma and bringing out our authentic selves. I must say, although I find the approach simplistic and trauma is a very broad topic, the author did a good job in explaining the basics and laying out mental exercises to break free from patterns and beliefs. If you have not read a book on trauma, you should start with this.
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