This 8-minute video from the NICABM is the best resource I’ve found to simply explain how residues of our overwhelming experiences shape our felt sense of safety in the present. The awareness can be a lens for compassion and curiosity for ourselves and others.

Trauma-informed spiritual direction is one place to experience “compassionate with-ness” – to be with ourselves over time in the company of another – one who honors our agency, invites our fullness, and trusts that our wisdom will naturally arise as our body intuits it is safe enough to offer it to us.