The Buddha’s teachings offer the essence of what is needed to heal trauma – a direct relationship with what is timeless and indestructible. There is an aspect of who we are that cannot be destroyed – that cannot be torn apart. Our work lies in reclaiming this aspect of our lives or what is often referred to as our Buddha nature or true nature.

At its root, trauma is an extreme loss of power and control - an overwhelming glimpse at our human vulnerability which becomes locked in the body, mind, and soul. Trauma widens the gap between the safety of our true nature and the impermanence of human form. We can become caught in a perception of separation that haunts, dominates, and destroys any sense of interconnection.

Sitting in quiet meditation we come into contact with the grief and despair of living in separation. It is in this gentle space that we begin to reframe our relationship to whatever has brought us to this point. Meditation and spiritual practice open a process for transforming fear, anger, and self-judgment into the infinite and life empowering qualities of loving-kindness, wisdom, and compassion. Developing practices of forgiveness, nonviolence, and generosity allows us to let go of the fear and holding that feeds and perpetuates trauma. Through the process of spiritual development we gain the strength and presence to befriend difficult emotions and mind states rather than being consumed and overpowered by them.

This practice of deep listening is our path to contacting and living in accord with our true nature. No matter who or what tells us we are separate and alone, no matter where that voice originates from or where it attempts to lead, it is a fallacy. Our deepest truth lies in our inseparable nature. Learning to rest in gentle silence and deeply listen to whatever arises, shows the transitory nature of any sense of separation and brings forth the clear light of wisdom and compassion.