Kapri: 0:44

Hello and welcome. I'm your host, Kapri, and I'm thrilled to have you with us as we continue this journey of healing. In our last episode, we delved into trauma as a full-body experience. Today, we're expanding that conversation to explore how trauma can be inherited across generations and why social and emotional well-being are essential in the healing process. Well-being are essential in the healing process. This episode is all about embracing a holistic approach to healing, where it's not just about reducing symptoms but creating a balanced and comprehensive sense of well-being across all dimensions of life. Let's dive in. To begin, let's talk more about epigenetic inheritance, a concept that we introduced last time that helps us understand how trauma affects not just the individual but future generations. When a traumatic event occurs, the body's stress response can cause changes to gene expression through DNA methylation, a chemical modification that influences gene activity without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can affect how sensitive someone is to stress, and if parents experience trauma, they may pass these altered stress responses down to their children, like we heard from Mike in the previous episode. However, the story doesn't end with inherited trauma. Neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections, shows us that healing practices such as mindfulness, somatic exercises and therapeutic inventions can reshape our biological responses to stress. This means that we can reframe. Just as trauma can have a generational impact, so can healing the steps to take toward recovery not only benefit us, but also create a healthier legacy for future generations.

Kapri: 2:47

Trauma isn't confined to individual experiences. It extends to families, communities and entire cultural groups. This is known as cultural trauma. Trauma experienced by a collective which affects their shared identity and worldview. For instance, the lingering effects of historical events like colonization, slavery or genocide go beyond those who directly live through them. They continue to impact subsequent generations.

Kapri: 3:13

Trauma isn't confined to individual experiences. It extends to families, communities and entire cultural groups. This is known as cultural trauma trauma experienced by a collective, which affects their shared identity and worldview. Trauma experienced by a collective which affects their shared identity and worldview.

Kapri: 3:30

Trauma isn't confined to individual experiences. It extends to families, communities and entire cultural groups. This is known as cultural trauma Trauma experienced by a collective which affects their shared identity and worldview. For instance, the lingering effects of historical events like colonization, slavery or genocide go beyond those who directly lived through them. No-transcript.

Kapri: 4:04

Addressing cultural trauma requires recognizing that healing isn't just about treating individual symptoms. It must also encompass social and emotional well-being. This involves fostering environments that support healthy relationships, emotional regulation and a sense of belonging. When trauma affects multiple generations, a comprehensive approach is necessary, one that promotes healing at both individual and community levels. Creating supportive environments that encourage resilience and connection can help break the cycle of trauma and lays the foundation for long-term well-being.

Kapri: 4:43

To effectively address trauma, it's crucial to consider the entire spectrum of well-being. The Breath of Life Theory offers a framework for healing that emphasizes balance across. To effectively address trauma, it's crucial to consider the entire spectrum of well-being. The Breath of Life theory offers a framework for healing that emphasizes balance across physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions. According to this theory, achieving well-being involves coordinating these aspects to create harmony, not only within ourselves, but also in our relationships and communities. Not only within ourselves, but also in our relationships and communities. Similarly, the healing-centered engagement model goes beyond trauma-informed care by addressing the historical and cultural factors that shape experiences of trauma. For many communities, this includes reconnecting with cultural practices, land and spiritual traditions, which are essential for building resilience and fostering a sense of identity. The holistic approach ensures that healing is not just symptom-focused, but addresses the deeper causes of trauma, guiding both individuals and communities toward recovery and growth. More on these healing approaches and frameworks in the show notes.

Speak Out: 5:57

Are you ready to make a difference in your community In our Speak Out Advocacy series and frameworks in the show notes. If advocating for better care, breaking down barriers or transforming mental health services speaks to your heart, this is the perfect space to learn and take action. Do you have a topic you're passionate about or need support advocating for yourself or others? We'd love to hear from you. Text the show to share your thoughts. Just check the details in the show notes. Together, let's build a community that fosters change. Keep enjoying Reframing the membrane.

Kapri: 6:32

Now that we've established the importance of a holistic approach to healing, let's look at some practical techniques that address not only physical well-being but also social and emotional health. These methods can help create a balanced and comprehensive recovery. So techniques such as yoga, tai chi and dance therapy they all can help to release tension that's stored in the body and strengthen the connection between mind and body. These practices encourage nervous system regulation and can alleviate trauma-related symptoms by fostering relaxation and resilience. Engaging in somatic practices can bring a sense of grounding and safety back into the body. Methods like deep breathing that engages the diaphragm for optimal oxygen flow or pace breathing which is a slow, controlled rhythm can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the body's rest and digest mode. Breath work can also help to shift the body from a state of heightened stress to one of calmness, reducing anxiety and supporting emotional stability. Regular practice promotes healthier stress responses and enhances overall well-being. Building strong social connections is crucial for healing. Participating in community practices like storytelling, cultural rituals or group activities helps foster a sense of belonging and shared resilience. These practices not only support individual recovery, but can also contribute to the collective healing of communities. Strong social networks are key to long-term well-being and help individuals feel understood and supported in their healing journey. Trauma doesn't occur in isolation. It is deeply influenced by broader social, cultural, political and historical factors. Structural inequalities, such as those stemming from colonization, systemic racism or economic disadvantage, can contribute to persistent traumatic stress environments situations where ongoing adversity disrupts daily functioning and well-being. Healing from such trauma requires addressing the root causes of these inequalities through systemic change and creating healthier environments that promote resilience. The breath of life theory underscores the idea that true healing is achieved by restoring balance across all levels of experience. This means addressing not only individual symptoms but also the social determinants of health, such as access to health care, educational opportunities and economic resources. These dimensions into healing practices ensures a comprehensive approach that recognizes the full scope of trauma's impact and aims to create sustainable recovery pathways. For many communities, spirituality and cultural traditions play an integral role in healing. Practices like ritual dances, traditional ceremonies and spiritual teachings offer more than just emotional support. They provide a sense of purpose, identity and connection to something greater than oneself. The healing-centered engagement model emphasizes that healing goes beyond the individual to include connections with community, land and ancestral knowledge. This approach acknowledges the value of cultural and spiritual traditions in fostering resilience and recovery. Integrating culturally relevant practices into healing ensures that the process resonates with the person's lived experiences and cultural history. These practices help validate individual experiences while offering pathways to healing that are grounded in community values. When traditional healing methods are combined with contemporary practices, it creates a more comprehensive approach to addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of well-being. Let's take a short break to practice a relaxation technique and when we return, we'll continue our discussion on healing-centered engagement and post-traumatic growth.

Speak Out: 10:35

If you're able, begin by sitting or lying down comfortably. Focus on one muscle group at a time, starting with your feet. Tense the muscles for 5 to 10 seconds, then release. Move up the body, repeating this process for each muscle group. Notice how your body feels afterward and observe any changes in relaxation or tension. Now let's try a quick breathing exercise. You may already be familiar with the 4-7-8 technique, but if this is new for you, keep your mouth closed and breathe in through your nose while counting to 4. Hold your breath for seven seconds, then now slowly exhale through the mouth for eight seconds. Repeat once more. Try these quick exercises over the next week and let me know how you're doing. Find these exercises in the show notes. Now let's continue our discussion.

Kapri: 11:43

Healing from trauma isn't only about alleviating immediate symptoms. It's also about cultivating emotional resilience the ability to adapt, grow and thrive despite adversity. Engaging in activities that support emotional growth, such as mindfulness, meditation, therapy or community building efforts, can help individuals and families break the cycle of generational trauma. These practices address not only past challenges, but also prepare individuals for future well-being by enhancing coping skills and social support. A healing-centered approach does more than manage symptoms. It encourages post-traumatic growth, positive changes that can arise after overcoming adversity. This involves shifting from what happened to you to what strengths have you developed as a result. Shifting from what happened to you to what strengths have you developed as a result. By focusing on strengths and resilience, the healing-centered engagement model creates environments that support healing at multiple levels personal, social and systemic. Healing is not simply about returning to a state of equilibrium. It's about discovering new meaning and purpose in life. When healing practices address the full range of experiences physical, social, emotional and spiritual they foster growth that extends beyond the individual, impacting families and communities.

Kapri: 13:03

Today, we explored how trauma affects not only the body and mind, but also our social, cultural and spiritual dimensions. We discussed holistic healing strategies, such as somatic practices, breath work, cultural traditions and community support, which all contribute to a more comprehensive approach to recovery. Healing is an ongoing journey and by embracing a holistic approach we can create lasting pathways to wellness. Take a moment to reflect on the practices we discussed. How might you integrate them into your routine? Remember, healing is not linear. It's okay to take things one step at a time, until we meet again. Explore healing practices that feel meaningful to you, whether they involve cultural rituals, physical activities or connecting with supportive communities. Share your experiences by texting the show, check the show notes for details and tune in for our next episode, where we'll delve into the neural connection between the mind, brain and mental health. Until next time, take care.