Newsletter: Changing Expectations Around Trauma

The 10.27 Healing Partnership is in full-swing this January, with over twenty different programs and activities planned over the next few months. I’m excited to share those with you at the end of this newsletter, but I also want to begin a conversation about the stigma often associated with trauma.

Trauma is often perceived as only affecting those most directly and intimately affected by the traumatic event. However, those who experienced the event at a distance, such as first responders, teachers, friends, neighbors, and community members may also experience the long-term effects of trauma. This is elevated when the trauma is related to mass violence or hate-based violence, which is why we often refer to these events as “communal traumas”; they impact both those directly involved and the broader community, and the effects can linger for a long time.

It is important to recognize that trauma is not a conscious thought process or a decision. While we have the agency to decide how we respond to our emotions, trauma is not a choice. Whether you were directly and intimately affected by the trauma or whether you experienced it vicariously, feeling these emotions is not a moral failing. The first step towards long-term healing is removing the expectations you put on yourself for how and when you “should” feel.

Just as there are many ways to heal, there are many ways to feel and identify trauma. As this article about the long-term effects of trauma states, “even though these reactions are particular to each person, there are some common physiological and physical symptoms.” Taking steps to identify your symptoms and removing the baggage and stigma of trauma put you well on your way to long-term healing. If you can recognize in yourself emotions such as numbness and anxiety, changes in your normal patterns and routines, and emotions manifesting through your body through pain, exhaustion, or panic attacks, you are much more likely to be able to seek the supports you need.

We are here to provide services for all. If you are noticing any of the symptoms or reactions we’ve discussed above, I hope you’ll stop by to talk through the many routes to healing and resiliency-building that you can travel.

In Solidarity,

U.S. Law and Criminal Justice: From the Community Perspective
This two-session community course, geared to lay-people, will support learners in their understanding of the U.S. criminal legal process, our systems of justice, and criminal trials. The information presented will help the whole community understand what goes on in the criminal courts, how trials work, what justice can look like and how we might attain it, and the special features and procedures of death penalty cases. Each session, taught by Professor David Harris of Pitt’s School of Law and Squirrel Hill resident, will present on a different facet of the justice system, with ample time and opportunity to ask questions. This course will be available both virtually and in-person, although those who attend virtually will only be able to participate in discussion through the chat. Registration required.

Creative Journaling
Join us in journaling together with Lauren Braun, local artist and certified mindfulness facilitator. Learn journaling skills that can improve your emotional regulation during stressful situations. Registration required.

Celebrate Tu B’Shevat in Nature
Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and the 10.27 Healing Partnership on a meditative and gentle forest bathing journey through Frick Park. Encounter nature and form warm connections, ending with a Tu B’Shevat seder and tea ceremony to celebrate the Jewish New Year for fruit trees and remember our connection to the earth and to nature. Registration required.

Wellness Wednesday: Shawn Fertitta
Our practitioner for this month’s Wellness Wednesday is Shawn Fertitta! Shawn is a Reiki Master, certified Forest Therapy Guide, meditation guide, mindfulness coach and sound therapist. He will be practicing reiki-infused sound bathing for small groups on a drop-in basis.

Check out our website for information on Refaeinu healing circles, art workshops, weekly yoga, and much more.