Trauma is an experience or a response to an extremely distressing or disturbing event that has a significant psychological or physical impact on an individual. Trauma can lead to long-term psychological distress, distorted feelings and perceptions, and altered behavior that affects an individual in their outlooks, attitudes and habits. It is often accompanied by physiological responses such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, disrupted sleep patterns, and changes in appetite, in addition to feelings of vulnerability and fear. Trauma can be experienced in many forms, from a single emotionally or physically charged event to chronic abuse, neglect, or powerlessness. Understanding trauma is an important part of our spiritual, storytelling, and ecological journey, as it can allow us to heal our traumas and have more compassionate relationships with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.

See also: tissue disease, immune system, toxic masculinity, sacred feminine, mythic masculine