Transforming trauma

I’ve not been so impacted by a book lately as this: Ralph De La Rosa’s Outshining Trauma: A New Vision of Radical Self-Compassion. In this marvelous book, the author offers us a way to bring our strongest, purest Selves to the traumas we face and to breathe through them, in effect transforming those traumas into gift, gift for us and for our worlds.

In the tradition I know, this is a visualization of our putting our hands into God’s as He does what is foretold in Romans 8:28 — “all things work together for good.” It is astounding to me how we all can begin on different paths and yet, if we seek with humility and love, find ourselves in the same place. Our words may be different. We may see to Whom we bow differently, but it is all One, and it is all utterly energizing and transformative.

Jeremiah says this, not just to Jews, not just to Christians, but to every soul: “When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot….” (Jeremiah 29:13-14). Indeed, it is in the seeking, the straining to see, the commitment to push forward with an open heart, that our transformation occurs. It is the beginning of our discovery of our capacity for great joy, regardless of what is going on both outside us and even inside.

Ralph De La Rosa writes: “… healing is not some burdensome enterprise but actually a calling into realms of curious discovery and thrilling insight. … we are only being asked to trade up, to win in the bargain of stepping out into the sunlight.”

Amen.

Reflection

Why is a commitment necessary in our efforts to transform trauma into gift?

Prayer

Dear God, I am amazed at the power of truth, and the change in me that comes about as I pursue it. I need only the will to proceed, for you will give me both sincerity and grit. May I put my hand into your hand, Lord, as we work together to transform my traumas into gift. Amen.