When we see ourself through the lens of our wounding, our challenging life experiences and our traumas, it’s hard to progress in our spiritual practice. Now the word trauma all too often gets thrown around very lightly, especially in spiritual circles. In my humble opinion, those that use the word in this sense are generally referring to the the challenges and ups and downs that most of us face in learning to navigate embodiment. When we refer to trauma in this way, we minimise the experience of those who have experienced on-going complex trauma and the deep impacts that these traumatic experiences leave.

Now either way, if we are stuck in seeing the world, people and even our own bodies as an unsafe place, then we will never be able to open up to the possibility of even experiencing the true goal of yoga- the experience of our own essence nature- free of any mental construct, poised in equanimity, peace, the ability to express compassion to self and others, and yes I’m gong to say it-joy!!!

As long as we stay stuck in the limiting stories about ourself and life, the stories that we have about others and even the stories that others have about us, then we inevitably stay stuck in the blame game and self-loathing- two big obstacles on the spiritual path!!!

The inability to look into our deep wounding and stories creates dis-integration of our whole self, and severely limits our capacity to open up to the deeper experience of the real yoga. Understanding how our challenging life experiences and traumas shape our beliefs and actions expands our awareness, which then allows us to see patterns and motivations that keep us stuck in the unintegrated state.

Psycho-therapy or any other form of healing practice that gently guides you to intentionally address these woundings and traumas in a safe way, is absolutely necessary on the spiritual path.

Some of you may be interested to know that in the oral practice tradition of Tantra, as I’m currently studying with Dharma Bodhi, there are two movements of Kundalini…yes two, not one as most people are taught! The first movement of kundalini is called “sva”- meaning self and is a downward movement into “the dark night of the soul”. This is where you go into deep reflection about your life, look at yourself with honesty, face your wounding or traumas and deeply question whether all there is too life is what you currently have?

On the spiritual path, this “dark night of the soul’ is an absolutely necessary path in order to get closer to your essence nature. The downward movement of kundalini hurts- it hurts like hell! And during times like this, you can’t really see yourself and life clearly. That’s why engaging in some time of therapy can be useful. If you want to know if you are progressing on the spiritual path, then observe your self carefully. Notice if there has been any changes in your character. Are you different in some way- big or small? You will notice these changes and other will too!

If you are interested in either generalist psycho-therapy/counselling or are interested in exploring the intersection of traditional psycho-therapy with spirituality and progress on the spiritual path you click the enquire now button.

Shanti, shanti shanti
Peace, peace, peace

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