In a world where so many are discovering more about trauma in their own stories and in others, I’m struck by this beautiful quote from Tara Brach:
“The gift of healing the woundedness of trauma is that it becomes a gateway to love, freedom, and healing.”

May this offer even a wee glimmer to someone who needs it right now. It might be you, someone you lead, or a peer sitting next to you holding far more than you know.

We sure are in it these days and accessing that “gateway” Brach references can be a lifeline.

Does this subject belong in business? I think so. People navigating change often revisit old wounds, and sometimes the transitions themselves are traumatic. Some of the toughest moments in leadership and teamwork stem from unhealed experiences that shape how we relate, react, and recover. And yes, workplaces themselves can be sources of trauma when trust and safety are fractured.

As leaders, growing capacity to observe ourselves is beyond helpful. Noticing, pausing, adapting to a constructive alternative and practicing with consistency when we’re activated makes a big difference. So does understanding trauma more broadly. Building literacy around how it shows up in behaviour, emotion, and relationships helps us see, sense, and support rather than judge and divide.

We are living stories of so much that influences us. When pain goes untended, it resurfaces including professional environments and relationships. Learning to tend to ourselves and others shifts what’s possible for trust, belonging and so much more.

If any part of this resonates, may it bring us a step closer to more conscious care and connection. Your Personal Board of Directors can help and might include counsellors, friends, chosen family, coaches, mentors, or healers. You might also be that person for someone else.

With gratitude for the wisdom and work of Moving The Human Spirit, Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Nicole LePera, and others expanding the conversation on trauma and healing. Appreciation for the late Doug Silsbee, too, for his many teachings including the value of Self-Observation versus Habit Loops.

With warmth and hope for our collective healing,

Eva