The trans-generational nature of trauma

There are many instances in which we are not the master’s of our fate. Yet our helplessness in these areas is tolerable because all human beings are in the same boat. And we need each other to counter the darkness, to keep out the cold, to provide meaning to existence. Human beings are social creatures. It is with other people that we find the warmth, the excitement, and the challenge of life. And only within the human community do we dare face the frightening unknown.
 – Alexander Lowen

Hi everyone,

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a reporter about the upcoming April events. The conversation headed in the direction that conversations often go when I am involved, toward trans-generational trauma.

• Women pregnant during 9/11 gave birth to infants with stress hormone levels that correlate with trauma.

• Attachment researchers identified compelling evidence that mothers with unresolved grief and trauma are frequently unable to provide the secure attachment necessary for babies’ optimal health and emotional / intellectual development. Many of these babies throughout their lifetime have increased risk of physical, emotional and relational difficulties, and increased risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The myth that children are “resilient” persists. As child trauma expert, Dr. Bruce Perry, put it, children are not resilient; they are malleable.

The ignorance needs to be addressed. And access to help in recovering from grief and trauma increased. This is not a situation that warrants despair. On the contrary, there is so much more we could be doing, yet, the conversation we need to be having might make us uncomfortable at times.

It is estimated that 2/3 of the Jews in Europe were killed during The Holocaust, plus additional millions of ‘undesirables’. This is not merely a part of history to think about from a factual, intellectual or academic perspective.

How has The Holocaust shaped the lives of survivors, their children, their grandchildren, and the many others who witnessed the horror and suffered loss? Furthermore, how has The Holocaust affected us all?

Please join us April 29 for a screening of the film, Numbered. This Evening of Holocaust Remembrance will include Lighting of Candles of Remembrance, a Musical Tribute, and more.

For info on all six events, film trailers, speakers, partners, and to RSVP, click here.
The events are free, but space is limited, so please RSVP on the web site.

Warmly,

Barbara English, LMFT
Founder & Executive Director, Living Ubuntu
livingubuntu.org
(949) 891-2005

[Ubuntu] n. Every human being truly becomes a human by means of relationships with other human beings.