🌿What if healing isn’t about "returning to normal" but about creating new pathways that honor what we've been through?🌿

Abuse isn’t just about what happens to us—it’s about how our brains respond to keep us safe. When trauma kicks in, our brain shifts into survival mode. The higher brain, which helps with complex thinking, emotional regulation, and creativity, goes offline. This isn't a conscious choice; it’s the brain’s way of protecting us.

Instead of forcing people out of survival brain into immediate problem-solving or collaboration, we can:

💡 Normalize Slowness: In a world that values quick fixes and instant productivity, healing can be slow and nonlinear. Recognizing this pace allows people to rebuild connections to their higher brain at their own time.

💡 Creativity as a Gradual Process: Trauma may shut down creativity temporarily, but it doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. In fact, sometimes it's in the act of small, low-stakes creative activities—doodling, gardening, cooking—that people can reconnect with themselves.

💡 Cooperation Happens in Safe Spaces: Cooperation doesn’t flourish in pressure. Safe environments where vulnerability is accepted can make all the difference in reawakening a sense of teamwork.

💡 Rest Before Problem Solving: Our culture often pushes us to "fix" things quickly, but sometimes, the best solution comes after rest. A regulated brain has far more capacity for solving problems than one in survival mode.

Trauma doesn’t make us "broken"; it’s the brain doing what it needs to survive. As we create safer environments and give space for healing, we can help ourselves and others regain access to creativity, cooperation, and problem-solving when they’re ready.