How do we shift the balance of our internal narratives, so that we become witnesses rather than victims of our fear, grief, pain, and trauma?
Recently our host, Eileen Campbell-Reed led a webinar for the Wayne Oates Institute: “Working with People in a Traumatic Crisis: Making the Shift Internally from Victim to Witness.”
Drawing on the work of Maggie Ross, Martin Laird, and Chanequa Walker-Barnes, Eileen leads participants through questions about silence and attention. The session focuses on internal processes of coping first with our own internal dramas and traumas with the practice of contemplative prayer. This practice can bear much fruit when it comes to our internal shifts and healing. And if we practice well, then we may also become a better witness to losses, griefs and traumas of other people.
Eileen explores how contemplative prayer helps us shift over time from victim to witness. She describes a process of loosening the grip of our internal blue print stories and traumas. This work can free us. And it can help us to better support our parishioners, clients, and counselees.
Many people in this moment are suffering from trauma, especially in the protests sweeping the country. This session offers one pathway to respond pastorally and spiritually.
Please check out the many other offerings of the Oates Institute through their network of learning and support.
