Some of my responses to the current state of political turmoil engulfing the United States, as well as the potential flow on impacts for the rest of the world….

Ever find yourself stuck in the middle of a conversation that you weren’t prepared for? One that is triggering, intense and wholly inappropriate for the situation?

I have.

In this episode I discuss how to manage these conversations, in a way that both protects your mental state as well as the relationship.

Introducing my latest book ‘Reflections of the Self; The Poetry, Insights and Wisdom of Silence’, out now as a paperback, eBook and on audio.This book is one part poetry, one part introspective spiritual discussion. In this episode I share the chapter ‘Finding Peace Through Perspective’, which begins with the poem ‘Two Leaves’.

Is it possible to see the world objectively, to understand events as another does, to truly empathise, and to step outside of ourselves?

We are blinded by our bias; our upbringings, religions, parents, education, gender, age and ethnicity.

These things will dictate what we believe, and how we interoperate new information, and thus how we perceive and act upon the world.

The life we have now is distinctly different than the one we were promised.

Job security and income levels are down the drain, education leaves us crippled by debts, people are rioting and the planet is warming. Our leaders seem incompetent and corrupt.

And our lower backs hurt.

Navigating trauma isn’t easy. Not for the person suffering, nor for the people around them.

When triggered, I am faced with an overwhelming gush of emotionality. I feel afraid. I feel like I am reliving the past trauma. This can cause me to act in a way that seems selfish - I will lash out, require comfort or alone time. I can seem angry and ungrateful - Despite this, I need the support of those close to me.

Open and honest communication is key.

In this episode, I read and dissect my poem 'I Over Thought It & Hurt My Own Feelings,’ and discuss how you can help someone who has been triggered.

As a response to trauma, we may dissociate.

This is a defence mechanism, one that keeps us safe from the terrors of the moment. It blocks us off from reality and keeps us safe.

Unfortunately, this process can run rampant, triggering itself in times of safety and peace, leaving us confused and unable to understand what is happening or explain it to ourselves or others.

In this episode I read and dissect my poem ‘How Do I Explain This Feeling’.

The only way to truly heal is to embrace your past. To acknowledge it, work through it, and accept to it. Ignoring it won’t help, and hoping it will go away is just wishful thinking.

This is a hard process, and one that must be repeated often. But the result are worth it.

In this episode I share how writing therapy has helped me to relieve some of the inner pressure. I cover some of the problems and pitfalls of using writing therapy to address trauma. I also share two pieces of writing therapy, the poem ‘Flash Back’, as well as a short essay ‘What is a dream?’.