3 Daily Habits to Help Heal Religious Trauma
Marcos & Candice here.
You might be wondering, who in the world are we and what qualifies us to talk about religious trauma?
The short version. We are both survivors of religious trauma ourselves. But beyond this, Marcos is a former pastor and Religious Trauma Coach while Candice is a licensed Psychotherapist who specialises in expressive art therapy.
And for the next minute or so, we want to tap into both our backgrounds to share 3 daily habits that you can practice to help heal religious trauma.
Cultivate Self-Compassion through Hagah:
Hagah is the Old Testament Hebrew word for meditation.
It involves being present in the moment with compassion and without judgment.
In the context of healing from religious trauma, it means acknowledging your feelings and thoughts without criticizing or suppressing them. And if its possible to do so without distress, to unburden or exhale all that you feel onto God.
Start your day by taking a few moments for yourself. Close your eyes, breath deeply, and allow yourself to simply be.
Notice any emotions that arise without trying to change or analyze them. Be gentle with yourself, offering kindness and compassion as you would to a dear friend.
Self-compassion allows you to embrace your vulnerabilities and begin to heal from the wounds inflicted by religious trauma.
Engage in Authentic Self-Reflection:
Carve out time at least once a week for self-reflection.
Grab a journal or find a quiet space to reflect on your thoughts, experiences, and emotions.
Ask yourself open-ended questions like, "What beliefs or practices from my past religious experiences still affect me today?"
or "How do I want to redefine my spirituality or beliefs?"
Engaging in this introspective practice allows you to process your feelings and gain clarity on your own values and beliefs outside the context of past religious influences.
Note: Be aware that mindfulness practices and self reflection may not always be helpful depending on your level of trauma. Make sure you discuss this with your mental health provider first.
Foster Supportive Relationships:
Human connections play a crucial role in healing from religious trauma.
Surround yourself with individuals who offer genuine understanding, empathy, and support.
Seek out communities or friendships that celebrate your individuality and provide a safe space for expressing your thoughts and emotions.
Sharing your experiences with trusted friends or a therapist who practices relational psychotherapy can be particularly beneficial.
Authentic connections can help rebuild trust and restore a sense of belonging after the rupture caused by religious trauma.
Another important element here is to cultivate healthy boundaries. We can’t always avoid or get away from unhealthy people (sometimes they are family). In these cases, establishing boundaries that honor your autonomy, individuality, and self-determination are crucial.
Remember, healing is a gradual process, and there's no fixed timeline. Embracing these daily habits can contribute to your journey of self-discovery and healing from religious trauma.
Be patient with yourself, and allow the healing journey to unfold at its own pace.
You deserve to live a life free from the weight of past religious trauma, and these daily practices can serve as pillars of support along the way.
Marcos & Candice
PS. If you find you need help along the way, the Hunger app is a perfect companion! Tap here to download it now.
Hunger, The Devotional App
Heal Spiritual Wounds. Reclaim Your Story.
