Recovering Life through Meditation

treehugger · June 25th, 2009, 11:11

When I was a child I was sexually abused.
My life from that time was one depressive episode to another.
I had a whole lot of negative patterns running.

A decade or so ago I discovered meditation. That was good.

A few years ago I discovered meditation with entrainment. That was even better.

A few weeks ago I discovered Life flow and this community. That is fantastic.

Through regular meditation and some help from fellow survivors my life is fantastic. I have healed the scars and am now helping other adult survivors of childhood abuse. Just about every one says that they benefit from meditation.

Did you know that phsycological abuse actually physical effects the brain?
The pathways between left and right hemispheres can be damaged thus effecting a person profoundly. Meditation is one of the best way to repair this damage.

Thanks to Michael, thanks to everyone that contributes to this inspirational forum.
Big Love to all
Treehugger.

pollyanna · June 25th, 2009, 15:11

What a wonderfully inspiring story treehugger, I am so happy for you

Congratulations on overcoming your childhood trauma and turning that into a wonderful opportunity to help others who have suffered child abuse.

The world is a far greater place because of people like you. I wish you an abundance of peace and joy on your continuing journey

Panthau · June 26th, 2009, 09:17

Sounds great treehugger!

Do you have a source for physical braindamage thing?

All the best,
Pan

Itlandm · June 26th, 2009, 13:46

This short no-nonsense statement from Harvard university specifically refers to the disruption of whole-brain integration:
Childhood abuse hurts the brain | HarvardScience

daisy3 · June 29th, 2009, 21:59

welcome treehugger,
I guess that's what you call making a big difference in your small way.
I'm touched with your brave choice.
hugs.
daffodil

NeuralNet · July 1st, 2009, 12:03

Its a really great story but we should be careful to use the right language with brain physiology. Affected brains with different shapes and sizes (morphology) may be evidenced by things like child abuse, but so call it "damage" is something else.

The brain is a pretty amazing organ and because one structure is changed other areas can also be modified so account for any loss. So, for instance what we don't know, is whether there are is other subcortical behaviour which is modified as a result of a shorter corpus collosum. The article says there is modified behaviour as a result which is the right way to view it I think. Abuse changes behaviour and children's brains look slightly different to normal ones in that one area. Thats all we can really say. I would not go so far as to say that they are "damaged". That gives the wrong impression in my view.

Nonetheless, if meditation helps and is improving your life that's a really positive thing that is great to share.

GilesC · July 1st, 2009, 14:56

So what we're saying is...

A tree may be hit by an object and lose some of it's bark. The sap of the tree may seal that gap and the that sealed area will show in the future, but the tree is still a tree and still functions as a tree. It is not a damaged tree, it just looks different to how it was when it was first growing.

Itlandm · July 1st, 2009, 17:09

We should not lose sight of the important thing here, that someone has chosen to improve their life with the tools available, rather than remaining in misery. I think this is a shining example actually. Imagine the kind of society we can have if everyone chooses to realize as much of their potential as they can.

islovin · July 2nd, 2009, 03:05

I used to say, I am "damaged" or "Disabled"

Now I say, I am "differently abled". I see things others don't and I think that is an ability...

If you get a chance watch the movie "Doubt" with Meryl Streep. Her character has a similar ability.

"The wounded healer" is another way to describe the abilities of someone who helps others heal from simliar traumatic experiences.

Treehugger you are "The wounded Healer."

Great Job!

Irene

treehugger · July 9th, 2009, 13:09

Thanks everyone for your kind words and encouragement. I do agree with Neuralnet that we must be careful with our words. Perhaps altered may have been a better word that damaged.

Anyway, having the ability to be still, to observe myself and to be in my centre has certainly helped me.

Islovin, I understand what you are saying. Our life experiences are gifts.

Gifts that we can share for the greater good.
I believe we all have gifts to share, especially when we go within to unwrap them.

Hugs to all