Beauty for Ashes
We often refer to the concept of posttraumatic growth – a positive change, a redefined strength, an expanded perception of oneself and the world that comes from undergoing something immensely painful. Despite its prevalence among those who have endured significant pain and trauma, it has typically remained within the realm of ‘subjective experience’.
However, a recent study in cognitive neuroscience has provided neural evidence of both posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress disorder through the collection of electroencephalographic (EEG) data. I won’t do the study justice so I’ll add a link to the research article below for those interested in delving further!
As a therapist, these findings excite me because they underscore the importance not only of addressing past traumas but also of creating opportunities to nurture posttraumatic growth. These are independent factors, each leaving its unique imprint on our neural wiring.
Clients who've worked with me have likely heard me say (numerous times!) that life is often a "both/and" scenario rather than an "either/or" one. This study serves as a reminder that individuals can both be suffering or in pain and experience growth and positive changes. We can be ‘symptomatic’ and undergo positive transformations.
The Japanese art form of kintsugi, which translates to "joining with gold," involves piecing together broken pottery with gold, resulting in something new and often more beautiful than its original form. The underlying philosophy of this art form is to convey that beauty can be found in what might be perceived as broken, damaged, or imperfect. Sometimes that’s what moving forwards can look like – living a life with cracks, flaws, and vulnerabilities…. and transforming into something new.
