Most people believe that trauma refers to unexpected natural disasters or man-made catastrophes that catch people off guard, causing them to lose control of their emotions, disrupt their thinking, and harm themselves as well as others. These are considered normal reactions after experiencing trauma. If left untreated, trauma can lurk in the darkness, waiting for the right moment to resurface. In order to continue with their lives, work, earn money, and take care of their families, many individuals bury their sadness deep within, adopting the mindset of “it’ll be fine if I don’t think about it.” Over time, they may forget and it seems as if nothing ever happened.
Everyday trauma, on the other hand, refers to being ignored, excluded, forgotten, exploited, or excessively valued. These are common occurrences in life. However, when these experiences happen frequently and begin to affect one’s quality of life, they can also be considered traumatic. Unfortunately, many people believe that only natural disasters and major catastrophes qualify as real trauma.
These everyday traumas are like invisible hands in our lives, controlling our quality of life and disrupting our interpersonal relationships. They surface from time to time, causing people to explode, speak incoherently, and make poor decisions. They either become submissive to others’ demands, feel torn between choices, work themselves to exhaustion, or simply settle for an unfulfilling existence. If one refrains from comparisons and competitions, life may continue peacefully. However, if there is still lingering resentment within, it only adds to the suffering.
As you read this article, I hope you don’t perceive your life as miserable but rather find joy in the fact that life can change. I have no intention of speculating about your life or offering guidance to correct it. If this article inspires you and fills you with hope, that is what I hope for. I wish you the ability to embark on a different path in life.
Of course, there are often misconceptions in people’s thinking, fueled by a sense of luck, where they believe that by following a teacher, reading books, or joining a group, their lives will magically transform. If life could be so easily influenced, we would have already achieved utopia on Earth. However, disasters persist, and human hearts remain inscrutable. In reality, each individual possesses a survival instinct for self-preservation to a certain degree. Therefore, it is best to face ourselves with peace of mind, confront the issues, and truly comprehend the wisdom of life.
Therefore, in 2022, the Awakening Dolphin Art Therapy Center, authorized by the Institute of Art Therapy, launched a trauma-informed art therapy community program. We hope to face everyday traumas together and engage in dialogue with pain and healing. May you find solace and healing through the experience of pain.
Written by: Bee Tin Teoh