Trauma

 Trauma is like an echo—it reverberates through our lives, often long after the original event has passed. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we move through the world. For many of us, trauma creates a loop—a repetitive cycle of pain, fear, and self-protection that we can’t seem to escape.

This trauma loop is subtle and insidious. It shows up in the patterns we can’t break, the relationships that feel stuck, and the constant sense of something being “off” even when life seems fine on the surface. The loop keeps us tethered to the past, replaying old wounds in our minds and bodies, often without us realizing it.

Breaking free from this loop isn’t easy, but it’s possible. One powerful way to heal is by working with a shaman—someone who can guide you beyond the limits of logic and into the deeper realms where true transformation happens.

The trauma loop is a cycle of emotional, mental, and physical responses that keep us stuck in survival mode. When we experience trauma, our nervous system goes into overdrive, and our bodies and minds do whatever it takes to keep us safe. This is natural and necessary in the moment of crisis. But for many of us, the protective mechanisms don’t switch off when the danger has passed.

Instead, our bodies hold onto the trauma, storing it in our muscles, tissues, and energy field. Our minds replay the story of the trauma, reinforcing the belief that we are unsafe, unworthy, or broken. These patterns become embedded, creating a loop that pulls us back into the same emotional state or behavioral response, even when the original threat is long gone.

For example, you may avoid intimacy because a past betrayal convinced you that love equals pain. You may find yourself in a cycle of self-sabotage because deep down, you believe you’re not worthy of success or happiness. You may struggle with chronic anxiety, your nervous system always bracing for a threat that never comes.

The trauma loop isn’t just psychological—it’s energetic. This is where shamanic healing becomes a powerful tool for breaking free.

Shamans work in the realm of spirit and energy, going beyond the conscious mind to address the root causes of pain. They see trauma not just as a psychological wound, but as an energetic imbalance or fragmentation of the soul.

In many shamanic traditions, trauma is seen as a cause of soul loss. When we experience intense pain or fear, a part of our soul—our essence—may leave as a survival mechanism. This creates a sense of emptiness or disconnection. A shaman can guide you through a soul retrieval ceremony to reclaim those lost parts of yourself. By reintegrating the parts of your soul that were fragmented, you can begin to feel whole again, breaking the cycle of emptiness and self-protection that keeps you stuck.

Trauma often leaves energetic imprints on the body and aura. These blockages can manifest as chronic pain, emotional numbness, or a feeling of being weighed down. Through rituals, drumming, plant medicine, or other healing practices, a shaman can help clear these blockages, allowing your energy to flow freely again. This not only alleviates physical and emotional symptoms but also opens the door to new ways of being.

Trauma doesn’t just belong to us—it’s often passed down through generations. If you’re caught in patterns of fear, shame, or scarcity that don’t seem to have an obvious origin, they may be inherited. Shamans can help you work with your ancestral line to heal inherited wounds, freeing you from patterns that have been carried in your family for generations. By breaking the cycle, you also create space for future generations to thrive.

In modern life, we’re often disconnected from the natural world and the spiritual forces that sustain us. This disconnection amplifies the trauma loop, making us feel isolated and ungrounded. Shamans act as bridges between the human and spirit worlds, helping you reconnect with the earth, the elements, and the unseen forces that offer guidance and support. This connection can bring a profound sense of peace, grounding, and belonging.

Healing with a shaman isn’t a quick fix. It’s a journey—a process of peeling back layers, facing your shadows, and reclaiming your power. It requires courage and a willingness to step into the unknown, but the rewards are immeasurable.

When I began working with shamans, I didn’t fully understand what I was getting into. I just knew that traditional talk therapy wasn’t enough. I wanted to go deeper—to explore the parts of myself that words couldn’t touch. In my first soul retrieval, I felt something shift inside me. It was subtle but undeniable, like a piece of myself that I didn’t even realize was missing had returned. Over time, through ceremonies, rituals, and the wisdom of my shamanic teachers, I began to see my trauma not as a curse, but as a doorway to transformation.

If you’re feeling stuck in patterns you can’t break, if you’re carrying pain that feels too heavy to bear, consider working with a shaman. This isn’t about adopting a specific belief system or abandoning other forms of healing—it’s about exploring a path that honors the fullness of who you are, beyond the mind and body.

Healing is possible. Freedom is possible. The loop can be broken. And when it is, you’ll find that life isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, growing, and rediscovering the joy that trauma tried to steal from you. 

~Shanti Freedom Das