I believe people who have been impacted by trauma have a distinct experience in the world. We feel, perceive and connect differently. We are more likely to struggle with addiction. The Dharma centers and recovery communities we seek refuge in are often insufficiently educated about Trauma. This can leave us feeling misunderstood, shamed and confused. In some cases it can cause harm. I have long wanted to offer programs that integrate Buddhist practices and principles with a deep awareness of the way trauma impacts people.

This is an attempt at creating just that kind of a program.

-Pablo Das

In this 8 week online class series we will create a gentle container in which I will offer a basic theoretical framework for understanding trauma and its impact on people. I recognize three kinds of trauma; developmental trauma, single event shock trauma and social/historical trauma experienced by members of oppressed communities. We will talk about how Buddhist practice and principles can support and/or complicate the management and resolution of trauma. Then we will systematically explore core teachings of the Buddhist tradition and consider some of the challenges which people who manage trauma might experience in applying the principles and practices to their lives.

I will set aside plenty of time to invite your wisdom and experience with the material.

Logistics:

Monday nights. 6:45 to 8pm beginning June 7th and one

To provide an intimate space, this series will be limited to only14 participants.

To make the training accessible, tuition is offered on a sliding scale: $199-$349. Please pay at the level you can afford.

Curriculum

on the tone and intention of the training…

First, the headline on the home page of this site is “Empowerment practices for sensitive people”.

We are not coming together to re-affirm helplessness, shame and victim-hood. Difficult things happened to us. Got it. That’s the price of entry to our fellowship. Now what? Our work is to move out of those states, take full responsibility for our lives, do our healing work and follow the trajectory of that work from dis-empowerment to more vitality, boundaries, agency and self possession.

Second, this is not a trauma resolution workshop.

We are unlikely to get into specific personal content in this workshop. It’s not the appropriate container for that. Trauma resolution work is best done in the context of one on one coaching. Please visit the coaching page to sign up for one on one support.

Third, this will not be your standard somber Buddhist affair.

There may be playlists of upbeat music, possibly dance breaks in the middle of class. there will be humor. We will do this work with an orientation to what’s working, not what’s wrong. We will invite an orientation to beauty and wonder for our human predicament. Hopefully, we can even laugh at ourselves.

Finally, be yourself.

Us trauma kittens are so good at shapeshifting, people pleasing, putting on a good face, deference to others and not making waves. In this space we ask you to consider dropping all the performances. If you feel good say so, if you feel bad, say so. If you’re activated, you’re welcome here. If you’re managing depression, you’re welcome here. Being perfectly regulated is an advantage us sensitive folks don’t always have. What we will ask you to do is consider the impact of your words on the other sensitive nervous systems around you.