Continued from previous post…….
“If you believe your dignity is anchored deeply inside of you, you can endure just about anything.” – Donna Hicks
- Very briefly on the physiology of trauma
Somatic bottom up approaches are essential when dealing with trauma because trauma impacts our physiology
Our trauma response system is an evolutionary compelling force with survival value
When we ‘perceive’ danger we opt for flee or fight, but when this is not possible we have another biological choice – our vagal circuit leads to freeze and shut down responses automatically
Neuroception is our human capacity to detect safety and risk or danger in the environment without cognitive awareness
We have a nervous system that allows us to participate in other people’s nervous systems for better and for worse
Our bodies require co-regulation, but we live in a world where many people have lost their capacity to co regulate with each other because they don’t feel safe enough
Our physiological states shift with cues of trauma and this can script our expression and interpretation of others
Prosodic voices can soothe our physiology
- Trauma and dignity
“No power on this earth can destroy the thirst for hunah dignity” Nelson Mandela
Dignity can be defined as our inborn sense of value and worth, which cannot be stripped from us, but it can be wounded, abused and violated
Dr Donna Hicks’ 10 essential elements of dignity in brief:
Acceptance of other people’s identity and authentic selves without prejudice and bias always assuming that others have integrity
Inclusion; fostering a sense of belonging for all
Safety that involves both physical safety and protection from humiliation and allows freedom of expression without retribution
Acknowledgement: attention and responding to people’s concerns, feelings and experiences
Recognition: validate people for their talents, hard work, thoughtfulness, and help
Fairness: treat people justly, with equality and without discrimination or injustice, honoring their dignity
Benefit of the Doubt: treat people as trustworthy. Start with the premise that others have good motives and are acting with integrity
Understanding: believe that what others think matters
Independence: encourage people to act on their own behalf so that they feel in control of their lives and experience a sense of hope and possibility
Accountability: take responsibility for your actions