In a powerful and viral TikTok video that has captivated millions, the account Awakened State shares a clip where renowned physician and author Gabor Maté redefines trauma in a way that shifts the focus from external events to our internal experience. This perspective, which has resonated deeply with nearly 4 million viewers, invites us to look inward at the lasting imprints of our experiences. Let’s dive into this perspective and explore what it might mean for the journey of healing.
What is Trauma, Really? Shifting from ‘What Happened to You’
The video shared by Awakened State gets straight to the heart of the matter, opening with a profound statement that challenges the conventional understanding of trauma. According to the perspective of Gabor Maté presented in the clip, the focus is not on the event itself, but on its internal consequence.
“Trauma is not what happened to you. Trauma is what happened inside you as a result of what happened to you.”
This idea suggests that the traumatic event is the catalyst, but the actual trauma is the wound left inside. It’s the disconnection from ourselves, the emotional and physiological imprint that remains long after the event is over. This is a subtle but incredibly significant shift in understanding. What happens when we reframe our personal stories through this lens, focusing not just on the external story but on our internal landscape?
How Gabor Maté Redefines Trauma as an ‘Open Sore’
The clip goes on to describe how this internal wound can show up in our daily lives. The speaker in the video uses a powerful analogy to illustrate the sensitivity and reactivity that can stem from these unhealed parts of ourselves.
“One aspect of trauma is like an open sore that if you touch it, you just react. You would just wound it all over again.”
Does this analogy resonate? It helps explain why certain situations, words, or even people can trigger a seemingly disproportionate emotional response. The reaction may not be about the present moment at all, but about that past wound being touched. According to the video, this creates a dual effect on our being.
“Trauma both sensitizes us to certain stimuli, and on the other hand, numbs us to our own feelings, and separates us from our bodies.”
Watch the original video by @awakened.state below:
The Journey Back to Self: What Does Healing Mean?
If trauma is a separation from the self, what does healing look like? The perspective shared in the video offers a simple yet profound direction for the healing path.
“So healing means the reunification with the self.”
This beautiful idea frames healing not as “fixing” something that is broken, but as a tender journey of reconnection. It suggests that healing is about returning to our bodies, allowing ourselves to feel our emotions, and gently integrating the parts of ourselves that became fragmented by the internal wound. It is a path toward wholeness, guided by self-compassion and awareness.
Questions for Your Own Quantum Pulse
As we always say here at The Quantum Pulse, the most powerful insights come from within. This perspective is just one of many, and its true value lies in how it inspires you to think and feel for yourself. Here are a few questions to ponder as you integrate this information.
- How does shifting the definition of trauma from an external event to an internal experience change your perspective on your own life story?
- Can you identify any “open sores” or sensitivities in your own life? How does this analogy help you understand them with more compassion?
- What does “reunification with the self” look and feel like for you? What is one small step you could take today to connect more deeply with your body or your feelings?
The collective is buzzing with conversations like this one, and we’re here for it! Exploring these ideas together helps us all grow. Remember to question everything, trust your inner wisdom, and find the path that resonates most deeply with you.
