Trauma comes from either high impact or repetitive events that overwhelm the nervous system. When we don’t get the signals that tell the nervous system its safe to feel again, our body’s store the sensations/emotions/memories until we feel safe enough.

Trauma also comes from the ways we inhibit our behavior to conform to what is expected of us by others or ourselves.

Trauma healing looks different for everyone. Some steps might include: recognizing when you are “triggered”, treating yourself with gentleness and care, seeking supports in the form of groups and practitioners, engage in activities that help you feel the goodness of life, and learn to tolerate the discomfort that comes when you feel triggers. Its a process. Above all, be patient and compassionate with yourself.

The word “soma” means “body” in Greek. Somatic Experiencing is a modality I’m trained in that recognizes the bodily dimension of trauma. Trauma can’t be talked away. We need to slow down and feel what hasn’t been felt, experience what hasn’t processed, in order for the suffering (fear, pain, shame, rage, etc) of trauma to leave us. We come out on the other side of this process with a felt sense of “I can” rather than collapse of overwhelm.

In short, “toxic masculinity” is a behavioral pattern that (mostly) men have been conditioned to and adopted to meet their needs in dysfunctional ways. Common qualities of toxic masculinity include entitlement, being controlling, an inability to feel and express emotions (other than anger), and a lack of sensitivity to the experience of others.

Masculinity is defined in different ways by different cultures. It changes over time and there is no singular definition that captures what masculinity means. We might discuss various expressions of masculinity. But I think its safe to say “no” masculinity isn’t dying. There are certain forms of it that are being challenged and questioned.

I work with people of all genders. I emphasize work around masculinity, because its where I’ve been called most strongly to service. From where I sit, people of all genders have been affected by the “bad” stories carried and enacted by men. I hope to help counter those stories by embodying a sensitive/attuned masculinity for men AND those of other genders.

“The Hero’s Journey” is a phrase coined by Joseph Campbell. This narrative structure helps us understand the initiatory processes people from cultures all over the world have undergone in order to mature into adulthood. If you’d like to learn more about my perspective on the Hero’s Journey you can read more here: https://rainerbaumorr.substack.com/p/on-memorial-day-the-heros-journey

The work I offer is meant to help you more fully embrace your unique gifts and path in life. Our modern world pressures us to conform to ways of being that do not prioritize this soulcentric orientation. I view this as a trauma in and of itself. I believe we are meant to fulfill something we are born with—our medicine, gifts, birthright, soul, whatever we want to call it—and whatever keeps us from that is some way we are twisted (traumatized) out of alignment to ouur nature.

I could go on and on, but briefly, a bard is a storyteller/poet/singer who works with mythic wisdom to facilitate cultural (as opposed to personal) healing. Mythic and poetic work have been a part of my path as far back as I can remember. Being a bard is part of my soul’s path and it influences everything I do, whether I’m offering story, working one - on - one with someone, writing, or facilitating a group. Stories are what this world is made of, and I try and help others remember that, as I am continually reminded of it myself.