Most trauma is caused by power imbalances in which the powerful neglect, abuse, and exploit those who have less. Such out-of-balance relational dynamics–especially when protected by institutions–are the driver of mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, recurrent pain, and virtually all social ills.
Hierarchy, rigidity, and chaos undermine our embodied sense of safety, especially when cruelty and contempt are the point. Without this sense of safety, we cannot produce regulated emotions, thoughts, behaviors, relationships, or even bodily systems. This is why we have such an epidemic of chronic conditions in our corporatized Western left-brain culture.
When power and resources are concentrated in the hands of a few ruthless people at the top to the detriment of everyone else, it negatively impacts everyone’s nervous system. Even those at the top.
Those who focus on personal gain reciprocally lose the capacity to connect with others or even see them as human. People become objects to manipulate and exploit. Profits come first. People don’t matter.
The existence of a billionaire class is a sign of a very tall domination hierarchy. Hierarchy is the problem. It creates these callous men who can never be satisfied, even when they hoard 98% of the wealth.
The rise of fascism is clear, and fascism is very bad for everyone’s nervous system. It creates collective trauma while simultaneously undermining our core biological needs for recovery through safe connections.
A healthy society, one that helps people recover from trauma rather than creating more, is equitable, inclusive, and diverse. A healthy culture is cooperative and empathetic. These are the very things too many politicos decry as they profiteer from human misery.
I approach nearly everything human through an Interpersonal Neurobiology lens. It shows me that the systems and structures themselves are the issue, and those who wield power irresponsibly must be deposed.
What’s happening in politics is highly entwined with trauma and human well-being.
I post about the political not to divide, but to unite us in shared understanding that these people who are profiting from the chaos and rigidity of this administration are supreme players in the culture of trauma and chronic stress that is harming us all at the neurobiological and even the cellular level.
When those in positions of power abuse their power in ways that affect the masses, they drive chronic stress and trauma as they laugh all the way to the bank. This is not okay. This is extremely harmful.
We are at a critical point in American history where everyone needs to be awake and understand what’s happening because our long-term health and well-being depend on flattening this cruel and contemptuous hierarchy.
