Basic Goodness, Tsewa, Basic Sanity: a Conversation on a Deeper Understanding of Trauma

The topic of trauma is daunting to speak about in any kind of sweeping, all-encompassing way. Our intention is not to make such a claim as to assert that we have the solution to how to work with trauma. Our hope is that in hearing our contemplations on our personal experiences you may develop a view that trauma doesn’t have to break us, it can be integrated and transcended. This is exemplified in the themes of Basic Goodness presented by Trungpa Rinpoche and Tsewa introduced by Kongtrul Rinpoche which we speak to as ways to understand working through trauma. Tsewa is Tibetan word that describes the natural warm energy and openness of heart we feel for ourselves and our loved ones. It has the capacity to be open into boundless love and care for others through genuine empathy. Both are shared human potentials waiting to be accessed to help us integrate experiences of all kinds, especially trauma. These potentials allow us to go against our tendency to shut down in the face of challenges and remind us to open to the natural warmth that we all possess. In the process, we find a path toward potential healing of trauma. At the core of our being we all have access to Basic Goodness and Tsewa, our conversation reminds us of these precious resources.