Relative Balance in an Unstable World
Description
A Search for New Models for Trauma Education and Recovery
Anngwyn St. Just
“The time has come,” writes Anngwyn St. Just, “to expand our understanding of trauma to include the kinds of overwhelm that extend beyond a traumatized individual. If we are to meet oncoming challenges of natural and man-made disasters, war, terrorism, and other forms of violence, new paradigms are needed.” Dr. St. Just urges her readers to awaken to a realization that trauma is a global issue and to an urgent need to develop international, culturally appropriate, cost-effective trauma education and recovery programs based upon easily transmitted concepts. “Relative Balance in an Unstable World” offers a compelling invitation to expand current concepts of trauma to include Nature, shamanic wisdom, cross-cultural, non-verbal, body-oriented methods, and an appreciation for the healing power of community. Moving beyond her focus on individual trauma into the larger realms of social trauma was a deeply personal process for Anngwyn St. Just as a professional, a woman, and a child of war. Her innovative and distinctly feminine perspective offers a compelling invitation to expand current concepts about trauma to include nature, shamanic wisdom, cross-cultural, non-verbal body-oriented methods, and a profound appreciation for the healing power of community. Given the increasing numbers of people identified as trauma survivors and the pressure of steadily rising health costs, it is clear that we are moving in the direction of crisis. As the ancient Chinese proverb advises “If we do not change direction, we are likely to wind up where we are going.”
