Understanding Your Wounds
Marcos & Candice here.
Religious trauma wounds often come in one of two forms. We refer to them as "download wounds" and "upload wounds."
Download wounds are rooted in the external influences that shape our understanding of the divine. Often, they result from the harmful portrayal of God or religious beliefs imposed by authority figures, communities, or cultural influences.
These wounds are essentially a product of the "downloaded" messages about God, morality, and spirituality from external sources. This might include teachings that instill fear, shame, or guilt, leading to a skewed perception of the divine as punitive, wrathful, or unloving.
On the other hand, upload wounds originate from our own experiences, perceptions, and interpretations projected onto our understanding of God.
These wounds arise from our personal traumas, disappointments, and unresolved emotional struggles, which we superimpose onto our concept of the divine.
For example, someone who has experienced rejection might struggle to believe in a loving and accepting God, projecting their own fears and insecurities onto their understanding of God.
Healing download wounds often involves a process of cognitive reframing and relearning. Religious trauma coaching can help in challenging and reshaping these damaging beliefs instilled by external influences, helping to untangle the harmful narratives to cultivate a healthier understanding of spirituality and God.
On the contrary, healing Upload Wounds necessitates a therapeutic approach that goes beyond cognitive layers. This involves somatic, relational, and non-verbal approaches that facilitate processing the deep wounds that have been projected onto one's perception of God. Through compassionate exploration and support, individuals can gradually untangle their personal traumas from their spirituality and develop a more authentic connection with the divine.
Taking steps towards healing from religious trauma wounds requires courage and self-compassion. It begins with acknowledging the existence of these wounds and their impact on your life.
Seeking guidance from trusted mentors, therapists, or spiritual leaders who understand the complexities of religious trauma can provide valuable support.
Engaging in practices that promote self-reflection, mindfulness, and self-care can also facilitate healing (check in with your therapist before trying these).
As religious trauma recovery practitioners, we want to encourage you along your healing journey.
You deserve a life free of religious trauma.
And we are here, rooting for you along the way!
Marcos & Candice
Hunger, The Devotional App
Heal Spiritual Wounds. Reclaim Your Story.
