Second Hand Trauma

"Regardless of whether your trauma is small or big,

it affected you. Move past that with love."

Jess Carpenter

Simply standing in line, I was waiting to check out of the store. I heard this thud next to me accompanied by howls of pain that tore through my heart. Next was uncontrollable screams from a mother looking down at her maybe 6 month old child who had fallen out of the cart. I stood frozen taking in the scene as store security rapidly took measure.

I was propelled back in time when I had heard my own children bellow in pain. Too easily old motherly fears resurfaced cutting through my heart.  The mother now sprawled upon the floor cradling her injured baby, panic coursed through my trembling body. Whatever damage had occurred, I was frozen still, unable to move.

 

The store fell silent with everyone in place. Realizing I was absorbing the traumatic vibrations, I began to send Reiki energy. I held both mother and child in light, praying they would be comforted and resilient. They were whisked away. I returned home, lit candles, and meditated with light, hoping second hand trauma would pass on by.