Letting Go of Trauma How Ancient Symbols and Philosophy Illuminate Your Journey to Freedom
- kevwright78
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
In today's fast-paced world, many of us carry emotional weight that holds us back from happiness and personal growth. Whether stemming from past relationships, unresolved childhood experiences, or other life challenges, trauma can trigger feelings that disrupt our daily lives. But there is hope. By learning to release this trauma, we can find freedom and peace.
In this post, we will explore how the Hawkins Scale of Consciousness, ancient symbols, and the philosophical insights of Plato can aid your healing journey. These concepts may help you to reclaim your inner tranquility and promote emotional well-being.
Understanding Trauma and Its Triggers
Trauma is not just a single incident; it can leave lasting impressions on our minds and hearts. Triggers are situations that bring past pain back to the surface, leading to feelings of anger, sadness, or anxiety. Every time we encounter something that reminds us of our wounds, we can find ourselves reacting in ways that feel uncontrollable.
Consider this widely known saying: “Where attention goes, energy flows.” If we focus on our triggers, we unwittingly give them power over us. These triggers often point to insecurities we have yet to address. For instance, if you feel anxious when a colleague critiques your work, this may reflect deeper feelings of inadequacy. Recognizing this connection can pave the way for healing.
This is where the Hawkins Scale of Consciousness comes into play. Created by Dr. David Hawkins, this scale categorizes emotions from lower levels, such as shame and guilt, to higher states like love and joy. The key to letting go of trauma lies in raising your emotional state.
The Hawkins Scale of Consciousness
The Hawkins Scale provides a helpful framework for understanding where you might stand emotionally. Here’s a simplified glimpse of the scale:
Shame (20): Feeling worthless or unworthy.
Guilt (30): Feeling regretful or blameworthy.
Fear (100): Anxiety about loss or harm.
Courage (200): Acknowledging fear and taking action.
Love (500): Compassion and unconditional acceptance.
Joy (540): Pleasure and warmth.
Peace (600): Deep inner calm and acceptance.
Enlightenment (700 to 1000): Connection to the higher self.
To begin your healing journey, identify your emotional state on this scale. Are you allowing triggers to pull you down into negativity? By understanding your position, you can actively work to shift towards higher states of consciousness.
The Role of Ancient Symbols in Healing
Ancient cultures have long used symbols to convey messages of healing and personal growth. One powerful example is the Lotus Flower, which symbolizes purity and rebirth. The lotus grows in muddy waters, but it emerges beautifully, reminding us that we, too, can rise above our trauma.

Another example is Yin and Yang, which represents balance. This symbol teaches us to embrace both the light and dark aspects of ourselves. By letting go of trauma, we can seek harmony within, allowing personal growth.
These symbols serve as reminders that healing and growth are possible. They encourage us to face our fears, shed old patterns, and rise above our triggers.
Plato’s Theory of the Cave
Plato’s allegory of the cave offers valuable insights into our own perceptions of reality. In this story, prisoners are chained in a dark cave, unable to see anything other than shadows projected on a wall. They mistakenly perceive these shadows as their only reality, unaware of the world beyond the cave.
Relating this to trauma, the cave represents our comfort zones filled with past pain, while the world outside symbolizes the potential for healing. To leave the cave, we must acknowledge our triggers and pursue understanding.
As we confront our fears and understand what triggers us, we can move towards a higher level of consciousness, similar to how a prisoner steps into the sunlight after being freed.
The Subconscious Mind and Our Reality
The subconscious mind plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and beliefs. It absorbs past experiences and can perpetuate unresolved trauma, often without our conscious awareness.
As we learn to let go of trauma, we create room for new, positive beliefs. For example, if someone’s criticism triggers your anxiety, that trigger may stem from an internal belief of inadequacy. Acknowledging this allows you to transform these triggers into opportunities for personal growth.
Practical Steps for Letting Go
Acknowledge Your Triggers: Be mindful of what activates your trauma. Understanding your triggers is vital for healing.
Embrace Meditation and Mindfulness: Regular practice can help you connect with your inner self, leading to better awareness of your subconscious.
Utilize Ancient Symbols: Incorporate symbols such as the Lotus or Yin and Yang into your daily life for inspiration and motivation.
Seek Support: Working with therapists or support groups can provide valuable insights as you navigate your journey.
Release and Forgive: Letting go often requires forgiveness—both of yourself and others. This release can liberate your emotional state, allowing for healing.

Embracing Your Healing Journey
Letting go of trauma is a continuous process. By integrating insights from the Hawkins Scale of Consciousness, the wisdom of ancient symbols, and Plato's teachings, your journey can lead to profound personal transformation.
Keep this in mind: where attention goes, energy flows. Focus your thoughts on growth and healing, rather than fear. As you acknowledge your triggers, you empower yourself to rise above them. Embrace the journey; your freedom awaits.

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