The Principles of Being Trauma-Informed: A Way of Being

In a world that often prioritizes efficiency over empathy, adopting a trauma-informed approach is not just about supporting others—it’s about transforming the way we engage with the world around us. At its core, being trauma-informed is not a checklist or a set of rigid rules, but a way of being. It’s a commitment to creating spaces—both personal and collective—where people feel safe, seen, and empowered.

What Does It Mean to Be Trauma-Informed?

Being trauma-informed begins with a foundational understanding that many individuals move through the world carrying the effects of past experiences. Trauma is not just what happens to us, but how our nervous system responds to it. Some people may be aware of their trauma, while others may not recognize its impact until certain situations trigger a response.

A trauma-informed approach rests on key principles:

 

1. 1. Safety – Physical, emotional, and psychological safety is prioritized.

1. 1. Trust & Transparency – Open, honest communication fosters connection.

1. 1. Choice & Autonomy – People are given agency over their own experiences.

1. 1. Collaboration & Mutuality – Healing happens in relationships, not in isolation.

1. 1. Empowerment – Strengths and resilience are acknowledged and nurtured.

1. 1. Cultural & Historical Awareness – The impact of systemic oppression, generational trauma, and identity is recognized.

These principles don’t just apply to therapists, healers, or facilitators; they can shape the way we interact in relationships, workplaces, and communities.

If you’re looking for a space where trauma-informed principles are honored, explore our upcoming retreats designed to support your journey.

Trauma Responses and the Nervous System

Trauma responses are deeply tied to our nervous system’s survival mechanisms. When we perceive a threat—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—our autonomic nervous system responds in one of four ways:

 

• • Fight – This response is driven by the sympathetic nervous system, leading to anger, defensiveness, or a need to exert control. It can look like snapping at a loved one, arguing, or pushing back aggressively in moments of perceived danger. Physiologically, this often presents as increased heart rate, clenched muscles, or a surge of adrenaline.

• • Flight – Also governed by the sympathetic nervous system, this response seeks safety through avoidance. It may show up as restlessness, excessive busyness, overworking, or needing to escape situations that feel overwhelming. The body may feel jittery, on edge, or hypervigilant, always scanning for an exit route.

• • Freeze – When neither fighting nor fleeing feels possible, the parasympathetic nervous system can initiate a freeze response. This might manifest as dissociation, feeling stuck, zoning out, or shutting down emotionally or physically. The body may feel heavy, numb, or disconnected from the present moment, as if watching life from the outside.

• • Fawn – A response to perceived danger where appeasing others feels like the safest option. This often presents as people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, or prioritizing others’ needs at the expense of one’s own well-being. Those in a fawn response may struggle with asserting their own desires and feel a deep need to maintain harmony, even at personal cost.

Recognizing these responses in ourselves and others allows us to bring more compassion to our interactions. Instead of reacting with judgment, we can meet these patterns with curiosity: What might this response be protecting? How can I create a sense of safety here?

Curious about deepening your self-awareness and nervous system regulation? Book a consultation call to explore this further.

Everyday Practices for a More Trauma-Informed Life

Living in a world that is not inherently trauma-informed means we must intentionally cultivate practices that center care and respect. Here are a few ways to integrate trauma-informed awareness into daily life:

 

1. 1. Honor Boundaries Without Question – Instead of challenging or persuading, respect when someone says no.

1. 1. Use Invitational Language – Offer choices instead of directives (e.g., “Would you like to try this?” instead of “You should do this.”)

1. 1. Regulate Your Own Nervous System – The more grounded we are, the more safety we create for those around us. Practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and movement can help regulate your nervous system and increase resilience.

1. 1. Listen to Understand, Not Just to Respond – Hold space for others without rushing to fix or minimize their experience.

1. 1. Slow Down – Creating moments of pause allows for more mindful and intentional interactions. Taking the time to check in with yourself and others fosters trust and connection.

While we may not be able to change the world overnight, small shifts in the way we engage with others ripple outward. We all have the capacity to cultivate more safety, connection, and understanding in the spaces we move through.

Conclusion

At Ananda Lodge, we are committed to embodying trauma-informed principles in everything we offer—from the way we hold space to the experiences we curate for our pasajeros. Whether you’re exploring plant medicine, deepening your personal growth, or simply seeking a more compassionate way of being, we invite you to journey with us.

If this resonates and you would like to learn more, we welcome you to explore our upcoming retreats and discover a space where your autonomy and boundaries are honored every step of the way:

 

1. 1. Schedule a Sacred Journey consultation.

1. 1. Download our free Psilocybin, Huachuma and Ayahuasca Guides.

1. 1. Discover our upcoming retreats.

1. 1. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Start your journey today by scheduling a Sacred Journey consultation. This is the first step in exploring whether our approach to healing is the right fit for you.