Life of Gaia

A Journey Into The Unknown To Discover Yourself

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The Science Behind Sound Healing

Sound has always been healing and exists in many frequencies throughout nature. This is why you might find yourself winding down to relax on a sofa after a day when it has rained all day. You can find a sense of calm coming to your entire being after spending time at a retreat in a forest, hearing the wind move through the trees and the chatter of insects.

Sound has always been known to heal us, whether it be hearing a favorite sad song of ours or the voice of a dear friend on a bad day. Sound is a tool used in the world by nature and deliberately by humans to alter the state of mind. Sound healing works on the principle that everything in the world has a vibration. This vibration is then used to influence the situation at hand. When it comes to why this happens, we must look toward science.

How Does Sound Heal Our Body?

To understand how sound heals us, we must understand how our body works. Our existence is a gathering of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that occur as interactions between our neurons. These groups of neurons then interact together in unison to create electrical pulses that are known to become different brain waves. These brain waves are divided into different bandwidths, out of which five are mainly known.

These different bandwidths triggered deliberately can then relax the body and bring it to different resting states. This is where sound becomes relevant because it has the power to trigger these reactions with its vibrations. This is something that ancient monks and yogis already knew. In their traditions sound was also known to have the power to bring chaos into order. READ MORE...

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How To Train Yourself To Be More Positive In Four Steps

Are you a person who is inclined to see the brighter side of things, even in dire situations? Or do you oftentimes tip to the other side and wallow in negativity?

No matter which category we fall into – pessimist or optimist, we all want to experience the life we’ve dreamed of and continuously strive to achieve. But life is volatile. It can be a crooked path with bumpy roads ahead. Our plans don’t always go as planned and, in some instances, completely stop us in our tracks. Bracing ourselves for all challenging circumstances, and having the ability to see their sometimes hidden beauty, can help to propel us forward, despite the setbacks.

The ability to rewire our minds and change our perspective into a positive one is not as farfetched as it seems.  Our mind is fully trainable to be optimistic, all we need is a little patience and persistence to tweak some of our routines. 

The following are four steps to train yourself to be more positive.

Start Your Day On a Positive Note

If you want to experience positivity throughout your day, start thinking positive things the moment you wake up. This habit increases your energy and helps to fulfill your goals for the day. Envisioning completing your tasks and focusing on your passion sets up your mind to believe it can do so. It also builds your courage and determination to achieve things you may have thought weren’t previously possible. Write down, in detail,  all the things you want to do before bed. Your subconscious mind can better remember each of your aspirations for the new day. READ MORE...

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How To Tell If Your Palo Santo Is Real

Smudging practices have been used for centuries for their cleansing properties to infuse spaces with positive energy. One of the preferred woods for smudging is Palo Santo, also well known as the “Holy Wood,” which has become a household name over the years.

The Palo Santo fragrance is unique and has been considered sacred since ancient times in Peru and Ecuador. This wood with a mystical scent has quietly woven its way into spiritual practices all over the world. Because of the current world market trend, the demand for authentic Palo Santo smudge sticks has increased exponentially. Unfortunately, the situation has simultaneously expanded the growth of inauthentic or unethically harvested Palo Santo.

So How Do You Know If Your Palo Santo Is Real?

The Scent of the Smoke is Unique

If you have ever experienced genuine and high-quality Palo Santo wood, I think you will agree that its musky, sweet smoke is simply like no other. Palo Santo has a distinct, almost sacred, aroma that other woods cannot replicate. After experiencing the scent of authentic Palo Santo, you have already set a standard for your next smudging experience!

What Color is the Wood

One of the main indicators of whether the Palo Santo wood is authentic, or not, is the color which immediately gives away the quality of the wood. Authentic Palo Santo has soft orange streaks layered along the amber-colored grain of the wood. But pay close attention as unscrupulous sellers often submerge regular wood in oils to replicate the color and scent of Palo Santo. READ MORE...

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The Mystery of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria

The mysterious Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a landmass covering about 75 hectares of land and is dedicated to the Osun goddess of fertility. Located in Osogbo, a city in Osun State in Nigeria, Africa, this forest area is home to various sacred shrines devoted to different deities in Yoruba land. The area is considered sacred with a connection of different spiritual paths that link the major divisions together. The area seems perfectly created for sacred rituals as the Osun river cuts across the area and gives an ambiance of spiritual presence. There used to be similar popular places for rituals in Yoruba land but over time most of them were converted and only a few remain, the most important being the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. It is for this reason that it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2005 and stands out as one out of the two World Heritage sites in Nigeria at present.

The Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove is believed to house about forty shrines spread across the various parts of the forest and representing several different deities. The sacred nature of the grove makes it an attractive place for spiritual practices. As a sacred area, such activities as farming, hunting, and fishing are highly prohibited and only traditional healers are allowed to gather plants that grow there for use in their practices. The grove gets several visits per year from both the Yoruba worshipers who are consistent in their local worship and those who visit the place as a tourist center. Rituals are performed at the different shrines regularly by ardent worshippers of the different deities. There are many varieties of wild animals present in the forest area and they continue to increase in their numbers due to the banning of hunting activities and any form of disturbance from external influence.     

History of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

There are several folktales connected to the origin of the Osun-Osogbo sacred grove. However, what is certain is that its history is highly connected to the history of the Yoruba culture and traditional religion in general. READ MORE...

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How To Grow Spiritually

Spirituality comes from the constant cultivation of our purpose in this vast universe. Spiritual growth is an important aspect of delving deeper under the core to seek connection with the inner self that transcends our physical form. 

The alignment between mind and body creates a positive impact on your life and others. There are plenty of ways to not only create the connection but to also grow spiritually.

Whether you are a religious person, or someone who finds interest in exploring universal spirituality, acknowledging your inner self is an important step toward a fulfilling spiritual life. 

How Do You Grow Spiritually? 

Growing spiritually can be different for each of us and is a personal journey.  One can sit for hours in deep meditation, connect via their bodies in a yoga practice, smudging, or one can simply sit and indulge in the miracle of an exquisite sunrise. Whichever your preference, these activities open our minds to receive a higher form of connection. 

The following are some tips to guide you on your journey of spiritual growth. READ MORE...

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5 Reasons to Start Smudging Today

Smudging is a cleansing ritual involving the burning of bundled medicinal herbs and plants, most commonly white sage, to help rid places and people of negative energies. While it has been practiced for ages, the smudging ritual has become increasingly popular in recent times.

The benefits of smudging are plenty. In fact, some of them are backed by scientific evidence. Here, in this article, we discuss the five major reasons to start smudging today

1. Natural Air Purifier 

White sage smudge purifies the air you breathe. That’s reason enough to start smudging in your home and or office. The air in your living space contains all kinds of bacteria and allergens.   It includes bacteria, viruses, pollen, dander, mold and dust.   The herbs used in the smudging ritual cleanse the air of these harmful, airborne particles, reducing the chances of disease.   A study conducted proved that smudging removes airborne contaminants up to 94%, with its effects lasting around 24 hours.

 2. Helps Relax and Feel Good!  

Had a bad day? Having trouble sleeping? Burning dried sage can act as the perfect mood booster.  The relaxing fragrance has a soothing effect on the nerves, calming the mind and body almost instantly. READ MORE...

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The Full Moon – Lunatics, Beliefs & How It Affects You

The Moon itself has been worshipped by many civilizations throughout time. There are countless moon gods in ancient tradition and mythology celebrated and worshipped, whether it be the Greek goddess Selene, the Roman goddess Luna, or the Egyptian God Thot. The moon has always been recognized for its influence and is known to be the most powerful energy without any doubt.

Ancient Full Moon Beliefs and Practices

In Hindu practices, there are rituals around the full moon to celebrate, gift things to your neighbors, distribute sweets and sing to worship the Gods. Native Americans on the other hand, have their rituals around prayers for guidance, ceremony, dancing and singing. In China, you can find a full moon festival celebrated for the past 3000 years and is now a public holiday. It was originally started by emperors to thank the full moon for the bountiful harvest of the empire.

Full Moon Spiritual Practices

Moreover, the moon can be found in many ritual and spiritual practices. In astrology, the moon sign represents our emotional landscape and subconscious. When astrologers read the sky transits, each full moon brings with it the realization of the energy of the zodiac sign it is in, allowing it to affect the collective with its influence.

In addition, you’ll find the moon in a tarot deck, where it represents the hidden truth. The moonlight is then considered to be the moon connecting us to the realms of the unknown, the hidden, and the unconscious. READ MORE...

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The Art of Living from The Heart and Oneness

Sufism: The Religion of the Heart

Sufism, the religion of love, as it is known, embodies the true spirit of living by heart and oneness, seeking the Divine in the human heart. The heart is a very important place as this is where the journey to the Divine takes place, where one travels deep within himself to share the bliss of union with the Divine. With Sufism, thus, begins the communion with Divinity. One begins to question their own existence, surroundings, and purpose.

To achieve the ultimate goal of Sufism, an individual must recognize the limitedness of his or her worldly-influenced knowledge and perception and then discard them, opening oneself to an awakening, thus embarking on a journey of truly understanding what is beyond this world; the true message of Divinity.

Religiosity to Spirituality: The Universality of Sufism

Sufism is a ‘mystic body of religious practice within Islam’ and has, seen its inception, evolved as a spiritual practice. Although it is born from a specific religion, it is a practice for all, regardless of belief, creed, or dogma, since Sufism is a religion that empowers humanity. Sufi mystic, Inayat Khan, revolutionized traditional Sufism by separating it from its strict association with Islam. “Sufism has never been owned by any race or religion,” he stated, and that “Sufism itself is the essence of all the religions as well the spirit of Islam.”

Since its inception, the crucial beliefs of Sufism have existed free of social and cultural constraints, such as gender and ethnicity, rituals and rites, and other socio-cultural constructs. Therefore, it appeals to everyone, as it allows one to rediscover oneself on this journey to communion with the Divine. READ MORE...

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The Akashic Records — Library of the Universe

If you have ever been to a library or even accessed an online, you would know the feeling of having vast information that is readily available at your fingertips. Knowing that you can ask almost any question or query, there will be a list of records for you to pour over and devour. Yet this is only knowledge that is gained and written by humans.

What if it was a library of the universe instead, the one that holds the truth of everything ever to exist and will? This would then be the library of Akashic Records.

What Are the Akashic Records?

To put it simply, the Akashic Records are a collection of all universal memories, feelings, desires, events and actions that have occurred since the beginning of time. This collection contains an all-time continuum meaning the past, the present, and the future, of every being to ever exist, not just humans.

How To Access The Akashic Records?

They say that anyone can access the records. We unknowingly access them many times in our daily life during an intuitive hunch we get. Many ways to access the records include meditation, intuitive study, tutorials, and guides. Yet, some fundamental principles stay the same.

Here is the process:

It is essential to set an intention and be clear on what you’re seeking and why. This clarity is significant. Acceptance is needed if you just want to explore and browse the records to confirm their existence.

Next, if there is something specific you are looking for, think of it in terms of a question. Take your time to understand what you are asking. There is no right or wrong when it comes to what you want to know. You might not get an answer, but you must be willing to try. Read more…

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How To Manifest Positive Energy

It is certainly challenging to stay hopeful and at peace amid all the negativity surrounding us every day. But as humans, it is key to learn to adapt and accustom ourselves to the ever-changing ways of life. Conquering problems and challenges by radiating positive energy is a terrific way to not only survive but thrive!

People are naturally attracted to someone who makes them feel at ease. While being “a ray of sunshine” may be effortless for some for others it requires a little more work.

Manifesting and creating positive energy is certainly possible with a little practice and commitment. Changing our mindset to something we are not accustomed to is not always easy, but as we slowly start to integrate more positivity into our lives, we also start to create more positive circumstances around us, that in turn make us feel good.

Here are some actionable tips to channel and manifest positive energy:

Practice Gratitude 

Gratitude is one of the most significant ways to manifest positivity. When you appreciate things, regardless of how trivial or mundane they are, our body releases an oxytocin hormone in charge of making us feel fulfilled and happy. Expressing appreciation, the moment you open your eyes in the morning creates a positive mindset that sets a positive trajectory for the rest of the day.

Plan Your Day Ahead of Time

Before you go to sleep at night, visualize how you would want the following day to unfold. List the things you want to see happening, especially those that inspire your creativity and motivation. Make a plan that is achievable for that particular day. Completing tasks always establishes positive feelings of fulfillment and productivity. Read more...

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How Ibogaine is Used for Spiritual and Ceremonial Purposes in Central Africa

Iboga is regarded as a special plant and the substance Ibogaine is considered sacred by those who know of its usage. Most spiritual practices and celebrations in certain communities especially in West Africa are characterized by the use of Ibogaine as it is considered a divine substance handed to humans and used for great spiritual benefits. There are usually special people or Shamans in these communities who oversee the intake and the use of Ibogaine so that it is not abused and so that its sacredness is not taken for granted. It is for this reason that it is sometimes processed into various forms to allow for its preservation and care under proper guidance.

Ibogaine is a substance made from Iboga roots found in the African rainforest. It is primarily from the Tabernanthe Iboga shrub. Iboga translates “to heal” or “to care for” in the tribal languages from which it originates. It is popular for its medicinal values which have made it a veritable remedy for several defects. In addition, Ibogaine is highly regarded for its spiritual benefits and as such, it is used in different spiritual practices and festivals. Known as a popular hallucinogen, it is a veritable tool among shamans during initiation procedures for transcendental experiences with the spirits of the dead. Scientifically, Ibogaine is considered a psychedelic used in the treatment of various psychological disorders and addictions although having its adverse effects. It is also popular among hypnotherapists to achieve dream state effects in patients.

Historical Use of Ibogaine

Ibogaine was discovered by a tribe in central Africa known as the Pygmy tribe known for their forest hunting and gathering skills in African rainforests. The knowledge of the benefits of the Iboga root from which Ibogaine is extracted fascinated the Pygmy tribe and they passed on the knowledge to the Punu forest-dwelling people of the Bwiti tribe in Gabon. The use of Ibogaine spread in Europe through the instrumentality of the French traders who learned it from the Bwiti tribe. It was popularly sold as a stimulant in France and since then has continued to spread in all parts of Europe and America. Its popularity has also attracted the attention of scientists and researchers to know more about its origin, use, and functionality. A popular use of Ibogaine was also recorded among athletes after World War II until the substance became illegal in some places. Read more...

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How to Make Your Smudge Stick Burn

“Why won’t my smudge stick stay lit?” or “Why won’t my smudge stick burn?”

These are the questions from frustrated users that we repeatedly encounter in various forums discussing various smudging practices.

You may be happy to know that there is a relatively simple solution to this challenge!

Once you’ve tried the suggestions below, you’ll experience an immediate improvement in how long your smudge stick stays lit and how long it burns for.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert at the ancient art of smudging, you may have experienced the frustration of lighting your preferred smudge stick, only to have it go out or stop burning a few seconds later. Sometimes the smudge stick simply won’t light at all, or even after lighting it repeatedly, it will not stay lit. In other situations, you discover that after the first or second use of a smudge stick, it becomes difficult to light the black stub at the end. This has been a source of trouble for so many people because it keeps the focus on the smudge stick, which distracts from the ceremony, intention, cleansing, ritual, or spiritual exercise, that the smudge stick should be used for.

It is also possible that you may have resorted to returning or discarding the current smudge stick and purchasing new smudge sticks each time you experience this trouble. We have seen people who have continuously purchased new smudge sticks because they think that the inability to stay lit is a sign that the smudge stick is worn down and has served its purpose. This is however not true and this article is here to provide helpful tips to ensure your smudge stick burns perfectly, stays lit, and can be used repeatedly in its entirety. Read more...

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How I Consciously Died

by James Malsbury

How does one begin a story that may seem too far-fetched to be true? Perhaps just tell it as it occurred, and whether others believe it or not is irrelevant. I will use the initial of each person’s name to keep them anonymous.

We gathered in a back room at the home of S and K, a place where we all have gathered many times before to explore expanded consciousness together using various plant medicines. This time was a little different, Z offered to facilitate with the use of a crystallized form of DMT (Dimethyltryptamine). It was offered by the way of a volcano, a balloon-like device where the vapes are captured inside the "balloon" and then inhaled. This type of journey typically lasts thirty minutes at most. We each took a turn while the others held space. When it came to be my turn, I lay down to prepare myself for the journey and used earplugs and an eye mask to avoid distractions. Sitting in front of me, Z asked if I was ready. As I looked over my right shoulder, looking at S I said, "Yeah what's the worst that can happen? S will have to burry me in the back!". Everyone sort of laughed and S gave me a startled look that said: "WTF!" As Z filled the balloon, he instructed me to take three very large, deep inhalations and to hold the last one in for as long I could. I did as instructed and on the last inhale, put on the eye mask, firmly grabbed K's hand, and sank back into the cushions.

As I lay there in darkness a very loud buzzing noise seemed to drown out any outside noise and a feeling that I may pass out came over me. Tightly holding K’s hand and staying connected to my breath, the feeling began to dissipate. The buzzing in my ears also began to quiet down, so I started to relax and let go of the hand which I was gripping so tightly. Read more...

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Finding Serenity and Maintaining a Positive Mindset with Palo Santo

Have you thought about using smudge sticks but you are not sure how effective they are?

Try Palo Santo and let your doubts be erased.

Smudging is drawing people’s attention to the powerful impact of certain rituals for the purpose of inviting peace and positivity. With all the chaos and unresolved challenges filling our thoughts and body, the positive energy we try to manifest within ourselves is suppressed. For this reason, there is a great need for cleansing. Purifying our minds and shifting our outlook are simple but effective ways to restructure our perspective and learn to manifest genuine happiness.

Using Palo Santo wood affords one the required peace of mind and clears the haze that has been created by negativities. This scented wood has a reputation for healing and cleansing that goes back to ancient times when it was highly recommended in most spiritual ceremonies.

What Makes Palo Santo Unique?

Palo Santo is a wood that has remained popular around communities that practice smudging, mainly for its unique smell and other underlying benefits. It grows primarily in South America and its name translates to ‘holy wood.’ This famous wood certainly lives up to its name because it produces a heavenly aroma and cloudy smoke that evokes positive emotions which are beneficial to spiritual practices.

Oil and resin are found within its grain and this explains the sweet, citrusy, and woodsy fragrance. Sometimes, it can be harvested separately to produce more products such as essential oil, soap, and beads. The antibacterial properties extracted from its wood serve as a powerful remedy for various illnesses and the treatment of rheumatic pain, headaches, cold, and stress. However, beyond the physical benefits of Palo Santo, there are more benefits it can offer. Read more…

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Create Positive Energy and Cleanse Your Space

Have You Ever Walked Into a Room and Felt Extremely Restless?

It feels like some unexplainable force saps you of all your positive energy!

There are certain spaces and people that seem to have a negative vibe or energy about them.

Unfortunately, there also those who readily absorb all this environmental negativity, upsetting their lives in the process. It can make them feel uneasy — they fidget, are anxious, struggle with poor sleep, and find it difficult to control their thoughts.

If this sounds like you, you may want to consider cleansing your space, dispel the negative energy and improve the quality of your life.

There are plenty of options and practices available such as practicing gratitude, meditating, spending time in nature, or, our personal favorite….smudging.

What Is Smudging or Saging? 

Smudging is an age-old ritual of burning medicinal herbs in rituals. The plants are dried and bundled for use. The smoke produced by igniting the plant material treats persons and spaces by purifying the air, getting rid of odors, bacteria, dust, and pollen. Smudging also attracts positive energy, boosts mood, promotes mental well-being, improves clarity and enhances productivity.

White sage is the most commonly used herb smudging, but you can choose from others such as Lavender, Cedar, Sweet Grass, Yerba Santa and Palo Santo (a fragrant wood variety from South America, also known as Holy Wood).

When to Smudge? 

While there is no specific time to smudge, here are some special occasions when it really helps: If you are moving into a new house or new apartment. A smudging kit makes a great housewarming gift. Smudge your office space before setting up a business or starting a new job. If you have had an argument, or recovered from an illness. Make it a part of your daily meditation routine. After entertaining guests or visitors. Read more...

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How Plant Medicine Allowed Me to Find the Way Back to Myself

by Sylvia Turonova

It was April 26th of 2019 when I grabbed my two suitcases and walked away from my marriage for good. After six years of sleepless nights, fights, toxicity, and betrayal, I finally found the courage to leave a situation that kept me stuck and paralyzed for so long.

I would lie if I said I didn’t leave with a heavy heart. Although the situation didn’t serve me, and I spent most of my days mad, hurt, upset, and disappointed, I was still fully absorbed in a life that my ex-husband and I tried to build but didn’t succeed.

A couple of days after my departure, I woke up feeling great. Honestly, I didn’t understand it. Is it possible to get over six years of misery in two days?

At first, it seemed real, so I began to live my life like never before. I got my place, had my job while building my coaching business on the side, became part of the public speaking club, and got involved with a coaching group where I had an opportunity to meet people from all over the world. I would have brunches and dinners with friends, did morning meditation on the beach, exercised regularly, and much more.

On the outside, my life looked amazing. Even I believed it for a moment until I got emotionally involved with a man. Suddenly, I would abandon my routine, give up on my commitments, or spent days obsessing over the other person while feeling desperate and insecure.

Although I was able to quit smoking after 16 years once I left my ex-husband, the moment a guy showed up in my life, I would reach for a cigarette again.

I despised the desperation and anxiety I felt when getting emotionally involved with someone. This time, I started to see the clues.

I began to understand that the image I portrayed of a positive and confident woman wasn’t real. All I have done was deny my trauma, vulnerabilities, and healing my soul was starving for. Read more...

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Life is Happening For Me, Not to Me

by Kelsey Grace Hall

Life is happening for me, not to me.

These are the words I repeated over and over again, experiencing the worst pain of my life. These words opened the channel to allow the power of the Universe to guide me to the greatest, grandest love story of all times.

My name is Kelsey Grace Hall, and I am an Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Light Coach, Speaker, Light Sparker, and Unicorn & I am living my dream life! I live in sunny Florida, manifested my dream home, a new love, my thriving business, and tremendous love for life! However, creating my dream life didn’t come easily, and it took deep spiritual healing to be able to manifest my dreams into reality.

I have overcome many painful experiences, but one that has catapulted me into my most profound awakening was when I was sexually assaulted in 2020.

At the time, I was a heavy drinker, avoiding massive amounts of pain, unworthiness, and self-hatred. The void of pain got so significant it led me to the pain I had never endured before. Before the assault, the Universe was gifting me plenty of times to learn my lesson to trust her, but I didn’t listen to the pain.

A few days after the sexual assault, I felt a calling I’ve never felt before. I was sitting at the hospital waiting to get the rape exam, and I noticed butterflies painted on the wall. Butterflies are a symbolic meaning of massive transformation in my life, and I felt the presence of the Universe holding me as I sat alone in this room. I felt this calling that I was meant to help people heal from trauma. This was before I knew about healers, so I didn’t know what that meant, but I trusted the Universe. This pain happened for a bigger purpose.

After the assault, I kept drinking. After a night of drinking, I woke up with PTSD from the pain I had after the assault. I moved back home with my parents, and it was even more painful to see my parents suffering. They didn’t know how to handle me or love me and were easily triggered, so it was a very challenging environment. Read More…