Andrew Kingdom

Trauma and Discipline: A Path to Healing and Wholeness

(Understanding Trauma and Discipline Through a Faith Lens - Accessible Version)

Some discipline types (prime traits) of humans, and how to identify them?

Caveat - There isn’t a single, fixed list of human discipline types, but here’s a helpful way to think about different areas of discipline. From a faith perspective, we believe that discipline comes from a source deeper than just our own willpower. It’s about connecting with inner strength and guidance, often seen as coming from God or a higher power. It’s not just about forcing ourselves, but about tapping into a strength beyond ourselves. This idea is rooted in the Bible, important in both Judaism and Christianity.

Remember to be kind to yourself: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses in different types of discipline. It’s also important to recognize your personal boundaries and limitations. Discipline isn’t about pushing yourself beyond what’s healthy or possible, but about growing within your own capacity.

1. Self-Discipline (Taking Charge of Your Actions, Knowing Your Limits)

• Definition: Managing your impulses, emotions, and actions to reach goals or live by your values. From a faith perspective, it’s using your freedom to choose a good path, often guided by spiritual beliefs. This also means understanding your personal limits – when to push yourself and when to rest.
• Identification:
  • Consistency (Reliability within Limits): Do they stick to routines and commitments generally? Do they adjust when needed or push themselves too hard without rest? Being consistent doesn’t mean being rigid.
  • Perseverance (Stick-to-it-iveness, but Knowing When to Pause): How do they handle challenges? Do they keep going, and do they also recognize when they need to stop, rest, or change direction? Perseverance includes knowing when to adapt and when to stop for their well-being.
  • Proactiveness (Planning Ahead, Realistically): Do they plan, but also consider realistic limitations and potential roadblocks? Planning should be practical and adaptable.
  • Accountability (Responsibility, with Self-Compassion): Do they take responsibility, but also forgive themselves for mistakes and setbacks? Accountability should be balanced with self-kindness.

2. Mental Discipline (Focusing Your Mind, Respecting Mental Capacity)

• Definition: Controlling thoughts, focusing, and having mental clarity. From a faith view, this includes focusing on positive, helpful thoughts. This also means being aware of your mental capacity and not pushing yourself to mental exhaustion.
• Identification:
  • Concentration (Sustained Focus, Recognizing Attention Spans): Can they focus, acknowledging that everyone’s attention span has limits? Are they able to refocus when distracted, rather than getting frustrated with themselves?
  • Emotional Regulation (Managing Feelings, Without Suppression): How well do they manage emotions in a healthy way, without suppressing or ignoring them? Emotional regulation is about balance, not eliminating feelings.
  • Mindfulness (Awareness of Thoughts, Without Judgment): Are they aware of their thoughts, treating themselves with kindness and understanding, not harsh self-judgment? Mindfulness includes self-acceptance.
  • Learning Agility (Quick Learning, at Their Own Pace): Can they learn new things, respecting their own learning style and pace? Learning agility is about adaptability, not speed.

3. Physical Discipline (Taking Care of Your Body, Honoring Physical Needs)

• Definition: Looking after your body with healthy habits and self-control, recognizing its needs. Faith traditions see the body as valuable. Crucially, this involves honoring physical limitations and needs, not pushing beyond healthy limits.
• Identification:
  • Fitness (Appropriate Activity Levels): Do they engage in physical activity that’s appropriate for their body and abilities? Fitness is about health, not extreme performance.
  • Nutrition (Nourishing Diet, Not Restrictive): Do they choose healthy foods, without being overly restrictive or obsessive? Healthy eating is about nourishment, not deprivation.
  • Sleep Hygiene (Prioritizing Rest, Based on Need): Do they prioritize sleep according to their individual needs, rather than rigid rules? Sleep hygiene is personalized, not one-size-fits-all.
  • Body Awareness (Listening to Body Signals, Respecting Limits): Are they attuned to their body’s signals and respectful of its limitations? Body awareness includes respecting physical boundaries.

4. Emotional Discipline (Understanding and Managing Emotions, with Self-Compassion)

• Definition: Understanding, handling, and expressing emotions in a healthy way, with self-compassion. Faith emphasizes constructive emotion expression and empathy, but also self-understanding and acceptance. This involves acknowledging your emotional boundaries – what emotional experiences you can handle and when you need support.
• Identification:
  • Emotional Intelligence (Empathy for Others, and Self): Can they understand others’ feelings, and show compassion to themselves? Empathy extends to oneself.
  • Resilience (Bouncing Back, with Self-Care): How do they recover emotionally, incorporating self-care and support? Resilience is not about being emotionless, but about healthy recovery.
  • Assertiveness (Communicating Needs, Respectfully and Kindly to Self): Can they express needs and boundaries respectfully to others and to themselves? Assertiveness includes self-respect and self-advocacy.
  • Self-Awareness (Emotional Understanding, Without Self-Criticism): Do they understand their emotions, without being overly self-critical or judgmental? Emotional self-awareness should be coupled with self-acceptance.

5. Social Discipline (Interacting Well, Respecting Social Limits)

• Definition: Interacting respectfully, responsibly, and ethically, while also understanding social boundaries and limitations – knowing when to engage and when to withdraw for well-being.
• Identification:
  • Empathy (Considering Others, and Context): Do they consider others’ feelings and perspectives within realistic social contexts? Empathy is nuanced, not unlimited.
  • Communication (Clear and Attentive, but Knowing When to Disengage): Can they communicate clearly and listen attentively, but also know when to disengage from conversations that are draining or unhealthy? Healthy communication includes knowing when to step back.
  • Respect (Treating Others Well, While Protecting Own Well-being): Do they treat people well, while also protecting their own emotional and social well-being? Respect is mutual, not self-sacrificing to the point of harm.
  • Cooperation (Working Together, Within Realistic Expectations): Can they work with others, understanding that cooperation has its limits and isn’t always possible or healthy in every situation? Cooperation is collaborative, not compulsory.

6. Professional Discipline (Workplace Skills, Balancing with Personal Limits)

• Definition: Following workplace norms and expectations, while also understanding personal limits within a professional context – knowing when to say no, seek help, or prioritize well-being.
• Identification:
  • Time Management (Effective Time Use, and Realistic Workloads): Do they manage time well, while also being realistic about workloads and avoiding burnout? Time management includes setting realistic expectations.
  • Work Ethic (Diligence, Balanced with Self-Care): Are they hardworking, but also prioritize rest and prevent overwork? Work ethic should be sustainable, not self-destructive.
  • Professionalism (Respectful Demeanor, Without Self-Neglect): Are they professional, while also asserting their needs and boundaries when necessary? Professionalism is about respect, not passivity.
  • Accountability (Ownership, and Knowing When to Seek Support): Do they take ownership, and also know when to ask for help or admit limitations? Accountability includes recognizing one’s limits and seeking support.

7. Spiritual Discipline (Connecting with Values, Accepting Spiritual Journey’s Pace)

• Definition: Cultivating inner peace, connecting with values, and living with purpose through spiritual practices. This is about the inner journey and should be practiced with self-acceptance and patience, recognizing spiritual growth has its own timing.
• Identification:
  • Mindfulness Practices (Reflection, Prayer, at a Sustainable Pace): Do they engage in spiritual practices, in a way that feels sustainable and nurturing, not forced or rigid? Spiritual practices should be life-giving, not draining.
  • Values-Driven (Living by Values, with Flexibility): Are actions aligned with values, acknowledging that living perfectly by values is an ongoing process with room for growth and learning? Living by values is about direction, not perfection.
  • Compassion (Kindness to Others, and to Self on Spiritual Path): Do they show compassion to others, and also to themselves in their spiritual journey, allowing for mistakes and learning? Compassion includes self-compassion on the spiritual path.
  • Inner Peace (Calmness, Even Amidst Struggle): Do they exhibit a sense of calm, recognizing inner peace can coexist with life’s challenges and spiritual struggles? Inner peace is not absence of struggle, but a deeper sense of groundedness.

Important Considerations (Regarding Discipline Types - Including Mental Health):

• Disciplines Connect, Adapt to Individual Needs: These disciplines are linked, but their importance shifts for each person. For individuals with certain mental health conditions (like ADHD, autism, or others impacting behavior and discipline), some areas of discipline may present unique challenges. It’s crucial to adapt discipline approaches to individual strengths and needs.
• Context Still Matters: Discipline’s expression changes with situations and cultures.
• Everyone is Different - Respecting Neurodiversity: People have varying strengths. Importantly, neurological differences impact discipline. Discipline approaches need to be flexible and understanding of neurodiversity. Discipline can support managing life *with conditions like ADHD or autism, but discipline alone cannot fundamentally change these conditions, just like discipline cannot cure colorblindness.*
• Discipline Grows, But Pace Varies: Discipline is learned, but growth happens at different paces for everyone. Be patient.
• Approach Still Matters – Kindness and Self-Compassion: Practice discipline with kindness, especially after trauma. Rigid discipline can be harmful.
• Cultural Views Still Shape Discipline: Cultural understandings of discipline vary. Trauma-informed approaches should be culturally sensitive.
• Grace Over Legalism – and Understanding Limitations: Discipline is about growth with kindness, not rigid rule-following or pushing beyond healthy limits. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Remember: This is not a complete list. Focus on the core ideas of self-control, responsibility, and commitment, adapted to individual needs and limitations, as foundations of discipline.

Some trauma types and their causes, and how to identify them?

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

1. Acute Trauma

• Definition: Results from a single, highly stressful or dangerous event.
• Causes:
  • Accidents (car crashes, falls, etc.)
  • Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires)
  • Violent crimes (assault, robbery, shootings)
  • Sudden loss of a loved one
  • Witnessing a traumatic event

2. Chronic Trauma

• Definition: Repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events.
• Causes:
  • Child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
  • Domestic violence
  • Bullying
  • War or combat
  • Living in a dangerous or unstable environment

3. Complex Trauma

• Definition: Exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.
• Causes:
  • Combination of acute and chronic traumas
  • Early childhood trauma (neglect, abuse)
  • Long-term exposure to violence or instability
  • Experiences that undermine a sense of safety and trust

4. Vicarious Trauma

• Definition: Develops from witnessing or learning about the trauma of others.
• Causes:
  • Working with trauma survivors (therapists, social workers)
  • First responders (police, firefighters, paramedics)
  • Journalists covering traumatic events
  • Family members of trauma survivors

5. Historical Trauma

• Definition: Collective trauma experienced by a group of people across generations.
• Causes:
  • Genocide
  • Slavery
  • Forced displacement
  • Systemic oppression

6. Developmental Trauma

• Definition: Occurs during childhood and disrupts healthy development.
• Causes:
  • Abuse or neglect
  • Witnessing violence
  • Separation from caregivers
  • Growing up in a chaotic or unpredictable environment

7. Medical Trauma

• Definition: Results from a medical event or procedure that is perceived as life-threatening or painful.
• Causes:
  • Serious illness or injury
  • Invasive medical procedures
  • Hospitalization, especially for children
  • Diagnosis of a life-threatening condition

8. Racial Trauma

• Definition: The ongoing and cumulative effects of racism on individuals and communities.
• Causes:
  • Discrimination
  • Microaggressions
  • Hate crimes
  • Systemic racism

9. Secondary Trauma

• Definition: Similar to vicarious trauma, but can also include the impact on family members or caregivers of a trauma survivor.
• Causes:
  • Caring for someone who is experiencing trauma
  • Witnessing the effects of trauma on a loved one
  • Feeling helpless to alleviate their suffering

10. Intergenerational Trauma

• Definition: Trauma that is passed down from one generation to the next.
• Causes:
  • Unresolved trauma in previous generations
  • Parenting styles and family dynamics
  • Societal and cultural factors

Important Considerations:

• Subjective Experience: What is considered traumatic can vary from person to person.
• Individual Responses: People react to trauma in different ways.
• Long-Term Effects: Trauma can have lasting impacts on mental and physical health.
• Resilience: Many people are resilient and can recover from trauma with support.

Remember: This is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other ways to categorize or define trauma. The key is to understand the various types of events and experiences that can lead to trauma, as well as the potential impact on individuals and communities.

Cross-reference of how each discipline type can (assist to) heal each trauma type

Let’s explore how different types of discipline can assist in healing from various types of trauma. It’s crucial to remember that healing from trauma is a complex process, and these disciplines are best utilized in conjunction with professional mental health treatment. They are tools to support the healing journey, not replacements for therapy.

Trauma Type	Supporting Discipline Types & How They Help
Acute Trauma	* Self-Discipline: Regaining a sense of control through routine and self-care. * Mental Discipline: Managing flashbacks and intrusive thoughts through grounding techniques. * Physical Discipline: Releasing tension and promoting relaxation through exercise. * Emotional Discipline: Processing emotions in a healthy way with support.
Chronic Trauma	* Self-Discipline: Establishing boundaries and creating a safe environment. * Mental Discipline: Challenging negative thought patterns and building self-esteem. * Emotional Discipline: Developing healthy coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills. * Social Discipline: Seeking support from trusted individuals and building healthy relationships.
Complex Trauma	* Self-Discipline: Breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. * Mental Discipline: Practicing self-compassion and acceptance. * Emotional Discipline: Learning to identify and express emotions safely. * Social Discipline: Setting healthy boundaries and building trust in relationships.
Vicarious Trauma	* Mental Discipline: Practicing mindfulness and detaching from others’ experiences. * Emotional Discipline: Recognizing and processing one’s own emotional reactions. * Social Discipline: Seeking support from colleagues or supervisors. * Spiritual Discipline: Finding meaning and purpose beyond the trauma.
Historical Trauma	* Social Discipline: Connecting with cultural traditions and community support. * Spiritual Discipline: Honoring ancestral resilience and finding strength in shared history. * Mental Discipline: Challenging internalized oppression and promoting self-worth. * Emotional Discipline: Expressing grief and anger in constructive ways.
Developmental Trauma	* Self-Discipline: Developing healthy habits and routines to create stability. * Mental Discipline: Working with a therapist to address attachment issues and build secure relationships. * Emotional Discipline: Learning to regulate emotions and build self-soothing skills. * Social Discipline: Building healthy and supportive relationships.
Medical Trauma	* Self-Discipline: Taking control of recovery through self-care and medical adherence. * Mental Discipline: Managing anxiety and fear related to medical procedures. * Emotional Discipline: Processing emotions related to illness or injury. * Physical Discipline: Engaging in gentle exercise to promote healing.
Racial Trauma	* Social Discipline: Connecting with community and finding strength in shared experiences. * Spiritual Discipline: Reclaiming cultural identity and promoting healing through activism or art. * Mental Discipline: Challenging internalized racism and building resilience. * Emotional Discipline: Expressing anger and pain in healthy ways.
Secondary Trauma	* Mental Discipline: Setting boundaries and practicing self-care. * Emotional Discipline: Recognizing and processing one’s own emotional reactions. * Social Discipline: Seeking support from others and communicating needs. * Physical Discipline: Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Intergenerational Trauma	* Social Discipline: Breaking cycles of trauma through conscious parenting and family support. * Spiritual Discipline: Healing family wounds and creating a legacy of resilience. * Mental Discipline: Understanding the impact of intergenerational trauma and working towards healing. * Emotional Discipline: Developing healthy coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills.

Important Considerations:

• Professional Guidance: A therapist specializing in trauma is essential for processing and healing from trauma. These disciplines are best used as supportive tools alongside professional care.
• Individualized Approach: The most effective disciplines will vary depending on the individual and the type of trauma experienced.
• Gradual Progress: Healing takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories.
• Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout the healing process. There will be setbacks, and that’s okay.

Using these disciplines consciously and consistently, in conjunction with professional therapy, can significantly aid in the journey of healing from trauma and building a more resilient and fulfilling life.