Blog /My Inside View on "We Can Heal from Our Trauma" Workshop

As someone who has experienced many years of trauma, I decided to attend the “We Can Heal from Our Trauma” workshop on Thursday afternoon at Alternatives 2011 Conference. Honestly, a part of me was somewhat reluctant, scared and filled with fear about possibly being triggered and going down a not-so-pleasant memory lane. Also, I was not sure what to expect when I walked into the Bocca VII room for this workshop. All I did know, based on the description in the conference’s program, was that the workshop facilitators identified themselves as consumers who have overcame and healed from their own traumatic experiences.

Needless to say, despite my ongoing yearning desire to continue to grow into a stronger, wiser and greater person, I cautiously sat in the back of the room as a defense mechanism. But at some point in the early part of the workshop, I made a conscious effort to have an open mind and interested heart, so my healing could occur despite my sensitivity to distressing issues that cause deep pain.  Then before I knew it, I was captivated and awestruck by presenter Sharon Wise’s eloquent and charismatic speaking ability.

Sharon Wise has been hospitalized and imprisoned over 30 times, often by force. She discussed in length about being secluded and restrained while institutionalized, Sharon also shared her experience of abuse, drug addiction, mental health challenges, as well as the pain she endured after giving her only daughter up for adoption.

As a result, Sharon was able to boldly and graciously share all that she learned from her experience and how she got through her suffering. Sharon taught those who attended the workshop, the powerful healing tool of the arts (music, dancing, drawing, film making). Sharon herself is an outstanding artist who creates vibrant, colorful self-portraits that illustrate her traumatic experiences and African-American heritage.  Through Sharon’s facilitating of the workshop, she clearly and effectively communicated her strength and hope.  She uplifted, inspired and reiterated my own belief that all things are possible. I honestly can say that Sharon comforted and filled my mind, soul and spirit with more aspiration. Her presence alone was warm and peaceful.

Sharon’s son DJ Swagg, boldly and good-naturedly, spoke about his experience being raised by her while she was dealing with personal struggles.  He discussed his pain of witnessing all his mother had gone through, and how much he still loves and respects her.  Her son also shared how he looked for his sister that was adopted, found her on Facebook and reunited their family together. 

The order and process of this workshop was extremely moving.  At the end of the workshop, I tearfully expressed to Sharon and everyone else in the room, “This workshop made my Alternatives.”

I truly believe that Sharon Wise  is an excellent motivational speaker. Her son being included in the workshop’s course of action made it even more of an amazing process for me.  I look forward to next year’s Alternatives Conference, and I hope to attend more workshops facilitated by Sharon Wise.  I know her story would benefit others. So I nominate and advocate for Sharon Wise to be a keynote speaker at Alternatives 2012 Conference!