The Victim Archetype – How trauma wires your identity.
Healing Zone 1: The Five Layers of Energy and the Victim Mindset
Ready to dive deep into part one of the Highest Self Podcast Newsletter Series? I totally get it—I unpacked a ton of info in this episode. So, I've decided to put together a newsletter for you where I'll dive into the first chakra. For anyone dealing with trauma, this is the big one—the root chakra, which I refer to as Zone 1.
I'll be linking it up with something I've cooked up called The Five Layers Of Energy Connection, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western medicine. How cool is that?
The focus of this podcast episode was exploring how trauma can disrupt our relationships, whether it's with a current partner or in the struggle to find the right one.
My main takeaway for you throughout this episode boils down to this simple truth: You can't fully love or care for a partner until you've learned to love and care for yourself.
This statement often seems overused, but here's the real deal—it's absolutely essential for those of us with trauma. Why, you ask? Well, my friend, it's because you have a Sensitive Nervous System.
Next up, how does trauma stored in our bodies prevent us from experiencing the love we seek? We often hear about trauma being stored in the body or its impact on our minds, bodies, emotions, and relationships. Yet, the explanation of HOW this happens is rarely taught, and for those who do tackle it, there's often a gap between the science and the spirituality. So, brace yourself—I'm going to dive deep on this one.
You Have A Sensitive Nervous System
The nervous system stands at the forefront of stress perception. Upon detecting stress, it alerts the brain to gear up for fight, flight, or freeze responses. The greater the stress—whether chronic or traumatic—the more potent and swift the signal is relayed to the HPA Axis, the core stress response system. This axis forms the neuroendocrine bridge that connects perceived stress to the body's physiological reactions to it.
This intensified signal not only disrupts but can also rewire the neuropathways—networks of neurons that transmit signals across different parts of the brain. In essence, experiencing trauma can lead the brain to reconfigure itself as a means of coping. As a result, the neuropathways start to respond to even minor stress as though the trauma is being relived, causing an overreaction to situations that might not inherently be traumatic.
This biological response instinctively primes the muscular system for either flight or fight, resulting in tightened and tensed muscles. The heightened state of energy in motion within the body leads to emotions—Energy in motion—becoming ungrounded.
Unfortunately, the impact of trauma doesn't stop there; it often becomes subconscious, or in scientific terms, a somatic memory. This creates a biological pattern that triggers similar responses during stressful situations, even if the stress is mild. But how is trauma stored? The rewiring of the neuropathways, caused by trauma or chronic stress, is encoded as a memory in the Hippocampus of the brain.
This is the creation of our Sensitive Nervous System
Acute stress from seemingly minor triggers, such as coffee, sugar, intense exercise, electromagnetic fields (EMF), or small arguments, can lead us to overreact, leaving us feeling overwhelmed by everything. However, the story doesn't end there. The nervous system—encompassing the neuropathways, HPA axis, and Sympathetic Nervous System—represents just one layer of energy affected by these reactions.
Following your body's detection of stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol, a stress hormone, into the bloodstream to ready you for fight or flight in response to a perceived threat. As cortisol gears the body up for action, the muscular system becomes tense, priming you to either confront the threat directly or to escape from it as swiftly as possible.
When this response is activated, your heart rate increases, blood circulates more rapidly, and breathing can escalate to hyperventilation. This physiological state amplifies Energy In Motion—emotions—making them more intense. For individuals with trauma, this reaction can occur even more swiftly due to a Sensitive Nervous System. This heightened sensitivity often stems from either past traumatic experiences or the accumulation of chronic stress that has become ingrained in the subconscious over time.
This cascade of reactions forms what I refer to as The Five Layers Of Energy, encompassing the nervous system, organs and glands, muscular system, emotions, and subconscious mind. An imbalance in any one of these energy layers can lead to disturbances across all layers, highlighting the interconnected nature of our physical and emotional well-being.
Whoa, ok, you still here? I hope so, because the good stuff didn’t even happen yet. We are just getting started!
Ok, quick, here’s a quick formula of what was discussed above:
Trauma→Neuropathways rewired ( stored in the hippocampus) →Senstive Nervous System→Adrenal glands put out more cortisol→Body becomes tensed→E-motions become elevated→Becomes subconscious, making your body overreact to acute stress—somatic memory
Alright, back to the breakdown—hang tight, and you'll see how I tie this bad boy not just to relationship troubles, but to issues with the most important person here—YOU.
Energy Zones–Chakras
After I graduated with my bachelor's of science degree, I began exploring holistic health and Eastern medicine, and it was then that I discovered the wisdom of Chakras. Chakras, as described in Eastern traditions, are energy centers within our body. This information was pivotal for me. It showed me that our bodies aren't just made of isolated parts; they're made of interconnected systems. Our mind, body, and emotions all function together. If one is out of balance, they all are.
Traumas, unresolved emotional issues, and chronic stress leave imprints on our bodies and energy systems. However, I faced a hurdle bridging the gap between my Western education and Eastern healing traditions.
Chakra healing practices like crystal healing, sound baths, and reiki didn't fully resonate with my urban background and scientific education. Although the CHEK Institute provided significant insights by framing chakras as Energy Zones, I was on the lookout for explanations that were clearer and more relatable for both my clients and me. That's when I came up with the concept of The Five Layers (Science) as a way to connect with the chakras.
I wanted to find a way to combine science and spirituality to help my clients. I knew, though, that some of them, like me, might find the healing practices associated with chakras to be strange and unfamiliar. Interestingly, I've had clients who attempted to heal trauma through chakra healing practices, yet they didn't observe consistent outcomes.
If someone only uses Eastern medicine methods but doesn't address their Sensitive Nervous System, their chakras will remain dysfunctional.
An overreactive nervous system keeps all layers of energy, and thus the chakras, out of balance. How could I make clients who practiced crystal healing, sound baths, and reiki understand the importance of anatomy, nutrition, and self-development in their healing process?
By integrating The Five Layers Of Energy with the Chakras, we can better pinpoint which areas of our body are most affected by trauma. We can determine when specific traumas or stresses might have occurred, recognize how they shifted our consciousness and perspective, and identify which emotions challenge us the most.
The wisdom the chakra system can offer is similar to how a blockage within the five layers of energy can manifest in our consciousness. This shapes our spiritual selves by shifting us into different archetypes, which are universal patterns and symbols present within our collective unconscious.
The Subconscious Mind Connection To The Collective Unconscious–Archetypes
An archetype is a character in a story that represents a specific person or role. For example, in fairy tales, there is often a hero who saves the day, a villain who causes trouble, and a wise person who gives advice. These are all examples of archetypes. They help us understand the different roles and qualities people can have.
In this context, we're exploring how trauma and stress can alter our inner character or role within our own life story. By integrating the insights of chakras with The Five Layers Of Energy, we can offer a holistic blueprint for healing. The greater the imbalance within an individual, the more their Five Layers Of Energy will be disrupted, leading to chakras that are out of balance and, consequently, making their Archetype dysfunctional.
In the first issue of our newsletter series, we will concentrate on the root chakra and its profound connection to your Sensitive Nervous System.
The root chakra has a crucial link to stress through the adrenal glands, which are significantly affected by the condition of our nervous system.
Let’s break down how a Sensitive Nervous System creates an imbalance with your root chakra and how it alters our consciousness and archetypes.
The Root Chakra
Throughout our lives, we go through various stages of development, each associated with a specific chakra. When trauma occurs during a particular developmental stage, it can have a profound impact on the corresponding chakra and lead to energy blockages and imbalances that persist into adulthood. During our earliest years (ages 0-7), our basic needs for safety, nourishment, and bonding are paramount and correlate with the Root Chakra.
Any trauma or neglect during this time can lead to feelings of insecurity, instability, and financial stress in adulthood.
The Root chakra’s main priority is safety and security. This is similar to the reptilian brain, with its primary goal being survival. When the root chakra is blocked, we won’t feel safe and will be stuck with the consciousness of survival and fear.
The Root chakra is located at the base of the spine, legs, and feet, and roots itself into the earth. Stress about safety and security, tight psoas and quadriceps, lack of connection with loved ones, being stuck in fight or flight, and a Sensitive Nervous System creates a dysfunctional root chakra. This is the most important chakra to balance for those with trauma because it is the foundation stone upon which we build.
The more stress you experience, the more cortisol your adrenal glands release. Higher levels of cortisol keep you in a heightened state of fight or flight, as dictated by your nervous system. This leads to your psoas muscle, a deep hip flexor, becoming extremely tight. It subconsciously prepares your body for fight or flight by tilting your hips forward.
As stress accumulates, your psyche shifts into Survival Mode, becoming overly concerned with safety and security, manifesting as heightened emotions. With these four layers of energy out of balance, your subconscious reactions revert to those of your old self or inner child, particularly in moments when you felt threatened. This disruption across all Five Layers Of Energy results in an imbalance in the root chakra, ultimately trapping you in the Victim Archetype.
The Victim Archetype refers to a mindset or pattern where a person feels powerless, blaming external circumstances or others for their own challenges without recognizing their own power to change their situation. When the Five Layers Of Energy are disrupted, leading to an imbalance in the root chakra, it can reinforce this Victim mentality, making individuals feel stuck and unable to move beyond their perceived limitations.
Consider its impact on your relationships. For instance, when you're in a relationship or seeking one, are you truly present? Or do you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts of safety and security? Can you fully invest your time, energy, and love in someone else if you're exhausted, lacking energy, and short on time?
This archetype may operate beneath our conscious awareness, influencing our lives and surfacing through thoughts like “I can't change my situation because the world is against me.” Does this resonate with how you feel about love?
Healing the Victim archetype starts by acknowledging its influence in your life and making a deliberate choice to move towards a mindset of empowerment. This means prioritizing self-healing.
The more Sensitive Your Nervous System, the harder your adrenals work, leading to increased cortisol release–often creating Adrenal Fatigue. This, in turn, activates the sympathetic nervous system (associated with the fight or flight response), causing muscles in your psoas, quads, and calves to tighten. As a result, you may find your emotions overly focused on safety and security, which, in today's terms, often translates to concerns about money, substance, and shelter.
The more trauma you experience related to these feelings, thoughts, and perceptions, the more subconsciously ingrained they become, making you more likely to react to stress in terms of safety and security.
Your Sensitive Nervous System + Five layers+ Root chakra formula:
Sensitive Nervous System → Harder Working Adrenals
Harder Working Adrenals → Increased Cortisol Release
Increased Cortisol Release → Activated Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight)
Activated Sympathetic Nervous System → Tightened Psoas, Quads, and Calves Muscles
Tightened Muscles → Heightened Emotions Focused on Safety and Security (Money, Substance, Shelter)
Heightened Safety and Security Concerns → More Trauma Related to These Emotions, Thoughts, and Perceptions
More Trauma → More Subconsciously Ingrained Reactions to Stress in Terms of Safety and Security
Root Chakra → Victim Archetype
Now, consider how this state affects relationships and dating. If your partner does something that you perceive negatively—such as being unfaithful, uncaring, or disloyal—you're more likely to overreact. Conversely, you might find yourself attracted to, or even staying with, someone who provides a sense of safety, like financial security, even if there's no real attraction or desire to be with them. It's a profound insight, isn't it?
Where do you start? Begin by nurturing love and care for yourself (I). Once you do, you'll be prepared to engage in a relationship (WE). Without this foundation, you're treading dangerous territory, characterized by:
A lack of genuine fulfillment or happiness with oneself.
The hope that someone else will come to your rescue.
Developing addictions to food, drugs, alcohol, sex, or endless scrolling on social media.
Energy debt— marked by low energy, financial troubles, and insufficient time for self-care.
The inability to be present, with your mind constantly in survival mode.
Getting Back To Your Roots: Getting Back To Your Roots is a phrase that emerged from a challenging period in my life. It was during this time that I realized the primary sources of my issues could be traced back to three key areas:
Your Roots (Culture): The influence of your cultural background and heritage.
Your Root Chakra: Concerns related to money, safety, and security.
The Root Causes of Your Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Problems: The underlying issues that affect your well-being across these dimensions.
Essentially, getting back to your roots involves uncovering the subconscious root causes linked to your root chakra.
When was the last time you explored the deep-seated reasons behind your challenges? Or reconnect with the traditions and heritage of your cultural roots? Think about it—if given the chance, could you afford to take a three-month break from work to dedicate yourself to healing?
Here's your assignment for this week—yes, I'll be handing out homework each week. Do your best to complete them to fully benefit from this newsletter series :)
I encourage you to pick up your journal and engage in the following exercises. These activities are designed to help you uncover the Root problem in your life. By identifying the deep, subconscious connections, you open the door to genuine healing, trust me! Once you make these discoveries, you'll connect with The You You Never Knew—a version of yourself that's remained untapped due to an overactive mind, body, and emotions. This transformation can lead you to attract partners and friends who truly align with YOU. Now, let's get started on your homework.
Question #1
Do you know the price of your freedom? Let's explore a straightforward method to determine the cost of your freedom for three months. This calculation involves estimating the expenses associated with taking a break from work for that period.
Think about your rent or mortgage, bills, and any other expenses you have. Can you tally up your total monthly costs? Once you have that figure, multiply it by 3 to determine the amount needed to enjoy three months of freedom. And hey, I have a hunch about what you might be thinking: "I don't actually know my total monthly expenses." Did that thought pop into your head? If it did, don't hesitate to mention it in the comments below.
Or, does the mere idea of crunching your financial numbers make you uneasy? If that's the case, don't hesitate to share your feelings in the comments. There's no shame in feeling this way—I've experienced it myself. Believe me, I had a notable imbalance with my root chakra and can relate to that sensation.
Now, think about this: if you found yourself nodding to either of these thoughts, it's a sign you might be aligning with the Victim Archetype. And guess what? This means you'll likely attract a Victim Archetype into your life—someone who avoids taking personal responsibility for their actions. This can subconsciously trigger you because it resonates with feelings of being unsafe.
If we keep entering relationships with Victims, a dependency cycle can form. Either you become reliant on them, or they depend on you. It turns into a dynamic where one partner is always hustling, while the other looks to them for safety and security, effectively playing the victim role.
Do you notice the pattern emerging? This underscores the importance of self-healing. Once you work on yourself, you stop attracting individuals who lean on you excessively while you're hustling, or conversely, you no longer seek them out for safety and security.
Understanding the cost of our freedom is crucial. Many of us think that earning more money or starting a business is the key to safety and security. Here’s a piece of advice I give my clients: Become the CEO of your own bank account first–How you do anything is how you do everything.
This is precisely why understanding the cost of our freedom is essential. Some might think the solution is simply making more money or starting a business. However, what I always stress to my clients is the importance of being in control of your own finances first.
If we're unable to manage our own bank accounts effectively, it's a sign that we might struggle with self-management as well. Diving into more money or a business without this foundation can lead to more stress, as both entail greater responsibilities that could further trigger our fight or flight response, related to the root chakra.
To achieve this, we'll need to examine our bank statements (oh, I know, it's a big trigger for those of us with trauma). We often either avoid this task or become overly obsessed with it. As we sift through our bank statements, we start to recognize our spending habits, which typically fall into two categories:
Compulsive purchases of quick 'pick me ups' like junk food, coffee, stimulants, and eating out because we're exhausted but in need of energy, and buying materialistic items in search of 'happiness'—a sign we're not fully living our purpose due to fatigue.
Spending money on others, such as partners or family members. This often stems from being seen as the hero within the family—the one who matured quickly, assuming the role of caregiver from a young age.
Question #2
As you journal through the previous questions, consider if any insights connect with aspects of your culture. Is there anything your cultural background highlighted or warned you about? Reflect on this.
For instance, my upbringing involved growing up on the streets among drug dealers—not by choice, but because it was my father’s way of providing for us. A vital lesson from my environment was to avoid showing off, to save diligently ("put your bread away"), and to be prepared for tough times, which were seen as inevitable.
Fast forward to 2023, when I wanted to take a break to rest and reset, I found myself unable. I hadn’t saved enough "bread," forcing me to remain in constant hustle mode—essentially, survival mode. Now, it’s your turn to explore whether your imbalances might stem from a disconnection with your roots.
Question #3
Alright, here's the last one, I promise. Have you ever tackled a health issue head-on, did everything in your power to heal, and just when you thought you were in the clear—bam, another issue surfaced? Like battling digestive problems for years, only to be hit with adrenal fatigue next. If this sounds familiar, it's likely you addressed the symptoms but not the root cause. For your third homework question, list all the health challenges you've faced or are currently facing in your journal. Then, make an educated guess about where these issues might be stemming from.
Oh, just a quick note—do you see how much work we need to do on ourselves? Do you really think we have the time and energy to spare worrying about someone who doesn't love or want us? Naaa! Let's focus on taking care of ourselves first—for once!
Alright, let me outline how this bonus series is going to unfold. We're going to delve into each energy zone, or chakra, starting by identifying the root cause—or the subconscious issues—at play. Once we've explored all seven chakras, I'll circle back to integrate them. This is where we'll adopt a holistic strategy to heal them collectively—aimed at alleviating the stress of overanalyzing or investing in solutions that don't address the root cause.
As we progress and eventually revisit the connections to your Sensitive Nervous System, you'll discover a purpose—a WHY—that motivates you to change your habits for healing. This is crucial because the deeper we go into uncovering and becoming aware of the subconscious forces at play in your life, the more eager you'll become to initiate change.
Expect to receive one newsletter—The One Percenter—on Fridays and another on —Holistic Health— on Mondays!
If you have any questions about anything, feel free to drop a comment below :)
It’s a GREAT day to be you!
BeGreatWithNate
I have so much to say. I will start by saying thank you. I knew something was missing (i.e., I needed healing in the take action & money department aka masculine energetics) but I could not put a finger on what was the cause. I couldn't identify it. I didnt have the words for it.
I entered into the world of manifestation in 2020 and I had been focusing on (to say the least) the positive. I have manifested some desires but I could never manifest the consistent personal income that I needed to take care of myself. And, why would I, when my then husband would do the hustling for us.
I cannot tell you how many coaching programs I've invested in. I'm a true believer (always ever been) in You gotta get to the root of the issue. Not that the coaches that I've worked with weren't good. They were for where they were currently. Maybe they had forgotten what it was like being in suurvial mode or maybe they couldn't even relate because of different cultural backgrounds. All that I know it was like I had put a band aid over the symptoms and ignored the root cause.
You are the first coach that I've come across that has gritty courage to talk about this stuff and who has compassion to help others get out of survival mode. I've learned you cannot manifest to the fullest potential if you're in and out of survival mode no matter how positive you are. You are a God send. And I am so grateful because I am 42 this year and I've been stuck trying to create personal income as a stay at home mom for the last decade. 2024 is my year. Here's to the next decade of living in my authenticity. Thank you
This article hit me to the core. Thank you for this knowledge and Wisdom. I found myself with those uncomfortable feelings of diving deep into my finances which has made me so aware how much work I need to do. In order to begin healing my root center even more. I’m truly looking forward to learning so much more!