How to Re-decide What We Pass On with Marina O’Connor

2024-03-25

How can understanding transgenerational trauma help us break the cycle of unconscious patterns and beliefs passed down through generations? In this episode, host Brooke Jean engages in a powerful conversation with trauma therapist and serial entrepreneur Marina O'Connor. They explore the concept of transgenerational trauma, which is the unconscious knowledge passed down from one generation to the next. Marina explains how our beliefs and experiences are not created in isolation but are influenced by our family's history. She emphasizes the importance of becoming aware of ...

How can understanding transgenerational trauma help us break the cycle of unconscious patterns and beliefs passed down through generations?

In this episode, host Brooke Jean engages in a powerful conversation with trauma therapist and serial entrepreneur Marina O'Connor. They explore the concept of transgenerational trauma, which is the unconscious knowledge passed down from one generation to the next. Marina explains how our beliefs and experiences are not created in isolation but are influenced by our family's history. She emphasizes the importance of becoming aware of these patterns and consciously deciding what we want to pass on to our children. Brooke and Marina also share the role of perfectionism as a trauma response and how it often stems from children having to grow up too fast. They highlight the significance of sitting with difficult feelings, showing ourselves compassion, and understanding that we don't have to earn love. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the transformative power of a mother's healing journey and how it can positively impact future generations.

[00:00 - 14:46] Intro & Who is Marina?

Brooke gives a brief description of Marina's work and experience in generational trauma
Expectations in the workplace and as a mother
Switching from 9 to 5 and choosing psychotherapy

[14:47 - 19:09] Understanding Transgenerational Trauma

Defining transgenerational trauma as unconscious knowledge passed down through generations
Recognizing the influence of family history on our beliefs and experiences
Exploring the importance of deciding what we want to pass on to our children

[19:10 - 33:43] The Role of Parenting in Facilitating Growth

How our unresolved issues can influence our children
Emphasizing the responsibility of the previous generation to facilitate the growth and development of the next generation
Exploring the challenges of parenting without having received the necessary support and nurturing during one's own childhood

[33:44 - 37:45] Breaking the Cycle of Perfectionism

Perfectionism as a trauma response and its origins in children having to grow up too fast
The pressure to constantly change and be a certain way to feel accepted and loved
The importance of reconnecting with oneself and allowing space for growth and development

[37:48 - 46:06] Healing the Mother, Healing the World

Reconnecting with oneself and providing support to one's inner child
When a mother heals herself, she helps heal the world
Recognizing the privilege of having access to information and support for healing and growth

[46:06 - 54:54] Unconditional Love