Navigating Trauma: Journey from EMT to Chaplain

The Urban Grief Shamans

What happens when a life marked by epilepsy and emergency medical work collides with a spiritual calling? This week, we welcome Chris Wasco, a compassionate hospital chaplain and former EMT paramedic, to share her remarkable journey of healing and spirituality. Chris opens up about her life with generalized epilepsy and how it guided her spiritual path, transforming her approach to healing others. From the essential need for human connection to the profound impacts of grief and loss, Chris shares her insights on how moments of disconnection can lead to deep soul-searching and eventual reconnection. Her unique perspective as a psychic medium adds another layer of depth, highlighting the importance of compassion in guiding victims of narcissistic abuse.
We shift gears to discuss the intense emotional and psychological challenges faced by those in emergency medical services and healthcare. Chris recounts harrowing experiences, from traumatic calls and unsafe environments to the secondary trauma felt by dispatchers. The conversation also delves into the struggles of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the challenge of facilitating good deaths in such dire circumstances. We underscore the critical need for self-care and mental health support, emphasizing that acknowledging and processing these intense experiences is essential for well-being.
Finally, we explore the lasting impact of experiencing trauma from a young age and the importance of recognizing different types of loss. Chris reflects on how these early experiences shaped her perspective on grief, loss, and spirituality. We discuss the deep sense of purpose found in supporting people through the most intense moments of their lives, and the delicate balance between acknowledging suffering and finding gratitude. Through Chris's journey, we uncover the resilience of the human spirit and the profound healing power of empathy and connection. Join us for an insightful, heartfelt discussion on navigating trauma, spirituality, and healing.

Foundation for Shamanic Studies: Explore here
“The Way of the Shaman” book by Michael Harner
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1. Navigating Trauma: Journey from EMT to Chaplain (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Longing Through Spirituality and Healing (00:00:07)

3. Navigating Trauma Through Healthcare Experiences (00:11:22)

4. Experiencing Trauma Through Young Eyes (00:17:37)

5. Finding Strength Through Shared Experience (00:24:51)

6. Exploring Fear and Loss in Death (00:29:01)

7. Gratitude in Trauma and Healing (00:38:42)