Spiritual Practices: Using Agency in Celebration

Viewing and practicing Celebration through a trauma-sensitive lens.

I am making this post (normally for paid subscribers only) available to all subscribers because it is so critical to choose our guides wisely—something that is often difficult for survivors!

What is the purpose of the Spiritual Practice of Celebration?

In simplest terms, the spiritual practice of celebration is embracing joy—or rejoicing. In many church teachings, true joy can only be spiritual and felt in connection to worshipping God. This definition cannot explain the joy of a child who sees a rainbow for the first time. Distinguishing secular joy from spiritual joy serves no purpose. Joy is a God-given right to each of us created in God’s image. Anything that brings joy is part of the spiritual practice of celebration.

How can trauma impact the Spiritual Practice of Celebration?

Joy is Blocked by Shame: At the core of the impact of trauma is shame—the feeling that there is something horribly wrong with you. Shame is the enemy of joy. How can you have joy while feeling completely worthless?

Soothing Strategies Mistaken as Joy: Many activities can temporarily regulate a nervous system that is dysregulated because of trauma. They are seldom healthy choices for living. These activities can lead to addictions of all kinds and the loss of joy because of the destructive impact of the constant need for more. What may begin as a euphoric solution can end up ruling your choices as it requires more and more involvement to have the same soothing result.

Spiritually Bypassing to Find Joy: If you are unable to experience joy in your spiritual life, Christian culture provides ample opportunities to appear joyful. You may go through the motions and wonder why you feel like you are standing outside of the celebration everyone else seems to be experiencing. 

How can agency make the Spiritual Practice of Celebration accessible?