We recently had the chance to connect with Dina Saalisi and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dina, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I am in the flow of creativity time slips away. Whether in my Garden or at my desk writing, the parameters between sunrise and sunset move swiftly and effortlessly, blending seamlessly into each other. Especially in the early morning hours, within the liminal space between darkness and light, I discover new insights, in the renewal of each day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My work in the world is informed by my deep connections with the natural world and my ability to guide others to know themselves better through this innate kinship. I am a creator of books, oracle card decks, and experiences for self-empowerment. My latest book, Transcending Sexual Trauma: Self-Awareness Tools and Nature-Based Practices to Cultivate Inner Healing, is a beautiful offering for anyone who wishes to grow beyond the effects of abuse. Through my own ongoing dedication to personal wellbeing, I’m able to foster greater awareness of the cycles of trauma and help others to discover ways to become more whole.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
To learn how to take responsibility for our part in any challenge, is a key to restoring wounded relationships. A big part of my work focuses on inner-practices that allow for enlightening dialogues with difficult emotions, in order to discover what the dilemma is trying to express. When bonds have been broken, feelings of self-righteousness, resentment, anger, and sorrow, are all normal parts of the mending process and being able to process them means looking inward and getting out of the insidious shame/blame loop. It’s a bold move to be able to own that which holds us back from deeper bonds–with others and with self. When we begin to develop novel insights into our place within the dynamic that led to the break, then we can learn the greater lessons of how to repair that which was damaged and release repetition of unhealthy patterns.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I experienced sexual trauma at an early age. Many years ago when I was in the throes of suffering, I wanted to discard this marred part of my being. Through my life-long efforts to heal, I discovered the power in claiming this wounding as part of who I am, and not trying to exclude it from my story. A huge turning point in reclaiming my wholeness of being, was in joining with others who had experienced similar trauma. In the magical light of being fully seen and heard and being able to witness others in this capacity, is next-level healing. Through this mutual understanding, I arrived at a place of thriving, beyond surviving.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
Everything is made of energy, an invisible life-force that is the interrelatedness of all beings and things. This can be felt in the inherent connection we sense when in Nature. Beyond reason, we know we feel better when held in the reciprocity of Earth. I’ve learned to lean into the nourishing relationships I share with my non-human family as a matter of fact, not questioning whether or not it’s “real” but trusting in the more subtle perceptions of my experience.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand that suffering is a gift. Not a martyrdom, but an opportunity for growth within the shadows of that which is sometimes beyond our control. Life is filled with inevitable arcs, often beautiful and fulfilling, and at times ugly and defeating. I’ve learned that being able to find the resilience to create empowerment from the lessons that the greatest challenges provide, is a key to lasting emotional health.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dinasaalisi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dina_saalisi_healing_arts_/
Image Credits
Images by Nick Otto
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