I think the key phrase here is ‘need to function’, as if that’s the role of traumatic events. However, having looked back at multiple traumatic events in my life (while doing a lot of therapy, inner reflection, healing, forgiveness work, etc) ironically every single one of those events was a catalyst for my new awareness, improved emotional intelligence, honed discernment and often a shift in the trajectory of my life for the better. Where this becomes spiritual by-passing is when a teacher states that people’s souls manifested these terrible things, like abuse, assault and childhood trauma, in order to provide learning opportunities. That message is often re-wounding, which should never be the outcome of a spiritual teaching…