Unveiling Our Origins
In the beginning Inner Panda came to life through the strokes of a paintbrush, serving as a therapeutic escape from the weight of past traumas. Each canvas bore a proud panda paw, symbolizing not just resilience, but the courage to speak up and share stories that often remain hidden.
As a survivor of childhood domestic violence, sex trafficking, a former paramedic, and a 911 dispatcher, my journey led me to a diagnosis of PTSD in the summer of 2022. I was hesitant to tell people in my life what was going on, scared to be seen only in the light of trauma.
Until the summer of 2023 when I took a trip down to Annapolis, Maryland to meet Dr. James Lynch, one of the founders of the Stellate Institute. 5 minutes after receiving both the right and left sided stellate ganglion block I broke down in tears. The shadows dissipated, the constant noise in my head faded, my nervous system calmed. I was free.
Empowered by such a transformative experience, I took to social media, determined to spread the word about this life-changing treatment. The response was overwhelming, several individuals reaching out to share how that post changed and saved their life. SGB was a miricle.
It was in these moments that the true impact of storytelling and mutual support became clear.
Every voice holds the power to inspire, to uplift, and to guide others towards their own paths of liberation. By sharing our narratives, we illuminate paths that may otherwise remain unseen, fostering a community of empowerment and resilience.
At Inner Panda, we believe in the strength of vulnerability, the might of shared experiences, and the beauty of embracing our inner resilience. Because every individual deserves to break free from their shadows and bask in the light of their own strength.
The panda
Known as a symbol of balance, peace and harmony. While also being one of great power. The Panda teaches us the importance of patience while also helping to keep a positive attitude.
According to legend, initially, Panda’s had only white fur.
It is believed that, in the breathtaking Wolong Valley, a young shepherdess named Dolam discovered an orphaned panda cub. With a heart full of compassion, she invited the tiny creature to join her flock of sheep. Together, everyday they would roam the nearby meadows while the sheep graze on the lush grass. Until one fateful day, a snow leopard attacked the flock, wounding the cub. The shepherdess struck the animal with a large stick, allowing the cub and sheep to escape.
Dolam was not as fortunate and the leopard claimed her life, leaving behind an echo of sorrow that resonated throughout the valley. Panda’s from near and far gathered with the villagers to mourn the loss of Dolam. Together, as per tradition, they adorned their arms with ash, a visual representation of their inner turmoil.
Using their soot filled paws to wipe away their tears. Crying out with painful sorrow so loudly they had to cover their ears. Black residue smearing into their pristine white fur. Marking them with the scars of loss. Each stroke of ash, a badge of honour and a testament to love lost. A story sculpted from shared pain.
We each wear our grief and trauma differently and sometimes it’s not as obvious as soot covered arms. Every journey is unique! However, the path to healing is universal—a journey paved with love: love for ourselves, for our experiences, and for those who support us along the way. It stretches across differences, binding us in shared experience, and guiding us through the darkest of times.
Trauma is Trauma. It twists and turns in your life, it even alters brain pathways. But you … you are not your trauma. Embrace your story, with all its complexities, and know that through connection and compassion, we can rise together, becoming not just survivors, but warriors of love!