On a cold winter's morning in December of 1995 Sarah Salter-Kelly’s mother was brutally raped and murdered in a dark parkade by a stranger. After being found guilty of first-degree murder, the perpetrator suicided in prison. In Trauma as Medicine, Sarah shares her inspirational story as a template to guide the reader in their own journey of transformation. She encourages you to consider the life lessons you came here to learn are found in the center of your greatest challenges, and if you lean in, miracles unfold. For Sarah, these miracles became a path of Forgiveness and Compassion. Ten years after her mother’s homicide she was compelled to understand the bad guy. Who was he, who were his people, and what had transpired to lead him into the parkade that day? Her desire for shared humanity led her to the First Nations land of his ancestors where she received a profound education in the history of colonization in Canada. This is a real-life example of metabolizing trauma on a personal and collective level, for deep soul healing. This book includes the following practices and teachings to guide your way: Journal exercises, meditations & ceremonies Connecting with your Helping Spirits, Ancestors & Source Guidelines for creating sacred space focused on relationship with Mother Earth Altered states, such as Shamanic Journey & Ayahuasca Facing fear, using triggers as resources Metabolizing trauma & embodying your medicine Forgiveness Collective healing & being of service