Conversations New York

Many people think of trauma as something that happens only after major events such as war, abuse, violence, or tragedy. Yet research increasingly suggests that trauma can take many forms, influencing our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and even physical health long after the original events have passed.

Some experts also believe that the effects of trauma can extend beyond a single individual, influencing future generations through family dynamics, learned behaviors, parenting patterns, and potentially even biological mechanisms. These ideas have sparked growing interest—and debate—around the concept of transgenerational trauma.

In this Free Thinker Institute discussion, we'll explore what trauma is, how it affects both the mind and body, and what the evidence suggests about the ways trauma may be passed from one generation to the next.

Together, we'll examine:

What psychologists and neuroscientists mean by "trauma"
The difference between acute trauma, chronic trauma, and complex trauma
How trauma can manifest emotionally, mentally, physically, and socially
The relationship between trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, and physical health
The evidence for and against transgenerational trauma
How family patterns and inherited beliefs can shape our lives without our awareness
Common signs that unresolved trauma may be influencing behavior, relationships, or decision-making
Practical approaches for healing, growth, and resilience

We'll also discuss important questions such as:

How can we distinguish trauma-related patterns from ordinary life challenges?
What role do personal responsibility and self-awareness play in healing?
How much of our behavior is shaped by experiences we consciously remember versus influences we may not recognize?
What does the scientific evidence support, and where does uncertainty remain?

Most importantly, we'll explore practical tools that can help people identify unhealthy patterns, build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and move toward greater freedom and flourishing.

As always, the goal is not to pathologize ourselves or others, but to better understand the forces that shape human behavior, evaluate the evidence critically, and discover approaches that help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Format:
Lecture and discussion

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:

Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.

I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses.

Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.

Trying something new: new place and new time.

This will be the first time at BRYANT PARK.
Start time: 4pm.

Let's meet by the READING AREA, next to the Chess Area. I will arrive early to try to grab some tables and chairs. I would welcome help.

***

As usual, please bring a simple question for submission for possible discussion.

Please frame the question in a simple interrogative statement.

We follow Christopher Phillips' format, from his book "Socrates Cafe."

1. Ideally, all attendees will submit ONE simple question. Keep it simple (ie: what is genuis?)
2. Each attendee will have 2-3 minutes to explain their respective question, if they want. Be prepared to respond to any possible points of clarity from other attendees.
3. Round ONE: attendees vote for any question they want to discuss. Then, Jorge will tabulate the votes
4. Round TWO: top 2-3 questions are voted upon again. This round, attendees can ONLY VOTE for ONE QUESTION.
5. Discuss "winning question."
Historically, we have discussed top two questions, when circumstances permit.

Jorge will facilitate the discussion/conversation.

Reminders:
Be open-minded, bring your curiosity. It's about Discovery.
Always be Respectful and open to the perspective of others. And be concise.

NOTE: If and when possible, please donate to help defray the annual fees from Meetup.com. Suggested amount ~$15-$20 once a year.

Zelle to 917 613.9736. Thank you.

always with gratitude,
Jorge

Description:
We will brainstorm topics to discuss at the start of the event, vote on said topics to decide which topic(s) are the most popular, and discuss those topics.

Format:
Social where we introduce ourselves (for those who want to) (15 mins), Brainstorm topics as a group about what we will discuss for the evening (15 mins), group discussion (1 hour 45 mins).

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:

Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.

I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses.

Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.