Bags of Pain: A Lifetime Collection of Poetry + Artwork by a Thamizh Survivor of Sexual Abuse

By Dharshana Navendren

Throughout my years of silently experiencing sexual abuse, I was incredibly drawn to the creative arts: poetry books, art and music pulled me through some of my darkest days on earth and I wanted to create something specific for survivors like I always wished for growing up. I intended for this book to be so undeniably beautiful (with artwork from my childhood until now) that anyone in society could pick it up to flick through, learn from and cherish a copy to refer to for the rest of their lives. My dream is for this book to become part of school curriculum taught so we can learn about trauma and recovery from a young age.

Are you becoming aware of the traumas in your life holding you back? Does trauma recovery feel daunting? Would you like a beautifully designed and illustrated poetry book to guide you through the process to empowerment?

***BUY + CHERISH YOUR OWN COPY OF "BAGS OF PAIN" TODAY***A Lifetime Collection of Poetry + Artwork by a Thamizh Survivor of Sexual Abuse

Designed to provide you:

A beautiful journey through trauma recovery + empowermentA back-and-forth exploration of the 5 stages of griefThe autobiographical life story of a survivor of sexual abuseA shoulder to lean on for all survivors of sexual abuse + traumaAn education for society in order to support survivors more effectivelyAn honest reflection of the struggles of the Thamizh diasporaWith citations and references to expert research + publications

Blurb:

"Join me as I walk you through my life. I've carefully selected puzzle pieces from across the years + placed them in a particular order. But not chronologically. Instead, a poem from earlier in my life speaks to another poem written years later. Placed side by side. Like a conversation between 2 survivors at different stages of their healing journey lending each other a hand. I hope this book becomes a kind shoulder for survivors to lean on + society to learn from." - Dharshana Navendren

Profile of Author/Poet/Artist by kind friend, Mayuri Thiraviyanathan:
"Dharshana is intelligent, kind and passionate about her work. Having gone through various stages in life and the adversities that she faced, I am always in awe when I see her strength and courage. She stands strong in her passion to support survivors, which I believe is an incredible + important mission.
@Thangam_We_Are_Gold: her work to provide a safe platform for survivors has been ground-breaking, as I had never come across a social media handle where a survivor unapologetically expresses through music and arts. She utilises her creativity to raise awareness and provide comfort to fellow survivors by sharing her journey. It is comforting to know that we have shared experiences and most importantly: we do not have to go through them alone!
She takes pride in her Thamizh identity and has a willingness to give back in whatever way possible. She is a great friend, cheerleader, and ally. Amidst the pressures of needing to be the 'perfect' Thamizh woman defined by society, it is refreshing to meet people in life who bravely defy those expectations and choose to be their true authentic self.
Dharshana, thank you for being a breath of fresh air and inspiring me in my journey."
- Mayuri Thiraviyanathan

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1800682913
• ISBN13: 9781800682917
• Release Date: October 2021
• Publisher: Dharshana Navendren
• Length: 50 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.5" x 11.0"