Are you caught in the misconception that being "fully healed" means erasing all the wounds, traumas, and emotions? In my healing therapy set-up, I often find many clients who place a timeline for themselves to fully heal – like recently a client said by the end of 2024, "I have decided to fully heal myself."🙈
It's high time to shift our perspective, friends.
It's great to have full focus on yourself; though your intentions, thought-process, desperation to achieve something, attainability of goals set, giving space for exploration and rest is equally important too.
Healing isn't about reaching an unattainable state of perfection; it's about finding balance within ourselves.
As humans, we are complex beings, navigating through life's highs and lows. Instead of striving for an unrealistic ideal, let's celebrate the beautiful messiness of our humanity. Embrace every part of your journey – the triumphs, the setbacks, and everything in between. Just like we celebrate birth and death (we need to celebrate it too) and everything in between.
Authenticity Over Perfection:Â Â
Society often glorifies perfection, but true healing comes from embracing authenticity. Instead of hiding our vulnerabilities, let's celebrate them as a vital part of our journey. Healing requires courage to hold your weaknesses, shadows with equal love, grace, and care.
Have you ever felt pressured to meet society's standards of perfection? How did this impact your healing journey?
Growth Through Adversity:
Challenges and setbacks are not signs of failure but opportunities for growth. By accepting our struggles, we can learn and evolve into stronger, more resilient individuals. Remember - the struggle a butterfly goes through to free itself from the cocoon.
Reflect on a recent challenge or setback you faced. How did you grow from this experience, and what lessons did you learn along the way?
Embracing the Journey:Â Â
Healing is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance; enjoy all that comes along. Let go of the pressure to be "fully healed" and embrace the process of becoming whole. The process is much more important than the product, though the product is equally beautiful.
What does the concept of "embracing the journey" mean to you personally? How can you let go of the notion of being "fully healed" and embrace the process of self-discovery?
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion:Â Â
Practice mindfulness and self-compassion as essential tools on your healing journey. Cultivate awareness of your thoughts and emotions, and treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Compassionately holding our own self is a super-power.
How do you currently practice mindfulness and self-compassion in your daily life? What are some small steps you can take to cultivate more awareness and kindness towards yourself?
Community Support in Healing Therapy Â
I am a big fan of having a community as the biggest support system. Seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages growth and acceptance.
Who are the supportive individuals in your life that you can turn to for guidance and encouragement on your healing journey? How can you strengthen these connections and foster a sense of community?
Practical Exercises for Self Inner Work:
Gratitude Journaling
Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you choose to thank for. This practice can help shift your focus from negativity to positivity and cultivate a sense of appreciation for the present moment.
Mindful Deep Breathing
Practice mindful breathing exercises to center yourself and calm your mind. Set aside a few moments each day to focus on your breath, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Notice how this simple act of mindfulness can help reduce stress and promote deep relaxation.
Self Compassion Meditation
This is such an overlooked exercise throughout our culture, especially when it comes to SELF. Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably and undisturbed. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. With each inhale, silently repeat the phrase "Today I choose to be kind to myself." With each exhale, silently repeat the phrase "I choose to be gentle with myself." Continue this practice for a few minutes, allowing yourself to cultivate feelings of warmth and compassion towards yourself.
Reach Out to Your Support System
Take proactive steps to strengthen your connections with supportive individuals in your life. Reach out to a friend, family member, or therapist and schedule a time to connect. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly, and allow yourself to receive support and encouragement in return.Â
Creative Expression In Healing Therapy
Engage in a creative activity that allows you to express yourself freely. Whether it's writing, painting, dancing, or playing music, find a creative outlet that resonates with you. Allow yourself to express your emotions and experiences through your chosen medium, without judgment or inhibition.
Nature Walk As Healing Therapy
Spend time in nature and connect with the healing power of the outdoors. Take a leisurely walk in a nearby park or nature reserve and pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Notice how being in nature can help ground you and bring a sense of peace and clarity to your mind. Do you engage in forest walks, tree hugs, gardening, sitting on sand, experiencing sunrises, sunsets and moon energy?
This spring equinox, when nature creates a balance to bring equilibrium in day and night, let's focus on new beginnings, renewals, inner growth, and choose to bring the same balance within.
Happy Happy Healing!