Your Personal Healing

"Of one thing I am certain, the body is not the measure of healing, peace is the measure." - Phyllis McGinley

Healing is vital for the path toward peace. We carry old wounds from our past. Sometimes we believe the adage, "Time heals all wounds." It's true, it does require the passing of time to help ease the pain. However, distracting ourselves from the pain does not erase it.

There is another adage, "The only way out is through." This is in reference to our deepest pains. If you find that thinking of something in your past is too painful and that you would rather not even address the issue, that is a sign that you still have healing to do. Avoiding the pain is not the way to end the pain. It will only come back time and time again to remind you that it exists, or perhaps you'll find that other things in your life are aggravating, annoying, or angering. When you experience these feelings, it is an indicator that something else lies beneath. If you have actually healed, your perspective on your old wounds would be much more peaceful.

How do we heal?

Witnessing. Your feelings beg to be seen and heard. They will become peaceful once they have a chance to be validated. There are many ways to bear witness to these old feelings.

Letter writing--you can write a letter to yourself, to your past, to the people in your past. These letters never need to be read by anyone else. If you find that you do want to send them to others, do so without relying on any particular response. Mostly, these letters are meant for you to put on paper and read the words yourself.

Counseling--you can address many feelings and issues with a counselor. Not only will you have an opportunity to allow someone else to witness your emotions, but you can also gain insight and perspective to how all your experiences shape who you are, as well as gaining tools to improve your mental health.

Support--talk with a friend, family member, or loved one, talk with someone on the phone who works for a help line, talk with a pastor or priest, or talk with people in a support group. Find a safe place for you to talk. You may feel as though talking won't help, but in many ways, simply talking is the very best healing.

Some people have found healing in other methods, such as tarot, drumming circles, Reiki, aromatherapy, or crystals. Many times being in nature is an effective way to quiet the mind and soothe pains. Meditation, yoga, Falun Gong, or tai chi can all help us heal our minds through our bodies, since our bodies carry our emotions in physical form.

Continue to explore methods that work best for you. Spend the time on your pains. You are worth every minute.