Healing as a lifestyle is a holistic approach to healing trauma wounds, minimizing and healing future wounds, learning to make decisions that help you avoid potential wounding and also creates a life of balance and harmony.
In a previous discussion, we explored the intricacies of recognizing trauma. (Unraveling the Threads of Trauma to Recognize and Heal Your Wounds Within) Today, let’s delve into the crucial next step: what to do once you’ve acknowledged the presence of trauma in your life. Healing is not a one-time event but a lifestyle — a commitment to nurturing your mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Just as you attend to your physical health through daily rituals like brushing your teeth, getting enough sleep, and maintaining basic hygiene, it’s equally imperative to turn your attention inward and address your inner well-being, your connection and ability to lead with Self.
Healing as a Lifestyle: Understanding the Whole
Healing as a lifestyle begins with comprehending the entirety of your being. You are not just a mind housed in a body; you are a complex interplay of mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Each facet contributes to your overall well-being, and neglecting any one of them can lead to imbalances. Recognizing trauma involves acknowledging the impact on all these dimensions.
To embark on the path of healing as a lifestyle, it’s essential to recognize and prioritize your needs. Every human is born with specific needs, and when these needs go unmet, trauma wounds can manifest. However, beyond the basics of food, shelter, and safety, there are nuanced needs that might surprise you:
- Healthy Relationships: Connection and understanding form the foundation of healthy relationships. Nurturing these bonds can significantly contribute to your well-being.
- A Sense of Safety: Beyond physical safety, feeling emotionally and psychologically secure is paramount. Creating a safe space for yourself mentally and emotionally is a crucial aspect of healing.
- Beauty: Appreciation for aesthetics is not superficial. Surrounding yourself with beauty, whether in nature or art, can uplift your spirit and contribute to a positive mindset.
- Healthy Leisure: Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation is a need often overlooked. Taking time for leisure is not a luxury but a necessity for a balanced life.
- Personal Interests: Pursuing hobbies and interests that resonate with your true Self can be a powerful means of self-discovery and healing.
- Acceptance: Acceptance of oneself and others is a transformative step in the healing as a lifestyle process. Embracing imperfections and understanding that growth comes from acceptance is crucial.
Meeting Your Needs: A Personal Journey
Now that you’re aware of these needs, the next step is to brainstorm ways to meet them. This can be a deeply personal journey, as what works for one person may not work for another. Consider each need individually and explore activities or practices that resonate with you.
However, the path to meeting these needs is not always straightforward. Resistance often arises when faced with change or unfamiliar territory. It’s essential to meet this resistance with curiosity rather than judgment. Ask yourself, “What exactly am I resisting?” and “Why might I be resisting it?” Engage in a conversation with your resistance, treating it as a separate entity with its own perspective. This might sound unconventional, but it can be a transformative exercise!
Supporting Healing As a Lifestyle with the Power of Inner Dialogue
This inner dialogue extends beyond resistance. Consider having conversations with different aspects of yourself — your emotions, your body, and even your spirit. Each has a unique voice and perspective, and allowing them to express themselves can lead to profound insights.
For those inclined towards journaling, a powerful exercise involves giving the resistant part of yourself the pen. Let it write from its own perspective, expressing its fears, concerns, or objections and it’s hopes and dreams. It can be a revelatory experience to see your resistance externalized on paper. Once done, take the pen yourself and respond. Engage in a dialogue until both Part and Self feel heard and understood.
Try this when you’re grappling with a particular emotion, whether it be fear, anger, sadness, or anything else. Let it articulate its feelings, allowing a stream of consciousness to flow onto the pages of your journal. Respond from your own perspective, offering understanding and empathy. This back-and-forth can be a cathartic process, providing clarity and a sense of release.
Moreover, your body holds its own wisdom. If you’re experiencing physical manifestations of stress or discomfort, consider engaging in a dialogue with that part of your body. Ask it what it needs, what it’s trying to communicate. The body often stores memories and emotions, and by tuning in, you can begin to release stored tension and promote healing.
The Journey Towards Wholeness
Healing is not a linear process, and it’s certainly not a destination. It’s a continual journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth. By actively participating in this journey, you are cultivating a lifestyle of healing — one that prioritizes your well-being on all levels.
Remember, healing is not about erasing the past; it’s about transforming your relationship with it. As you meet your needs and engage in inner dialogue, you are gradually rewriting the narrative of your life. It’s a process of reclaiming your power, understanding your worth, and embracing the fullness of who you are.
In conclusion, healing is not a passive endeavor. It requires commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to explore the depths of your inner world. By integrating practices that meet your needs and engaging in meaningful dialogue with different aspects of yourself, you are actively shaping a life infused with healing and well-being. Embrace the journey, for it is within the journey that true transformation occurs.
