Answers to all why, what, and how self-healing is important
Embracing the Path of a Healing Journey
Where to begin?
Most of us live in a fast-paced, demanding world (unless we consciously decide otherwise). It indeed made many aspects of our lives easier, more comfortable, and more convenient. But the same world has left more and more of us feeling numb, disconnected, or disassociated from ourselves. Life feels heavy. We are depressed, anxious, or suffer from some other mental condition and feel lost. The same demanding lifestyle has reminded us of the need to connect ourselves to our inner selves. We are looking for ways to learn more about ourselves and how we can deal with life with ease and intention. We want to feel better.
This is a pursuit. In this pursuit, self-healing has become a major component. The pursuit of a balanced and harmonious life has become a priority for many of us seeking to overcome challenges and reconnect with our inner selves. And this same need has brought you here. At the heart of this pursuit lies the path of self-healing, a transformative journey that involves understanding, nurturing, and empowering ourselves.
In this blog, we will delve into the depths of self-healing, exploring its importance, benefits, approaches, and the profound impact it can have on mental health and overall well-being.
After addressing these key points, I’ll talk about ‘burning questions’ about self-healing and getting better. How ironic it is to have burning questions about self-healing right? But most of us do. I did. I wanted to know how long it would take to self-heal, whether I would achieve point X in my healing journey within a prescribed period of time, what it would feel like to feel better, and why one wouldn’t feel better even when they had already begun working on healing and as such. So yes. These will be answered.
This blog post is more like a beginner’s guide to self-healing. And here we go.
Understanding Healing in Terms of Mental Health
What is healing?
Healing is more than a buzzword; it’s a conscious effort to address the wounds we may be carrying from childhood traumas or life’s hardships. It involves taking charge of our emotional, physical, and mental health by embracing practices that help us become mindful of how we live our lives.
Most people seek help from professionals, and some choose to do the work all by themselves. I have tried both of these methods and here is what I have learned; no matter how much a professional can offer you guidance and support, we really have to do the work ourselves. No one can make us feel better.
I have heard the below words more than 2-3 times for sure:
“therapists don’t want you to get better because then they’ll be out of business.”
Well, after being in therapy for a considerable period of time as a passive therapy goer and an active therapy goer, I really don’t see any truth in the above statement as a self-healer.
But why?
As I said earlier, with or without external support, you are the main character of your own healing journey.
It is like a marathon. People can give you water, cheer you and support you. But they can’t complete the marathon for you.
That is why I prefer the term “self-healing” as it gives you the whole picture of your journey.
Our minds and bodies are connected?
As much as the world has its way of treating mind and body separately, the intricate connection between our mind and body cannot be ignored. The research has repeatedly explored and proved the direct impact of our mental status on our immune system, hormonal balance, and overall vitality.
What does Self-Awareness do in self-healing?
Self-healing begins with self-awareness. It’s about acknowledging and understanding the emotions, triggers, and patterns that may be hindering growth and causing distress. By embracing self-awareness, we initiate the process of healing and transformation.
If you have a wound on your arm, what will you do? You will treat it, right? But to treat it, you have to acknowledge that there is a wound. Then you will start treating it. If you ignore that there is a wound, what will happen? It will be infected or ooze liquid, causing you further pain, right? It might endanger your whole body.
Acknowledging that there is an issue is the first step in healing, be it a wound in our body or in our mind.
Why do we want to heal?
- Our Mental Health has more value than we think.
As we engage in practices that nurture self-love and self-compassion, we gradually reduce the burden of mental weight. We learn how to accept our emotions. We learn how to see ourselves apart from our emotions. We learn to forgive and improve.
Buddha said,
“Arōgyā paramā lābhā
Santuṭṭhiparamaṃ dhanaṃ”
“Health is the ultimate profit
Happiness is the ultimate wealth”
- Physical Well-Being
The body and mind are inseparable entities, as we discussed above. Working on ourselves definitely has its pros such as having more energy an improved immunity system and many more.
- Empowerment and Growth
Self-healing empowers individuals to take control of their healing journey. It fosters personal growth by instilling a sense of responsibility, allowing us to actively participate in our own transformation.
Yes, all these reasons are true and really happen for many people. But for me, even more than these reasons, the following reasons were/are important.
I want to know why I felt the way I did for the longest time. It was like this giant elephant in the room that no one in my family noticed, with whom we just kept living like everything was normal. Trust me, it did feel normal for the first 23 years of my life. It was my version of normal, according to my experience.
Now I am breaking down these patterns and habits because I want to know the roots of these issues. It is indeed difficult, but that clarity has helped me feel more confident about my present and future.
Navigating the Healing Journey
- Self-Discovery
The journey of self-healing begins with introspection. Reflecting on past experiences and traumas helps us identify the emotional wounds that need attention. It’s a courageous step toward healing.
- Setting Intentions
Defining clear intentions for the self-healing journey provides a roadmap. Setting goals ensures that our efforts are aligned with our desired outcomes, keeping us focused and motivated.
- Seeking Support
Self-healing doesn’t mean walking the path alone. Seeking support from therapists, mentors, and support groups provides valuable guidance and encourages a sense of community.
Holistic Approaches to Self-Healing
- Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness practices, including meditation, cultivate present-moment awareness. They allow us to detach from negative thought patterns and embrace the beauty of the now.
- Nutrition and Exercise
Nurturing the body through balanced nutrition and regular exercise strengthens the foundation for self-healing. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.
- Creative Expression
Engaging in creative activities such as art, music, and writing acts as a therapeutic outlet for emotions. Creative expression facilitates emotional release and deepens self-awareness.
Overcoming Challenges
- Patience and Perseverance
Self-healing is a journey that requires patience and perseverance. Progress may be gradual, but the transformation is worth the effort.
- Dealing with Setbacks
Setbacks are a natural part of the healing journey. Learning from relapses and setbacks contributes to resilience and growth.
- Addressing Resistance
Inner resistance, self-doubt, and fear can hinder progress. Confronting these obstacles head-on is an essential step toward overcoming them.
Embracing Wholeness
- Forgiveness and Letting Go
Releasing grudges and forgiving ourselves and others is liberating. Letting go of emotional baggage clears the path for healing.
- Cultivating Self-Love
Accepting ourselves unconditionally and embracing our imperfections is a cornerstone of self-healing. Self-love nurtures growth and transformation.
- Integrating Healing into Daily Life
Sustaining self-healing practices in our daily routine ensures that wellness becomes a way of life. It’s about weaving healing into the fabric of our existence.
Stories of Transformation
- Real-Life Anecdotes
Sharing stories of individuals who embarked on the self-healing journey underscores the power of transformation. These anecdotes inspire hope and demonstrate the potential for change.
- Highlighting Diverse Paths
Every individual’s journey to self-healing is unique. Illustrating different approaches showcases the versatility of methods available for personal transformation.
The Continual Journey
- Ongoing Process
Self-healing is not a destination but an ongoing process. It requires continuous nurturing, self-care, and self-compassion.
- Facing Life’s Challenges
The tools acquired on the self-healing journey equip us to face life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Self-care and self-compassion become anchors in stormy seas.
Conclusion
Embracing the path of self-healing is an invitation to embark on a transformative journey toward wholeness and wellness. It’s a journey that encompasses understanding, nurturing, and empowering oneself. By recognizing the interconnectedness of emotions, mental health, and physical well-being, we pave the way for healing that radiates from within. As you take the first steps on your own self-healing journey, may you discover the profound impact it can have on your life, guiding you toward a state of true well-being and inner peace.