Healing is a word whose definition I think has several facets.
There is the physical meaning of the word which is all about the body getting back to the way it was before an injury. We are all familiar with this. We get a cut and we know to prepare for the scab and the possible scar that will follow. More serious healing may involve a change in how the body functions. After an injury or illness, the body may not work the way it did, and you will develop compensatory strategies for getting the same things done. There are situations where the compensations are temporary and others where they are more permanent. All of this is healing.
Then there is a level of healing that underlies the physical and is often hidden from view – healing processes involving our emotional and mental aspects. Someone may look like they are navigating life well, but inside there is an unseen part where healing needs to happen or is starting to happen.
For many years my healing practice focused on the first, or the physical aspect of healing. I felt it was my “thing”. I helped many people. As my experience expanded, so did my understanding of the varied nature of the healing process. I began to add the tools to my tool kit that I needed to address and help with the emotional and mental aspects of healing. I found that my clients felt more complete when I was able to assist the whole of the person through the healing process.
When I’m invited in to help by casting light on feelings and thoughts that stand in the way of healing, it’s a great benefit to the process. Some, however, are not ready to look at and deal with the unseen aspects of healing – often a scarier undertaking than dealing with the physical healing process. Many see crying and allowing themselves to experience emotional pain as a weakness. I believe that tears are the voice of the soul, and that by listening to that voice we give ourselves the greatest chance to heal
