How do you Heal?
How do you Heal?
The subjectivity of this question will yield a multitude of answers. Healing is a unique journey that we all travel in the aftermath of loss, trauma or injury. When we skin our knee or break a bone, the body enables skin to regenerate and bones to fuse together. When a relationship ends. we usually give love another chance, and usually end up with a better suited match. The key to healing in both these physical and emotional injuries is time. Enough time passing will eventually heal wounds and provide clarity in our perspectives.
Loss of a loved one through death doesn’t afford the same steady path to recovery. Unlike a physical wound, a determinate amount of time won’t insure it’s healed, although both instances will leave behind a scar. Unlike a breakup, we can’t replace our lost loved ones with a “better fit”. So how then do we heal?
The road to healing is one that is traveled alone. No amount of support from well-intentioned friends and loved ones can expedite the journey. Grief is as unique as a fingerprint. What works to help one person will likely not work for another. Here, I offer some helpful means of healing, in hopes that one or more may resonate with the reader.
Although healing is slow to happen, it is certainly attainable.
With best wishes to all,
Jen
ART THERAPY
Creative expression is a positive outlet for our minds. Exploring our creative side can provide a release from the overthinking and worry that saddles us down. There is scientific evidence that supports the stimulating effect of art on the brain.
Healing Through the Arts https://htta.org/
Healing Through the Arts http://healingthroughtheartsllc.com/
YOGA
Grief brings forth an emotional pain that can manifest into a physical. Yoga is a practice that brings mindfulness and peacefulness within.
Yoga Journal https://www.yogajournal.com/
Inner Peace Yoga Therapy https://innerpeaceyogatherapy.com/
STONES & CRYSTALS
There are ancient beliefs that support the healing power and properties of stones and minerals. They can ease senses of loss and bring forth a sense of support.
Angel Grotto https://angelgrotto.com/
NUTRITION
The human response to trauma and stress varies from person to person. For some, traumatic events will cause a loss of appetite and for others, a dramatic increase. Whichever side you fall under will cause you to experience negative physical effects. Taking control of the foods you place inside your body is empowering. You can make a conscious effort to change your health for the better starting with your diet.
The Healing Foods Diet: How to Restore your Health, Energy and Mood with Ancient Dietary Wisdom
https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/
CONNECT TO THE OTHER SIDE
For some, there is great comfort and healing in speaking with a medium. While many people proclaim themselves the ability to receive messages from the other side, a true evidential medium is one who produces tangible, concrete proof.
Carla Blaha, Author & Evidential Medium http://www.carlablaha.com/
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS
The benefits of a group forum to share your grief journey are abundant. Being with others who are walking similar paths, or perhaps are a bit ahead or behind in their travels, is a comfort. Often, it is easier to share your feelings with those you have no prior acquaintance with, as we tend to protect those we love from our own pain. Bereavement support programs can often be found on local levels, or ask your local funeral director for reference.
Terri Agliardo, In-House Bereavement Counselor, Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home
FAITH
Faith comes in ebbs and flows. We often recognize our faith and give thanks when life is going well, yet quickly detach ourselves in the more difficult moments, ironically when faith is most needed. If you have strayed from your faith and religion, consider “going home” in the aftermath of loss. Anger at God and anger at life are common feelings experienced when we lose someone we love. Faith can carry us through our pain and bring us to another side of acceptance and healing. Consider finding a local church or returning to one you were once affiliated.