One
patient step at a time. There are a few roadblocks that get in the way of
our healing. At the top of the list; impatience and fear. Our
culture promotes instant gratification and if one doesn’t see immediate
progress they often give up. In addition, many are afraid to look at
their past hurts thinking they will relive the intense pain all over
again. Often, the monumental pain is created in our minds rather than the
reality of facing old hurts.
Remember,
old pain is exactly that. It is in the past. When we revisit it we
return as a guardian rather than a lost child. As a therapist, I often
will take my clients by the hand (figuratively) and guide them into the old
experience. As we meet the past pain we both nurture the inner child,
reminding him that the pain has served its purpose and he can now move
on. The unconscious mind internalizes this process and then becomes ready
for change.
We
affect change by recognizing whatever difficulties we survived in our past had
a purpose in creating who we are today. Through every painful act, we
realized we had more strength than we imagined, our resiliency increased, we
became wiser, and we developed a keener sense of intuition. All was not
lost in that deep dark tunnel, rather, if used appropriately, your light
continues to shine brighter with each brave step toward healing.
Once
we recognize the purpose and meaning of the “dark night of the soul“, we are
better able to give service and help others in their time of need.
Another avenue to healing. Who knows better the compassion required in
helping others than someone who has been through it? Gather your passion
and use it to serve others. In time, you will realize you are serving
yourself in healing as well.
Take
time to meditate, sit in the quiet, allow yourself to just BE. Visualize
the existence you know was meant for you. Enter a peaceful picture in
your mind’s eye. Notice the image before you and connect your body, mind
and soul to its essence. In time, any trauma you experienced will be
replaced with healthy positivism in your life.
Continued
support with a therapist, friends and family are important in laying the
foundation for healing. You will know when you are ready to fly.
Take your time, and think about how long it took for you to get to this
place. Be patient with yourself and time. Time does heal all wounds
but it is the digging that cleans out the old dirt to stave off chronic
infection.
Visit
that innocent child and give her a chance to live again. Peace will
prevail.
*Excerpt
from Living, Loving & Unlearning: A therapist’s guide to healing and living
authentically from the inside out.
http://www.cynthiabrennen.com
Cynthia Brennen, LMSW, Contributor, Author. Please see Bio section for additional information.
© 2014
Cynthia Brennen, LMSW
