In
a society demanding instant gratification, healing does not
necessarily happen. We have a headache, we take a pill. Stressful
day at work, a few drinks will help. Anxiety each time you do a
presentation, why not pop a Xanax?
Yet,
there is a big problem with this cycle: avoiding the root of the
issue. We self medicate or use what the doctor has prescribed as a
crutch. It is fast and reliable, but it is not the solution. Your
headache, stress, anxiety (etc.) is all still there and what it will
take to heal it is inquiry and time. There are several ways of
healing, each specific to giving yourself attention. You are the one
to decipher which one will work for you at certain moments or maybe
utilize them all, all the time. Never think giving yourself this
treatment is in vain, for without a clear mind, body and spirit, you
cannot live out your life purpose.
- Yoga – Yoga is incredible because it really helps you become in tune with your body, thoughts and emotions. In life, it is easy to push emotions and pain deep inside of you rather than expressing them freely for fear of judgment. Certain asanas can bring to the surface stored trauma or injury, confronting you to deal with it and the more you practice, the more progress you make. It is really lovely because it is not a competition, it only involves you in the present moment practicing your devotion. Taking it deeper, when you learn about the Eight Limbs of Yoga, you begin to dissect and take a part your habits and mentality and embark upon a journey of self-healing. Perhaps most importantly, the practice really forces you to recognize your breath, cascading to the core of life.
- Food – Now, read carefully, because with food there is a fine line: one can use it as an emotional crutch, gorging or depriving. I am talking about a healthy relationship with food, one where you eat mindfully. Perhaps you are feeling a little down, making something warm that you had as a child can bring upon a comforting feeling, take you back to the carefree, innocent times. Or if you are experiencing illness, food can be treated as medicine. Whatever the reasoning may be, remember to savor each bite and be aware of it's flavor, texture and how it makes you feel.
- Essential Oils – Because of the size of essential oils they easily penetrate the skin and cell walls. They are also lipid-soluble and can affect every single cell of the body in twenty minutes. Since disease starts in the cell, essential oils are a powerful healing method. Also, scent is the only sense directly associated with the part of the brain dealing with emotion, meaning that inhaling oils can trigger past memories, positive or negative. You can incorporate the oils to help you work through any blockages within yourself.
- Journaling – You need to let out your thoughts and feelings and sometimes there is no one willing to listen. Writing them down is a way to voice it, making it tangible rather than something floating inside of you. Also, you can track all the different variables surrounding your well-being and see what is stressing you out or inducing anger or upset. When you dig deeper and understand that the way you act is not drawn from thin air, then you can make your adjustments to be your optimal whole.
Most
importantly is not to over complicate life. Be open to unexpected
scenarios, feel each and every emotion that courses within you,
express your truth to the world and honor your breath. You are the
universe.
