“Healing” means to become whole. To heal, we first need to become consciously aware of our pain, our wounds, so that we can transform them. It is through adversity and challenge that we are forced to face our deepest wounds, when there is the potential to heal and grow the most.
COLLECTIVE HEALING:
There’s no doubt about it – Covid-19 and lockdown have proved to be an extraordinarily testing time in most of our lives. Many of us have faced extreme challenges during lockdown – dependent on own personal circumstances, personalities and the policies of the countries where we reside.
For those living in (usually) relatively free countries, the loss of freedom, being confined to our homes for all or most of the day, being unable to make our own choices about what we do, where we go and when, has felt like a jail sentence – with no clear time limit. Some have had to endure the challenge of spending all or most of their time entirely alone; others forced to live in close proximity to their family 24-7, with no time or space for themselves. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost jobs, businesses, income and homes – either temporarily or permanently – with no clarity yet about what will be possible in the future. Mental health issues, suicides and cases of domestic violence are rife. Many people have endured this unknown illness with only fear and isolation as their companions; some have gone on to die all alone, surrounded by cold, uncaring machines, with no family allowed to visit.
It was not surprising that the collective pent-up fear, anger, frustration and energy would burst out at some point. The current crisis has brought our deepest wounds and shadows up to the surface – like pus being released from a boil – from a global to an individual level. The ongoing injustices and abuses of power on all levels worldwide, and the harm which we have inflicted on the planet, signify humanity’s loss of connection with our true spiritual nature and with our hearts. Our current crisis on all levels shows us that change is essential for our survival as a species, and offers us an unprecedented chance for healing and transformation if enough of us choose this. We need to dive deep within ourselves (always the place we need to start) and find the courage to bring our own wounds, limitations and shadows to light, and decide moment by moment – starting right now- to choose love, unity, trust and courage. Shining our own light is the best way we can influence others and so change the world.
INDIVIDUAL HEALING:
Unfortunately our individual healing journeys are not always pain-free – as we become more consciously aware of our wounds, we temporarily feel them too. For this reason, the process of healing can take patience, dedication, self-love and courage. However, it is a little bit up to us how long a lesson takes us to learn or a wound healed. In order for true transformation and growth to take place, we have to be willing and ready to ‘let go’ and choose something new – to release an old pattern, way of looking at things or identity.
I’ve certainly been through my fair share of ups and downs throughout my healing journey. In last three months, I’ve had days of feeling overwhelmed, anxious and lost as a result of losing the majority of my work, income and life purpose for now (as a self-employed healer), and the uncertainty about the future. Other days I’ve faced the loneliness of having only myself for company, without any options for social interaction.
However, as with all challenges in life, I was quickly reminded that I do have a choice in how I react to the tests with which I am presented. After a couple of weeks of considerable shock, and much trial and error, I began to recalibrate my days and to create a new schedule and focus where I could make the most of the extra time. To turn this time of challenge into something positive and a chance to grow in some way. I committed to an earlier wake up in the mornings (mostly!) and a longer daily yoga practice – something which I have often struggled with in the past, being a lover of sleep! I also started an online training in something called Chakradance, which I am excited to add to my work offerings when things open up here again. In addition, I began to look at and implement ways I could offer my healing work online.
Gradually too, I was forced to learn how to be more comfortable with only myself for company – to connect with the feeling and reality that I am whole and ‘enough’ in myself; that I don’t ‘need’ other people, social activities, meals out or shopping to feel complete – although I certainly still very much enjoy and am looking forward to doing these things again when I can. There is a difference between enjoying and ‘needing’ something to feel good.
I had to remember too that my identity goes far beyond the work I love and pour so much of myself into – our soul purpose and lessons are so much wider than our identity as a healer, teacher or artist; a husband, wife or parent. Our soul purpose is to reconnect with love and our divinity…and there are many ways in which we can do this. But first we need to let go of control of wanting our lives to be a certain way, of attachment to roles, labels and outcomes.
Below is the tool kit I created to help me to stay more-or-less balanced and sane during the times of Corona. (This has been especially useful when any thoughts of resistance to my current circumstances or concerns about the future arose):
- Getting into a routine of early morning wake ups and committing to a strong, embodied yoga practice daily. This helps to get me ‘out of my head’ and any worries. and just to become present in the here and now. (In this exact moment, all is well and I am safe.)
- Exercising daily out-of-doors – connecting as much as possible with sunlight and nature. This helps to remind me of my connection to everything. (Sadly I know that not everyone has been able to do this.)
- Doing as much as possible with my hands (eg gardening, cooking or creating art) also helps to keep me anchored in stillness and the present moment.
- Daily meditation that helps me to connection to the still place inside of me (no matter what else is going on) is also a wonderful resource.
- Studying the things i am interested in and using the extra time wisely.
OVER TO YOU:
I’d love to hear from you too – how was your experience of lockdown, what were/are your biggest challenges, what new things have you learnt about yourself during this time, and do you also have a personal toolkit that has helped you to cope?
Returning to Wholeness 