Illnesses, loss of loved ones, career missteps and relationship failures, accidents, traumas or past abuse are part of the human conditions we are all subject to. Whether minor or serious these setbacks can leave their mark. They are part of our history and life story.
What matters is not the thing itself but how we relate to it…how we see it in the context of our lives. It is through this inner effort of contextualizing and reframing our experience that we remove its ability to haunt us and disable its power over us.
It is the unprocessed past hurts, wounds and pain that, if left unattended, can grow, be triggered and erupt in unexpected and disturbing ways.
It is by shifting away from the drama of the situation and focusing on our ability and capacity to overcome that we cultivate resilience. When we process these otherwise traumatizing events we experience an emotional release and we are freed to make better choices.
Through inner listening and tuning into the pain is signalling for attention, learning the language of the body that we can uncover layers of hurt and unresolved trauma and learn to let go and forgive.
Initially, there is confusion – why is this pain surfacing now? Why me? Why do I have to suffer again and again, like this? These questions are not helpful – instead of helping they position you as powerless victim to a situation beyond your control.
If, on the other hand, you remain calm, relaxed and exercise appreciative enquiry and self compassion, you may discover that your system (your being) is taking stock and clearing out to create space for new and healthier habits.
It is common to feel confused, hurt, angry, frustrated and overwhelmed, and yet, it’s not necessarily helpful – what is helpful is to pause and introspect in a spirit of self-compassion.
You can free yourself from these emotionally-crippling memories and psychological traumas by partnering with a trained coach or healing practitioner. As with layers of an onion, depending on the issue, it may only take a few (3 – 12) sessions to free yourself. In life, time is always of the essence.
About Julia von Flotow
Hello Julia,
This is my first time in commented and I know others will have there own based upon their unique journey, experience. I wanted to thank you for your thoughtful comments on the subject of "Healing One Layer at a Time", this is so true. For we are after all body, mind and spirit. Often trauma, life events, injuries can have us in many directions after the shock has calmed down, leveled out, and identify areas of the body, mind, spirit that can ultimately get blocked as a result. Nature often provides for us it's innate wisdom, though intuition, however we have to realize (which is often a few months later), that we have to go on a journey of healing and this is often through a empathetic/compassionate professional who enables the gateways to be opened and receptive to 'healing'. I know this from my own personal experience and being receptive, to the 'listening and observation of the body'. We have to learn how to engage and 'reset' the body, mind and soul. and vehicles to wellness are often through healing touch. The imagery of the onion and layering, is what I often would describe as like geological "bedrock", being able to go deeper into healing, breaking though revealing the polished self. This can also lead to other pathways to help others in their journey, however…we have to be in the right place of healing ourselves. Knowing ourselves is often a life long journey of self discovery isn't it. Children and animals are often so receptive to healing too. Thank you for your words of wisdom and look forward to following your blog. V