by Zachary Hoover, LMT Healing is such a relatable subject, something we are all familiar with, theprocess of making or becoming healthy again--something we all strive for.Many, if not all of us, have had to face the challenge of healing in our lives.Certainly for ourselves but also in witnessing the challenge it has presented toothers. Healing occurs on many levels and affects all parts of our being: themind, the body and the spirit. Often, these parts become disconnected, as wetend to focus on only parts at a time. It is when we can connect the mind,body and spirit that we can learn to heal with less difficulty. Within all healing comes learning, and with all learning come healing.I am no stranger to healing, it has been a part of my life for almost as long as Ican remember. Early broken bones, family dynamics, friendships that havecome and gone, broken hearts, surgeries, debilitating back pain, chronicheadaches and so on. I have had many occasions to face the challenge ofhealing and to learn the lessons that are inherent within the process. However,it has been through my career as an LMT that I have been able to view andexperience healing and change through a whole new perspective. I believe weare all here for a purpose and all we have done, all we are doing and all we willdo are all for a reason, that there is something to be learned from everyexperience. This is how I choose to see things and it is through these eyes Ishare this perspective on what I have learned so far in my career: •When it comes to healing there are basically two choices: do something or donothing(heal or don't heal); there really are no other options. •DOING NOTHING: Sometimes its easier to be in pain than go through theprocess of healing. •You have to admit there is something wrong or that you need help for thehealing process to begin. •It is okay that something is wrong or that you need help (this is the mostchallenging because of how vulnerable we feel when we are suffering). •Healing doesn't just happen--there are no short cuts or quick fixes; it isfundamental to have patience. •Identify what your block is, what you get stuck on; a habit, behavior,addiction?-Find out who can help and if that doesn't work, find someone else; DO NOTgive up hope, keep trying.•You have to believe it is possible that you will get better--keep faith, findfaith or hope―--MAKE that your intention. •Just because something didn't work doesn't mean you failed, you just needto find another way, explore other options. •It takes commitment to truly heal--You have to trust and respect the process,and surrendering to the process most often allows for the greatest result. As you go forward with your own path of healing, consider the following. MIND: Get out of the suffering mentality and resolve to set positive intentions;use affirmations, set goals, find support. BODY: Your body is amazing; it is constantly doing so many things right andwithout fail; when things do go wrong, be gentle, loving and grateful for all thatit does right--focus on this instead of whatever the challenge is. SPIRIT: Take time to be still and allow for the guidance of spirit. This can helpthe healing process, it can illumine what should be addressed. It is throughfaith that we can find patience and understanding. If we are guided by spiritthen everything we are faced with has a purpose. Find these reasons and learnto heal. When it comes to healing: Believe that healing is possible, that you are worthy and able.Find a spiritual practice.Take care of your body.Be kind to your mind.Don't stop, don't give up.
