In this series, I’ve talked about the first three (3) levels of healing – spiritual, mental and emotional. The fourth level is physical healing. While we are spiritual beings, our overall well-being relies on how well we take care of ourselves on the physical plane. This means keeping our bodies fit and healthy so we can thrive, not just survive.
The idea of eating healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep is not new and, yes, it’s very important. However, what I am talking about is something a bit more subtle and that’s having full awareness of what’s going on in your body and what it’ trying to tell you.
When we were born we had a natural, innate awareness of our body, energy and emotions. Over time, we’ve become unaware of what’s going on in and around us. I find that most of my clients aren’t aware of their bodies at all. In fact, they’re numb on all four levels.
We tend to “numb out” because we’ve repressed everything that we’ve deemed uncomfortable, bad or threatening such as anger, rage, fear, anxiety, grief or deep longing. When we repress feelings it disrupts your body’s natural energy flow. It doesn’t do you any good to hold back your emotions. You may think you have it all “under control” but the reality is that it’s still lurking in your body and will eventually resurrect in some form or fashion.
For physcial healing, we need to learn to listen to our bodies because the body holds the key to healing on all levels. In order to “hear” the messages we need to make friends with our bodies and appreciate the very important role they have while we are here in the physical plane.
It’s important to check in with our bodies on a regular basis and identify what it needs at any given time. As I mentioned, some of the basics are obvious such as clean water, exercise, well balanced nutrition, fresh air and a good night sleep. However, the body also needs physical touch and affection as well as intimate, sensual pleasure.
I intentionally discussed the physical healing aspects last because this is where all of the other aspects of ourselves reside. The body is a mirror to what is going on with all other levels of self. If you are blocked on any of the other levels, it shows up in your body.
I personally believe that there are no coincidences. When we get ill, have an accident, experience trauma or a lot of drama … all of this is the result of what is going on spiritually, mentally and emotionally and it manifests in a physical way. Its natures way of giving us a wake-up call that we need to look more deeply into our needs, feelings or be more true to who we are in some way.
When you get a really serious, or life-threatening illness, the lesson is even more urgent. When a critical illness ensues, it usually causes us to confront major issues that have yet to be dealt with. By doing so, we can gain an amazing level of self-awareness.
So, what are the strategies you can use to heal physically?
Physical Healing Strategies
There are several techniques that I use with my clients that are simple, but powerful, ways to heal physically and it creates a ripple effect on the other three (3) levels.
- Deep Belly Breating
Lie on the floor with your feel shoulder width apart, toes turned slightly inward, knees bent. Tilt your head back as far as it can go and still be comfortable to open up your throat. Place your hands on your stomach, slightly above the pubic bones. Breathe naturally through your mouth for one to three minutes. When you are finished, notice if you feel more relaxed, more alive or more aware of your body and your surroundings.
The breath is deeply connected to life and vitality. When you do this, you may find resistance to taking full, deep breaths because you feel intense feeling coming up. You might even feel like screaming. If this is the case, find a private place and let it out! It is a great way to release held energy.
- Daily Movement
Notice I didn’t say exercise. What I am talking about is movement. It can be simple and soft like Tai Chi, yoga, or Pilates or it can be more aerobic such as jogging, dancing, or swift walking. Any kind of movement will allow your life force energy to flow freely through your body. This gives you more access to feelings of pleasure and joy.
- Identify Potential Issues on Other Levels
Identify any spiritual, mental or emotional issues that may be contributing to your physical problems then find the help and support you need to begin the healing process.
Summary
Alright, so we’ve now taken a look at all four (4) levels of self and discussed ways to heal on each level. There’s no right and wrong way to heal because you are unique. Pay attention to the world around you, listen to your body, and trust your inner guidance. Use the exercises that I provided in this series and, of course, consider finding a counselor, coach or practitioner to join you on your journey. This can help you accelerate your healing and growth.
Remember, the goal is to align, harmonize and integrate all aspects of who you are so that you can shift from surviving to thriving. This, of course, is a life-long journey of self-discovery. When you approach it with self-compassion, love, acceptance and patience it can prove to be a very exciting adventure!
Joyously yours,
Dana
