Why does it take Courage to Heal?
What is “inner work”? It is the practice of psychological and spiritual practice of self-exploration and self-understanding. Inner work appears superficially poetic, though it’s placing truth and love above all else. It requires going beyond the intellectual curiosity of complex operations of emotions, perceptions, and motivations. When we devote ourselves to inner work, we begin the quest to embrace the paradox of existence.
Our stories can immediately trigger cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes. The perceptions of trying to make sense of what has happened evoked by the event can shift emotional and motivational responses, which in turn, shifts our performance. When we become aware of our instinctive behaviors in the face of setbacks, we can begin to trust our ability to self-regulate. The capability of self-regulation facilitates love, understanding, and compassion rather than impedes conscious thinking.
Sometimes we are afraid to let go of our story and our pain because we don’t know who we are without it. It makes sense because when we live with something for so long, formed by our traumas, it becomes apart of our identity. Not taking responsibility for what you need to own doesn’t make you any less responsible. When you accept that, you accept that you will be dancing in the dark for some time. The more we ignore what demands to be felt; patterns, illnesses, pain, and disconnection will be more present.
It’s in our undying exploration of human suffering that we are able to rise through it all and come home to love. There is no greater pain than crying over our dying selves. Though there is no need to be ashamed of tears, tears are evidence that you have the courage to suffer through transformation. Be kind to the parts of you that show up when you are ready to heal.
Trust that at some point we will come to remember that we are and always have been lovable with our scars and all.
Many of us have fallen to the lure of connection over authenticity. As we slow down and nurture the tender parts of our inner being, we are able to sit with the discomfort rather than grasping outward for other people to save us from our feelings. This is referencing co-dependency which translates to trying to fix, save, or problem-solving for others with the hopes of proving our worth. The best solution I can commend you for is to seek professional help, allow a licensed expert to assist in learning how to safely self-regulate.
ALL of your friends and family do not need to understand, approve or validate the healing work you are doing; Remember they have their own fears and resistance. Inner work does not equate to entirely secluding yourself until you are “healed”. Speak to an experienced professional, and be in touch with a supportive network of people that you can trust. Strengthen your connection with your world through grounding and self-observation in the beauty of nature.
Healing is not a process that happens by accident. Getting out of the way of your ego to reach out for help to redeem and restore your life.
Strengthen your connection with your world through grounding and self-observation in the beauty of nature.
I encourage you, friend: Keep healing. You are right, valid and so courageous to be practicing inner work.