The very concept of healing is vague, broadly indicating the work of spending time with ourselves and coming to accept who we are and how our lives have been, facing the hard stuff we’ve had to endure, but often light on the details of what this actually looks like. One reason for this is that it is a very individual and personal experience, not directly replicable from person to person, but it is also tied to specific physical processes within our bodies and nervous systems that are not widely discussed. This program aims to cover the foundational topics of what it takes and what it means to heal our psychological wounds, starting from the basics of getting to know ourselves and listen to our bodies, to the consistent types of things we encounter as we progress, as well as general approaches to working through these things that will result in lasting and grounded transformation of ourselves.
It is possible not just to manage the symptoms of mental health conditions, but heal them, and since the body, mind, and spirit are one whole, mental health is something that directly affects physical health and vice versa. Though more recent developments are finally starting to address healing trauma in the body rather than just working with the thoughts in our minds, the prevailing expectation is that we are stuck with the symptoms of our trauma forever. While we can never return to being who we were before we experienced the trauma, we can heal to the point of being free from the negative effects and grow from the experience. Traditionally there is also an avoidance of diving deep into ourselves and addressing root causes, preferring to stay within a shallow arena, meaning only surface level things are addressed. Meanwhile approaching healing from spiritual traditions there can be a tendency to bypass and shame negative emotions, dismissing them or attempting to purposefully dissociate from them rather than experience them fully. The approach we will take will not shy away from the difficult things, and can gradually bring us to a place where our bodies are capable of carrying the fullness of the human experience, and able to feel an unconditional love for ourselves and everyone else, if we choose to go there.
You are welcome to join no matter where you are on your own journey, from those just curious about the ideas to those seasoned in personal work looking to deepen or explore in one area of focus, and whether you approach the work from a psychological or spiritual/religious perspective.
All people are welcome to the discussions and meditations, the closed group and individual sessions are open to adults only. Some topics may not be appropriate for young children. People of all faiths (or lack thereof) are welcome, participation does not require an interest in spirituality or adherence to any belief system, though the space will be equally open to such discussions. The aim is also to be inclusive of all people no matter their personal characteristics, background, and expression.
Please be advised, this program is not a substitute for psychological care, nor suitable for those in crisis. Please seek appropriate support as needed.