What does it mean to heal?

What is healing, and what does it mean to heal? Through the practice of non-duality, we come to realize that the conceptual self is not what it appears to be. It is more of a temporary and fleeting experience than a permanent, solid identity. We may overlook the deeper issues associated with this transitory self because it is a relative experience compared to the absolute truth of awareness. However, we can also choose to engage with this self because its unresolved conflicts continue to pull us away from our connection with the absolute.

To address the issues of the separate self, we can engage in shadow work to uncover hidden motivations, beliefs, defenses and fears. By doing this, we begin to heal the separate self and alleviate its suffering. Healing is what happens when we integrate our subconscious material with conscious awareness. We are then free within the experience of the separate self when it arises.

Healing is a timeless space. Some issues that appear to be in the past are actually still with us here in the present moment, influencing our decisions today. When we feel triggered, the original traumatic event that caused that reaction is in the distant past. Current circumstances bring forth the same old reactions we had to past trauma into the present moment, telling the mind and body that the trauma is happening again. In this way, the subconscious mind attempts to gain control and achieve a different, more positive outcome, even if this means creating new trauma or reinforcing old patterns. As a result, we find ourselves repeatedly reliving past experiences in the present until we consciously engage with these issues and recognize them for what they truly are: reenactments of our unhealed trauma.

When we explore these reactions, we are not really delving into the past because the triggered reaction is arising in the present. What we call the past essentially does not exist; it is happening now. Healing and resolution of our “past” issues takes place in the present moment. And yet this healing also reaches back to the place we call the past, as the original wound is resolved and released.

Healing can change one’s perspective on past events. Rather than viewing these moments negatively, we may come to feel gratitude for how they shaped us. In this way, we can turn the original pain into love.

When we engage in this type of practice, we discover a particular quality of sweetness that accompanies the healing process. It is essential to learn this feeling to understand when healing is occurring. Healing energy has a unique characteristic that can help us tune into its method and cultivate it. Healing is a divine blessing bestowed through grace.

When an issue is healed, the mind quiets, the heart feels opened, and an abiding peace accompanies a sense of wholeness. The embodiment feels more comfortable to be in, and there is a still, tender quality that is soft and quiet. The mind is free from inner conflict and at rest because everything makes sense. There is no reason for it to push against life, as it feels content.

The body feels grounded, connected, and open, without agitation. Your energy flows harmoniously and is in balance. There is an overarching sense that everything is as it should be. Nothing needs to move from this place or be added to it. This moment is complete, filled with love and gratitude. One might feel held and in union with the divine. There is contentment with all aspects of life and the innate freedom to be right here, with what is.

Everything is perfectly fine, resting in the peace of being. There is simply a profound love for yourself and the blessing of this life, with no resistance to any of it. Allow your heart to break open. All the trials and challenges of life are experienced as another facet of divine love, as pure teaching. They are invitations and gateways to this place of authentic, natural, effortless being. Nothing can touch what you truly are, and yet you are available to all of it.

When you heal, you release stagnated life energy, which increases the capacity for true pleasure. Healing involves connecting all of our parts throughout time within a field of presence. There is a sense of completeness and merging with the divine. This is how you know that the work is finished.

A feeling of aliveness arises from healing. This experience closely resembles spiritual awakening. Healing is awakening to unmet parts of ourselves, while spiritual awakening is the realization of our true selves. Healing and awakening are intertwined. There is a positive feedback loop in their relationship, where each one deepens our connection to the other.