I have had healing on my mind intensely the past few days; between our pilgrimage to St Panteleimon this past weekend and a chiropractor appointment this week, it’s all reminding me of how broad the scope of healing is! Full healing is a re-integration of the whole person: body-mind-spirit. This weaves together so many types of healers! (chiropractors, acupuncturists, priests, sisters, psychologists, a nourishing cook- and more!) 

We so often think of healing as being from physical ailments or sicknesses, but even the fittest and ailment-free folks are all in need of some sort of healing. The first step to the healing process is recognizing something is broken and in need of fixing in the first place. Please see my new Substack publication: Born to Thrive.

I was, and still am, in need of healing from so many things, in little and big ways. Others around me are, too, but we can start with ourselves. 9 years ago, I got into a terrible car accident that, even today, still causes me pain in my left side. Thank God the children were all OK, but my poor dears had to watch their mother being loaded onto a stretcher and were left on the side of the road with a policeman and a kind stranger who had given my lovies blueberries, and an umbrella for the rain! My neck had snapped sideways upon impact and had shattered my driver’s side window. The van was totaled, and I apparently survived what often is a fatal crash site at that particular intersection! That’s when I found myself going to the chiropractor three times a week for my injury. 

This painting hung on the walls of my chiropractor and deeply spoke to me. Little things along our way make such a difference! Be it art, music, place, people- they all play a part in our journey! And each time I walked into that chiro office, I was greeted by the scents of essential oils; hands touched my hurting body, and my spirit and mind went to a place of care, love, gentleness- with myself. People who wanted my well being greeted me and helped to heal me. This was teaching me self-care- and self-love and self care is crucial for the start of healing!

I was brutally injured and it took me months to heal, but it felt like a wake-up call from God, for I was in dire need of a different sort of healing, not just the physical kind. At that time, I was caught in “the cycle” of an unhealthy, toxic relationship. Outside I was a strong superstar single mama. Inside, I was still fragmented and divided and feeling conflicted: stay in it, keep working on it, or leave? I journaled endlessly, sought advice from probably too many people, and, while I was in therapy, I still had a very long way to go; in general I was battling confusion and anxiety. I was trying to stay present but finding it harder and harder. My light was dimming.

About 12 years ago, I came to a crashing point in my physical health: adrenal fatigue, hypoglycemia, and more. I am so thankful for friends and community who offered their support to me at the time, and for the awesome, healing power of coconuts, bone broth and avocados. 

10 years ago, when I knew something huge was broken in my first “marriage”, I was in dire need of emotional and spiritual healing as I wept in church on Divine Mercy Sunday. A priest prayed with me, for me, and over me, after Mass. 

Throughout the years following that, as I worked through so many pieces of myself, I remember major interior healing moments in swimming and in yoga; they say that exercise can instigate tremendous emotional release. I would swim really hard in my local pool where I did my lap swimming, to the point where, at the end of the lane, I would find myself sobbing. In yoga, (hot yoga), the sweat and the breathing gave way to complete release of so much pent-up stress and pain, and the tears just flowed.

3 years ago I had to patiently endure more physical healing after major hand surgery. (This is very hard for a hands on girl like me!)

Most recently, I found myself praying for healing in my family on all sorts of levels. I have a big blended family, now, and that adds so many layers of complexity with the many family dynamics and healthy daily functioning. 

Other times throughout my life I have experienced the powerful deep healing work of professionals: the acupuncturist, massage therapist, counselor. These aid, assist and help us on our healing journeys. And a friend, neighbor or sister in Christ may say something that helps us gain more clarity or get closer to a place of peace- but often the most profound healing moments are in the quiet of our hearts, alone and with God, in the wind in the trees or the lapping of the waves, the birdsong around us, in Mass, or Adoration.

I also think healing works mysteriously, and is different for everyone. Throughout my entire life, I have felt tremendous relief and healing in the water, in clay, in the garden, with tea, drawing in my sketchbook, writing, and, most recently, giving birth. (See my piece: Transformation.)

What does it look like for you? 

Happy healing to you in whatever way(s) you need it today!

Love always,

Sia