16 Simple Ways to Encourage Self Healing: 9-16
This is Part 2 of the List of 16 Simple Ways to Encourage Self Healing. For part 1 with ways 1-8 click here.
9: Stones and Crystals
Ok, for those of you who might be confused by this praying/crystals combo deal, let me give you a breakdown of some of the personal views I have developed after a lot of reading (and simply knowing what feels right to me).
Firstly, the Bible does not condemn the use of stones. In the New Testament (Exodus 28:30) the high priest wore a breastplate over his ephod with twelve stones set in gold it to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. These gemstones included: sardius (ruby), topaz, carbuncle (garnet), emerald, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx and jasper. In addition to these stones two special stones Urim and Thummim (yup...the same stones that Santiago was given in The Alchemist!! 🤓) were placed inside a small pocket on the interior of the breastplate (against the wearers heart). These two stones were used to determine God's will by casting lots.
Secondly, I don’t want to debate or argue with you over the mass book burnings throughout history or the tampering with the Bible by early Christians to suit their patriarchal will. I don’t want to haggle with you over the details of what I believe Jesus did in the first 30 years of his life (which is completely skipped over in the Bible). In fact, I “won’t“ even share my personal beliefs that He was in India becoming a yogi master. And I “won’t” say that I agree that the “Seven Churches” Jesus references in the Bible are our seven major chakras — in other words — our personal temples.
I believe in God. I believe that there is a universe. And I know that crystals are a real thing created by God, who created the universe. I do not worship crystals. I worship God. Source. Creator. Father. God who created the perfectness that is sacred geometry. God that created us in His perfect image.
Jesus is my homie. I loves me some him. Religion on the other hand, I'm not the biggest fan of.
Anyway (tangent over), you can “love the sinner and hate the sin,” (that sin that you believe is my once-again personal view) or
I wish you well on your journey padawan.
Anywhoooo, where was I... 🤔
Stones, crystals and gemstones have had quite a buzz around them in recent years; with many big-name celebrities announcing their inclusion into their health routines and daily meditations.
No doubt, Drake mentioning his uncle “Tryin’a change my energy with stones and crystals,” in the song “Sandra’s Rose,” (from the Scorpion album), will continue to shoot crystals’ popularity into the stratosphere. Dudes from every hood and campus will be reaching for the rose quartz in 2019.
Humans have been drawn to crystals for thousands of years. Kings and queens of days gone by used them for protection, shamans still use them for healing, traditional watch-makers use quartz crystals to tell time, and even modern-day scientists use them in microchips.
I first began wearing stone tunnels and plugs in my ears a few years ago, but just for aesthetic reasons. Gradually, I began researching the healing properties of the various stones I had in my jewelry collection.
Crystals are believed to work by balancing our energy fields and connecting us to the earth and universe at large.
I am enjoying learning more about the properties of gemstones and crystals. In fact, I did a search on “blue lace agate” while writing this blog post, and totally got lost down a rabbit hole.
10: Totems
Personally, I find that I have more of an affinity for carrying totems as opposed to carrying raw crystal nuggets and gemstones. But that’s just me…I can’t stress enough that you should do what works best for you. Whatever you need to do to connect to a higher mindset…just do it.
My favorite pendants right now are a Rhodonite Kwan Yin figure, (the Mother of Mercy, an iconic symbol for the female principle), and a Moss Agate Venus of Willendorf replica, (the original goddess totem believed to be carved over 20,000 years ago), which also represents the principles of femininity and fertility. I like the properties that these characters embody, and I use them as a reminder of my female power and my connection to the oldness of this place we call earth.
Edit: I have eased up on the pendant wearing. And most of my jewelry wearing in general. And make-up too, now that I think about it...just keeping it simple. However, you go ahead and get dolled up hun, you deserve it!
[caption id="attachment_422" align="alignnone" width="600"] Totems[/caption]
11: Self-administered Massages
At first I was a bit embarrassed to include this one, but its worked so many wonders in terms of releasing tension in my body.
Say hello to my little friend.
My rose quartz massage wand.
Idk why I questioned if this would be okay to include...well I do. It’s because it’s a phallic object. 🌭 🌽🍆🥒🥖🥕
Let’s be mature ladies.
I’m not talking about that type of massage...although self-exploration is necessary and encouraged.
In this case, I’m referring to “regular” massages sans happy ending and also using reflexology techniques.
I picked up this little guy on Amazon, and keeping it nearby has served as a great reminder to actively attempt to relieve pressure before it gets to an out of control level. 😖
Prevention is better than cure.
I use this wand on every part of my body from my temples and the nape of my neck down to my feet.
I trace circles, press, tap and roll.
It’s really great for digging in to the Union peak (is that the name?) - the fatty point of your palm at the base of your thumb.
Little things such as painting my nails also serve as a nice pick me up (as color plays a bigger part to our mood than we give it credit for).
Of course a full on spa day would be fabulous but these small self-done sessions can work wonders!
12: Discovering Your Hobbies
Most of us don’t know what we enjoy. In fact, when asked the question, “What do you enjoy?” most people will respond with: “You mean, like what do I do in my spare time?”
More often than not, the answers that come back are: “Drinking, watching Netflix and spending time on my phone.”
Now, there’s no judgment here, I do all three of these things too. But it is a bit sad, because let’s be honest about it, none of the aforementioned activities, (can they even be called that?) are actual “hobbies.”
When we were younger and someone asked us what we liked to do, we knew! Whether it was climbing trees, making mud pies or dancing with our friends, we knew what made us happy.
As adults, we need to get back to that space.
Why not start by writing a list of 5-10 activities you either want to get back into or would be interested in exploring for the first time. For example, one of the items on my list is to obtain my scuba diving certification in 2019. (Keep me accountable ladies!)
So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and choose some things that have always been on your bucket list. No time like the present!
[caption id="attachment_418" align="alignnone" width="601"] Mosaic project in the garden[/caption]
13: Reading
Why not get out of your sad head space and pick up a book?
I’ve found that one of the best parts of taking the time to look inward and learn about myself has been discovering my deep-seated hunger for knowledge. To satisfy that need, I’ve read about a book a week in the last few months, and at any given moment I have 20+ books in my Amazon cart. Some of my recent favorites include The Art of Knowing, The Hermetica, and The Superbeings.
[caption id="attachment_421" align="alignnone" width="600"] Reading[/caption]
Click here to check out the books, podcasts and people that I’ve been loving lately.
14: Space/Quiet-Time/Alone-Time
Finding a way to get some “you” time is much easier said than done when you have a child but do your best. Strike a balance between leaning on people and accepting support, and dedicating time just for you to sit in silence with yourself and your thoughts. Sure, it’s nice to spend some time venting to other people, but if you keep talking about the past you won’t be planning for your future.
I snuck away for a quick 4-day vacation to Eleuthera, Bahamas for my birthday this year. It was a nice way to break out of the daily routine, and it also gave me the time to take a moment to think about things, without being distracted by the constant juggling of responsibilities. Ooh, it was good. So good! In fact, I’m thinking that I’ll make it an annual tradition. Who wants to join me?!?
As Nikola Tesla said: “Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born.”
So, take that time for yourself--even if it is just a 15-minute bathroom break. (Hey, even your job will give you a 15-minute break during every few hours of work. If they can do it for you, you can do it for yourself, especially if you are one of the lucky ones nurturing the future of the planet!)
15: Lean on Friends
When you’re feeling fragile, it’s time to accept support from family and friends. Set some boundaries, and make sure they understand that there will be times that you want to be alone, but don’t push them away. Sure, there are times you will feel irritated, particularly at those who say “I told you so.” And there might be people who are going through their own issues and who won’t be able to be there for you in the capacity you need right now. But don’t take it personally; everybody is dealing with their own life and their own challenges, so they’re doing the best they can. Trust that they mean well, even if sometimes they have trouble expressing support.
16: Be Gracious with Yourself
This one’s so nice, I had to say it ! And even though it happens to be my final point, it’s by no means unimportant.
It’s not the trauma of a breakup but what you do afterwards that defines you as a person. So yeah, you were in the ring and didn’t duck when you were supposed to — you went left instead of right…or made some other bad move and now you’re down on the mat. It’s time to get up, heal, train, and get back in the ring.
Conclusion
There is no universal cure for a broken heart (or a broken ego).
The actions above helped me, but they are by no means the be-all and end-all list of “how to heal.”
“Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.”
― Sigmund Freud
Now is the time to sort yourself out. It’s the only way to be sure that all your raw emotions don’t rear their ugly heads in the future.
On that note, if you are feeling severely depressed or having suicidal thoughts, please seek the proper medical professionals. You are worth it. Your sanity is worth it.
Have you used any of the above methods while healing? How did they work for you? If not, what other methods have you used to heal yourself after a break-up? Please leave your comments below.