The Wounded Healer is one I am intimately familiar with. I think you and I have swapped stories of this before. Even after my illness, even after becoming a healer for others, I struggled to claim the word 'wounded'. I felt like it left a stain of victimhood on me. It was actually one of my spirit guides that sat me down and told me to start seeing wounds for what they are. They have nothing to do with shame or weakness. They are experiences. More than that, though, they are portals. The person I'd been before left through the wounding and a different version came through. I see the profound value in that now. Thank you so much for this beautiful post on one of the most sacred, most transformative archetypes in the realm. ❤️
Yes, I do remember a note, something around what archetypes do we resonate with. You and I both had this archetype in common. And it truly is "one of the most sacred, most transformative archetypes in the realm." I will say, it was a powerful journey this past week, putting this post together. It took more from me to do it than normal, but through it all, it brought greater clarity and integration. That is very precious to me! Jenna, thank you so much for walking this thing called substack together, I really appreciate the sharing of our lives. ❤️
Me too, Julie, I love it! And I'm so grateful for you! (Side note: I finally did send that email and definitely no rush or pressure to respond, just wanted to make sure you got it.)
Yes I did get it. Looks very intriguing. Looking forward to the read. Will probably get back to you early Feb. Right now I am in my busiest month of the year regarding my other work.
This is so timely Julie. I was at a plant medicine retreat this weekend and finally spent some time with my recent headaches and shoulder pain. I was able to quiet my mind and list to the pain.
It told me I too deserve to be seen, listened to, and held in the same way I offer to others. I not only deserved healing space for myself, it is the only way I have room in my heart and the energy needed to be any kind of healer. I unconsciously held the belief if I made room for others, helped them feel safe and seen, then after it would be my turn and I would have earned access to the same, as if there was only so much caring/healing available to us all.
The journey helped me see I can, and have to, make space for myself and that won't mean there is less left for someone else. There is infinite space and energy available. By listening to my body screaming at me I'm reminded of the necessity of self-care if I want to be available to others.
By making safe space for myself I create more room to hold space for others.
Thanks for the opportunity to slide a few more pieces of the puzzle of me into place!
Marie this is a powerful realization. Pain is an amazing teacher if we truly listen, rather than immediately attempt to get rid of it. What you have previously shared around your place in your family and what you bring here, really makes sense regarding this belief you discovered. If we are constantly holding space for others, when do we take care of ourselves? When is it our turn? Are we the last in the long line of care? Will there be enough at the end, if there is even an end?
My heart is smiling inside around this coming home to self-care. "By making safe space for myself I create more room to hold space for others." YES, YES, YES!!! This is a powerful truth! Akin to the airplane analogy around putting your oxygen mask on first, then the children.
Not sure where to begin Julie! I only know that the intertwining of our messages, is giving me permission to heal, but not wallow in what is presented. I have a new found resilience to what is presented and I say ‘bring it on’ as there is no finer time to let go and then rise up, not go straight back down into the depth’s again. Here we do it together sister. 🙏💫
Yes we do! Meeting the authenticity of each moment. With honesty and care. Being with what is present no matter what is showing up. Knowing it is pointing back to the heart, to love. Trusting that what is here is a catalyst for what needs to be seen, integrated, released or forgiven. Maybe all of them at one time. Love to you Louise!
Oh this is so beautiful! Julie, this is so profound. I resonate with the wounded healer. I resonate with the need to understand deeply. I resonate with the feeling that it is an initiation to full embody and experience. Not pretty. Not easy. Not simple. Yet an invitation to deep dive into the depth of the ocean to find hear the ancient wisdom of my inner self whispering to me.
Ahh, thank you - for your honest sharing and your wisdom.
In honour of all that you are, and all that you have walked through.
Thanks Sam! My heart feels these words deeply. Yeah it's, "Not pretty. Not easy. Not simple." Yet it is so human. Living this human condition, both the beauty of it and the pains and challenges of it. The core being self-care, self-love. Love is the healing. Healing happens even if the physical ailments remain unchanged. All of life an alchemy to grow more deeply into and with LOVE!
The Wounded Healer is one I am intimately familiar with. I think you and I have swapped stories of this before. Even after my illness, even after becoming a healer for others, I struggled to claim the word 'wounded'. I felt like it left a stain of victimhood on me. It was actually one of my spirit guides that sat me down and told me to start seeing wounds for what they are. They have nothing to do with shame or weakness. They are experiences. More than that, though, they are portals. The person I'd been before left through the wounding and a different version came through. I see the profound value in that now. Thank you so much for this beautiful post on one of the most sacred, most transformative archetypes in the realm. ❤️
Yes, I do remember a note, something around what archetypes do we resonate with. You and I both had this archetype in common. And it truly is "one of the most sacred, most transformative archetypes in the realm." I will say, it was a powerful journey this past week, putting this post together. It took more from me to do it than normal, but through it all, it brought greater clarity and integration. That is very precious to me! Jenna, thank you so much for walking this thing called substack together, I really appreciate the sharing of our lives. ❤️
Me too, Julie, I love it! And I'm so grateful for you! (Side note: I finally did send that email and definitely no rush or pressure to respond, just wanted to make sure you got it.)
Yes I did get it. Looks very intriguing. Looking forward to the read. Will probably get back to you early Feb. Right now I am in my busiest month of the year regarding my other work.
This is so timely Julie. I was at a plant medicine retreat this weekend and finally spent some time with my recent headaches and shoulder pain. I was able to quiet my mind and list to the pain.
It told me I too deserve to be seen, listened to, and held in the same way I offer to others. I not only deserved healing space for myself, it is the only way I have room in my heart and the energy needed to be any kind of healer. I unconsciously held the belief if I made room for others, helped them feel safe and seen, then after it would be my turn and I would have earned access to the same, as if there was only so much caring/healing available to us all.
The journey helped me see I can, and have to, make space for myself and that won't mean there is less left for someone else. There is infinite space and energy available. By listening to my body screaming at me I'm reminded of the necessity of self-care if I want to be available to others.
By making safe space for myself I create more room to hold space for others.
Thanks for the opportunity to slide a few more pieces of the puzzle of me into place!
Marie this is a powerful realization. Pain is an amazing teacher if we truly listen, rather than immediately attempt to get rid of it. What you have previously shared around your place in your family and what you bring here, really makes sense regarding this belief you discovered. If we are constantly holding space for others, when do we take care of ourselves? When is it our turn? Are we the last in the long line of care? Will there be enough at the end, if there is even an end?
My heart is smiling inside around this coming home to self-care. "By making safe space for myself I create more room to hold space for others." YES, YES, YES!!! This is a powerful truth! Akin to the airplane analogy around putting your oxygen mask on first, then the children.
Not sure where to begin Julie! I only know that the intertwining of our messages, is giving me permission to heal, but not wallow in what is presented. I have a new found resilience to what is presented and I say ‘bring it on’ as there is no finer time to let go and then rise up, not go straight back down into the depth’s again. Here we do it together sister. 🙏💫
Yes we do! Meeting the authenticity of each moment. With honesty and care. Being with what is present no matter what is showing up. Knowing it is pointing back to the heart, to love. Trusting that what is here is a catalyst for what needs to be seen, integrated, released or forgiven. Maybe all of them at one time. Love to you Louise!
Oh this is so beautiful! Julie, this is so profound. I resonate with the wounded healer. I resonate with the need to understand deeply. I resonate with the feeling that it is an initiation to full embody and experience. Not pretty. Not easy. Not simple. Yet an invitation to deep dive into the depth of the ocean to find hear the ancient wisdom of my inner self whispering to me.
Ahh, thank you - for your honest sharing and your wisdom.
In honour of all that you are, and all that you have walked through.
Thanks Sam! My heart feels these words deeply. Yeah it's, "Not pretty. Not easy. Not simple." Yet it is so human. Living this human condition, both the beauty of it and the pains and challenges of it. The core being self-care, self-love. Love is the healing. Healing happens even if the physical ailments remain unchanged. All of life an alchemy to grow more deeply into and with LOVE!