Healing through creativity is my choice of drug.

I will therapeutically heal myself through the creative process. Creative therapy is like meditation: focusing on an object/creation and letting everything else go.

Battling with chronic pain and my inner self, I started to lose my true essence. I was more than just a mother and wife. I was more than just a bag of bones, I was a spiritual, free-spirited being that was dying to awake; dying to come out and share with the world what I feel, what I know, what I dream about, what I’ve learned and most important what I’ve experienced.

Through much adversity, I have become my own healer. Each and everyday I make a conscious choice with how I treat myself. Whether it’s embracing my morning coffee, journaling or going for a walk; I celebrate each day with one foot in front of the other.

Eight ways to become your own healer:

Reiki: I am a firm believer in self-healing and what better way to heal oneself but through the love of Reiki. The major emphasis of Reiki First Degree is self-healing and I truly believe that everyone should at least be a Reiki Level One Practitioner including children. In the book Reiki for Life, Penelope Quest shares, “Reiki is a safe, gentle, nonintrusive hands-on healing technique for use on yourself or with others, which uses spiritual energy to treat physical ailments without using pressure, manipulation or massage. It is a holistic system for balancing, healing, emotions and spirit.”

Meditate: Taking time out to go within and let go is simply divine. If you are new to meditation, there truly is no wrong or right way to this amazing healing alternative. Simply take a moment of silence, close your eyes, inhale and exhale slowly and focus on your breath. Meditation is simply substituting our thoughts with another object of attention. If you feel a bit nervous and feel the silence is too loud, light a candle and focus on the flame, play meditation music and focus on the sounds of nature or drums

Embrace Nature: The silence and energy from Mother Earth is breathtaking. There is nothing like grabbing a cup of coffee or tea and heading out for a nature walk or hike. The sounds of nature, birds singing, the wind blowing and the rustle of the trees feeds the soul.

Boundaries: Respect your own space. It’s ok to take a step back from others be it friends, family and even our own kids. Yes, downtime, me time and alone time is key towards self-healing. If people truly love and respect your space, they will be there when you return. Having boundaries doesn’t mean ignoring the ones you love or letting go; it simply means respecting your own energy fields, your own space and yes, your own sanity.

Journaling: Writing is a wonderful way to connect with one’s inner self, emotions, dreams and goals. This is an amazing healing power tool that many embrace and use for self-healing, shadow work, goal setting and daily rituals.

Creativity: Using creativity as a healing practice will help to heal and inspire you to make dreams come true. When we engage in the creative process, we connect to our higher selves, we meditate and we find ourselves in the midst of our creations. Indulge in a favorite creative pastime whether it’s writing, painting, doodling, knitting, cooking or blogging.

Healthy Living: What exactly is healthy living? No smoking, drinking, eating certain kinds of food, exercise and how we manage stress. Truthfully, it’s all about what works for you. Some lead a vegan lifestyle, vegetarian lifestyle, low-carb diet or a heart healthy diet. Many go to a gym, embrace Yoga, jog or walk. Kicking unhealthy habits isn’t easy, but baby steps is key.

Music: Music feeds the soul. Music can help turn thoughts and feelings into positive thoughts. Whenever you’re feeling down or want to accomplish something, listen to music that will lift your spirits and heal your soul.

We are all healers. What feeds your soul? What makes you smile? What calms your nerves? What makes you happy? Go do that!

Relephant Read:

A Simple Self-Care Tip for Bad Days & Burnout.

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Author: Tery Brouwer

Assistant editor: Kelly Chesney/Editor: Renée Picard

Photo: Lauren Hammond/Flickr