Simplifying The Complex Experience of Healing
Dear You,
Every single one of us carry (or have carried) some sort of burden, hurt, heartbreak, or trauma. I do believe that every single one of us have been through an experience of wanting to feel free and/or healthy to some degree. We live in an era of chronic loneliness, emotional struggle, mental struggle, and disconnection — but we also live in a time where there is a deep desire to learn about ourselves and break patterns. Because of the individual and collective pains that we endure, the topic of healing has boomed into popularity — it is needed. More and more options, opinions, and tools are presented to us as the days go by. Additional to the already complex experience of individual healing, the options that we have been presented make it even more complicated— and frankly, overwhelming to navigate.
I could sit here and write you a letter telling you how to heal — I could give you step by step instructions on how to heal. But I can’t, and I won’t. I can only share from my experiences and the ideas swirling around in my head.
Let’s get personal, shall we?
I recall a time that feels distant, almost centuries ago — but in reality it was only a half a decade ago where I would do almost anything to feel better, or buy anything to feel the heaviness on my heart be lifted. Newly introduced to the idea of healing, I was was painted a lot of pictures of what it could look like.
“Healing looks like pure happiness!”
“Healing means nothing but good vibes only!”
“Healing looks like spending all of your money on this yoga retreat!”
“Healing is fixing yourself!”
But because of all of the things I expected of healing, I never took the time to consider what it really meant to me.
It is only through these experiences that I’ve had that I was able to understand that healing is a personal and intimate experience, not one person on planet earth including myself could tell another just how they can tend to their wounds — or what it means to personally heal. Not one retreat could make the shit we carry disappear. The reality of it is that all of the tools at our disposal and all the ideas we have about healing act as stepping stones, giving us solid ground to stand on in an experience that always changes like the tides of water.
I discovered that maybe healing is not about feeling positive all the time or “fixing” yourself, but about discovering who you are, what is within you, what you need, and redefining your connection to life.
The reason I am writing this today is not to tear down anyone’s hope, methods, or interests — but to shine a light on the fact that within this big universe, we are all little universes with our own emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical terrains. We are all experiencing life with different perspectives. With this is mind it is easy to see that healing is a different experience for everybody. What might work one day, might not work the next. What may work for you, may not work for another. May we do our best to remember this when we catch ourselves judging others or ourselves for not following the poorly made false guide-book of life!
I would like to suggest that as complex as healing can feel internally and externally, simplifying the way we look at the subject can make it a little easier to navigate in times that call for self-tending.
With that being said I pose the question:
What if you don’t do all of the things you think you have to do to find healing!?
What if you focus on one thing at a time?
If accessible, what if you take a walk in nature?
What if instead of forcing yourself to feel better you create a container to express your emotion?
What if instead of trying to be perfect you embrace your messiness?
(By the way, this is part of why I absolutely adore and believe in tarot! It has the potential to help you remain present with where you are currently in your journey rather then feeding you the idea that you need to be someone else.)
It is very easy to get caught up in the “shoulds” of healing and comparing our experience to others. It is very easy to tell yourself your doing it “wrong” when your having a hard day. I am no exception.
“How do I know what healing means to me?” you may ask.
Perhaps through trail and error.
Perhaps through welcoming every stressor as medicine or as an opportunity to learn — even if you are unsure what the medicine could be exactly.
Perhaps by allowing yourself to feel — allowing your emotion to roar through you like an ocean’s waves.
Perhaps by seeking support.
And as for me?
I believe that healing is not about what you have or about proving yourself — but about tending to yourself when the moment calls for it in whatever way feels healthy and supportive to you.
I’ve learned that healing is not a “one size fits all” process.
I’ve come to believe that the most medicinal things are honesty, love, art, and deepening your relationship with this mysterious, sometimes scary life.
With Gratitude,
Cameron Gonzalez
A few more thoughts before you go!:
-Healing is easier said than done!
-In individual healing there is a ripple effect, consciously or unconsciously inviting people into their own healing experience.
-You actually don’t need to listen to or follow every personal-coach, spiritual biz, or healing account on social media. I believe that when we hyper-focus on healing, it actually makes us feel more confused or overwhelmed.
Thank you for reading my ideas, cuties! <3
Cameron Gonzalez is a self-taught tarot reader and artist. She is very passionate so she made a substack for a place to share her passion. Forever exploring the elements of life and spirit. Instagram: @ CammieGonzalezTarot