wounded healer.

“Only the wounded healer can truly heal.” –Irvin D. Yalom

Journey of the Wounded Healer by Alex Grey

Spring is in full bloom here in Portland, OR and posts from this little lark are back! In the last few months, I’ve been focusing my energy inward more than usual to heal and work through several life shaking events that have occurred. Now that I’m approaching the other side of that tunnel, I am realizing the incredible growth that has happened within me and am thankful I took the time to listen to my body and my needs.

There are stressful events, in my case a car accident and house break-in, that are completely out of our control. Our bodies have natural reactions in the form of adrenaline and cortisol spikes to take protective measures, and symptoms of PTSD can happen anywhere from immediately after the traumatic event to days, weeks, months, even years later. On top of our regular daily stresses (school, work, children, finances…etc) this can really over tax our bodies and break us down.

Throughout this process,  my qigong teacher made sure to reassure me in saying that the universe never hands us a challenge that we cannot handle. This was hard to believe at first, but after taking time to reflect and feel what was really going on in my body, I knew. Once I identified the fears and woundings, I had something to work with, something to transform and strengthen.

I am fortunate to be surrounded by a community of practitioners that are supportive in every sense of healing; mental-emotional, physical, and spiritual.  Seeking support and allowing time to process and just be was the best thing I could have done for myself. I learned how to be the calm amidst the storm which has taught my body to react less and be present more. Each day has been easier as I take time to breathe, be gentle, and navigate my feelings. I can only hope and keep working hard in my personal life so that I can provide this sense of safety and empathy for my future patients.  There is a wounded healer in all of us and with that we can shine so much light on others who experience similar woundings.

I am now in my last term of my 3rd (of 4) year of Chinese medical school and am happy to report that I recently passed the clinic entrance exam so I will start as an intern in July! I will continue to write and ask for guest writers for this little lark, so if you would like to share your story, please e-mail thislittlelark@gmail.com! I have so much gratitude for this community and am so excited about the direction it is going! Thank you for providing the space for me to share my thoughts and feelings. Many, many blessings to you all!

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