Healing

Throughout our lives we will experience the grief process. Some traumas are universal in life. Allowing ourselves to experience the cycles of grief is important. Our community has endured several traumatic events that we have collectively been affected by including the Camp Fire tragedy, several years of annual wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the local housing crisis. This trauma stimulates many primal human emotions of fear, sadness, or sorrow. It can exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as mental health symptoms or underlying issues connected to previous traumas.

Feelings of anxiety and depression are ubiquitous for any adult paying attention to the systemic ills of our society including violence, disease, and the effects of humans on our environment. Offer family and friends a brave network of validation and support. Give space and permission to take time to slow down, rest and reset the pace. This permits growth, healing and recovery from trauma. Challenge our value systems to include courage. Have the courage to encourage yourself and others. When we work within the collectivity of our shared experiences, we find relatedness and similarities. These bonds will increase our empathy quotients and abilities for partnership.

Healing is a decision to take direct authority over your own wellness. It's perfectly acceptable to gather information to find what is best for your individual health in a diverse portfolio of peripheral modalities. Allow yourself a do-over as needed. It’s a forgiveness practice to be able to say, “I need to do this over and better this time.” Begin with small redos, then it's common practice when a greater chance for change arises.

For optimal health, one must be a diligent manager of stress each day. It takes balance which includes the food we eat and the activity or exercise we participate in daily. Start small, perhaps try out the local farmer's markets for your “pharmacy” needs of life such as fruits and vegetables, local honey, and nuts. Get to know the local growers and farmers! Walk your neighborhood, local trails, or parks.

Pets are family. Bring them along. Get some wind in your nose. Sniff around. Observe a sweet symphony of silence.

Acquire a childlike sense of wonderment. Find time to play and laugh. Get curious. Gather some flowers or foliage in your nearby environment. Take time to hear the birdsongs or notice the sunlight or shadows in the breeze.

Understand the role you play in the development of your life health. You hold the key. Consider the possibility of dynamic approaches or techniques to healing, health and well-being.