Beyond Smoothies and Meditation: The Realities of Healing and the Power of Listening
The summer of 2024 changed everything. Endometrial cancer. Hysterectomy. Words that echoed in the sterile silence of hospital rooms, words that rearranged the landscape of my life. Before, I believed in the power of kale smoothies and morning yoga. Now, I understand that true healing is a wilderness, a journey that demands more than just physical strength.
The Not Enough Feeling:
I'd always been a proponent of healthy living, diligently advising my clients on nutrition and exercise. But suddenly, those practices felt like pebbles against a mountain. My body felt like it had betrayed me. Mindfulness couldn't erase the fear, and meditation couldn't mend the emotional scars. I realized that true wellness wasn't about control; it was about acceptance. It wasn't about perfection; it was about resilience.
The Nervous System Reset:
Beyond the well-intentioned advice of healthy eating and exercise, my body screamed for a different kind of healing. The chronic tension, the ever-present anxiety, revealed a nervous system in distress. I found solace in the gentle, rhythmic touch of CranioSacral therapy and the deep, unwinding pressure of a relaxing massage. It was more than just physical relief; it was a profound reset, a chance for my body to remember what it felt like to be safe and at peace. My system, overwhelmed and overloaded, was finally allowed to find its natural rhythm.
The Power of Listening and the Need for Support:
Beyond the physical pain of recovery, I carried an invisible weight – the weight of unspoken emotions. I yearned for a safe space, a listening ear outside the familiar confines of family. In those moments of isolation, I spoke to the universe, hoping my words would find their way to understanding. This experience has profoundly shaped my approach as a massage therapist. I understand that healing is not just about releasing physical tension; it’s about creating a sanctuary where clients feel safe to share their stories, their vulnerabilities, knowing their secrets are held in the deepest confidence.
The Shift in Perspective: The Body as a Living Organism:
For years, I was the expert on self-care, dispensing advice while neglecting my own. My body, like a car, was running on fumes, overdue for a tune-up. But unlike a car, it's a living, breathing testament to the one life I have. My diagnosis was the jolt I needed, to remind me that I can't pour from an empty cup. Now, I treat my body with the respect and care it deserves, knowing that true wellness begins with self-compassion. We only have one body, one life. This realization has shifted my perspective entirely. I now understand that we must nurture and cherish our bodies, not abuse them.
Healing is a deeply personal and multifaceted journey. It's about more than just physical health; it's about nurturing the nervous system, processing emotions, and finding the support you need. And most importantly, it's about remembering that your body is a living organism, deserving of kindness and care. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to prioritize their own well-being and to embrace the complexities of the healing process. I hope this blog post reminds you that we are all on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
Sending you Love and hope
Jojo Wan