Healing the Heart
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us.”
— David Richo
In life each of us experiences some form of wounding to the heart. This can be the heartbreak that follows a loss of a relationship or a loved one, a betrayal by a spouse or dear friend, the confusing and heart wrenching pain of abuse and neglect in childhood. Repeated, sudden and traumatic injuries can cause the heart to close. This is how the body responds to protect itself.
Like any physical wound, our emotional wounds need care. Because the wounds of the heart are not visible, they often go unattended. Without care, the heart can remain closed. Fear of getting hurt again can cause the heart to shut down and harden. When the heart remains in this state, our ability to experience intimate connection with others becomes impaired. Without which we are left feeling disconnected, lonely and numb. Anger and resentment can fester in the wound.
To heal the heart, we need to bring understanding and compassion to it. With tender loving care we can soften and repair the heart to regain its natural ability to open.
A colleague of mine once shared a touching story of how she nursed her heart back to health after the man she loved suddenly left her. She stayed in bed for several days with a hot water bottle lovingly placed on her chest. By doing so, she acknowledged her hurt and her heart’s need for care. The soothing warmth and attention comforted her pain and enabled her to get back on her feet. This simple, compassionate act initiated the healing process.
The heart is designed to give and receive love. To heal ourselves and each other we must expand our capacity to love. In order to do so, we need to take responsibility for the healing of our own hearts. As we heal ourselves, we heal the world.
Join me for this month's Soulful Sunday for an hour of heart-centered healing. Give yourself the gift of a little extra love as we fall into the new season.
RSVP to theresa@comehometoyourself.com to receive a Zoom link for the event. Donations are appreciated, but not required. Suggested donation $15-$20.