Welcome to part 2 of ‘Triumph’, lessons learned from my labyrinth walk at Plymouth United Church in Spring, Texas. These lessons took place on Thursday, December 9, 2021 around 4:30 p.m.
It’s time (to come together)
Solitude can be a refreshing respite, but we are not meant to be remain alone. Human beings are social creatures- we need each other. We need community.
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, once you get beyond the basics needed to survive (food, water, and safety), LOVE and BELONGING are among most critical needs.
Being connected in healthy relationships improves our well-being, decreases our health risks and strengthens our immune system.
So here’s my takeaway from this message: It’s time to mend fences and reconnect with those you are estranged from. You know who I am talking about, so get to it and stop procrastinating. Trust me when I say that your pride and ego need to take a backseat because the role this person has in your life is important. Your life will be better once you come together. (And yes, I know that I need to practice what I preach!)
Prepare your heart
Let the healing begin
Few would disagree with me when I say that good health is a cornerstone to vitality. And when I say health, I don’t just mean physical health- your emotional and mental health matter- a lot.
Whatever stage or season of life, there is inevitably some hurt – however small or insignificant, that has left its mark. You may even be unfortunate enough to carry deep and grievous wounds. Life can wallop us in unexpected ways, and even when you know hurt is coming and brace for it, it still hurts. Know that you are not alone.
I’ve experienced it as well. The hurt and pain I carried had been evident for months to anyone who knew and loved me. Even casual acquaintances saw the marked change in me, and it was painful to see the fear and concern in their eyes. I must have looked as bad as I felt. When you reach that point, you have to make changes.
At some point, you/we/I must begin the process of healing. It can feel impossible to know where to even begin. So you take baby steps – like getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising (even short 20-30 minutes walks are a good start).
I am a huge advocate of therapy, and I miss my old counselor Ken (from more than a decade ago) more than you can possibly imagine. (I started seeing a new therapist in the summer of 2021 and it’s been helpful.) I cannot encourage you enough to find a good therapist. Engage someone who will help you do the mental, psychological and emotional work to begin healing.
Treat your body, mind and spirit with grace and kindness. Begin to heal.
