While there’s more information now, more than ever, on how to heal, with ChatGPT and Google playing doctor, we are having a harder time recovering from autoimmune and digestive mystery illnesses.
Perhaps the bottle neck here is not the flow of information (too much or too little) but our own relationship with a process that isn’t easy. Healing AND growth require a bit of discomfort and we often hit a wall of our own resistance.
The remedy for this is simply to build our awareness about what exactly is going on with us.
My coaching is starting to focus on help each client figure out where they get stuck on their healing road.
Our body and minds are designed to keep a lot of information in our subconscious, to not overwhelm us as we navigate the tasks of daily life.
People get hung up on is the search for the perfect protocol to heal them, before creating a healing environment in their body, mind or life.
People are getting burned out on healing because they are jumping ahead to the final step. The protocol won’t work if your body is not ready for healing.
What stage are you at?
I’m introducing you to the 10 stages of healing to raise your awareness about what stage you are at.
You can skip ahead a bit but you can’t skip all the stages and arrive at the end. Healed and happy.
You are told you can do that by people who want to sell you things. But the truth is that we have to walk the steps of healing.
Which stage are you in? Do you feel stuck there? What can help you move forward?
Mostly likely not a supplement, but some self exploration and intent.
If you are stuck at stage 2, no matter how much time, money or energy you spend on your functional medicine protocols, or dialing in your diet, it may not produce results.
We are learning that healing is as much mental and emotional as it is physical, so taking some time to reflect will move you forward towards your healing goal.
At the worst you will learn some things about yourself, at the best you will be transformed. Isn’t that what healing is all about. Coming out stronger and wiser?
Before I show you the stages of healing, know that they are not linear. You can jump back and forth.
When I originally healed my gut 21 years ago, I jumped from stage 6 to 9 and 10.
But I had to come back to stages 7 and 8 later in my life as I continue some deeper healing work.
I’m sharing this framework with you to help you get unstuck.
The ten stage of healing
Stage 1: Symptoms begin and worsen
Symptoms start disrupting life and getting attention. You can’t ignore them anymore. It is hard to be in denial as the body’s messages get louder and clearer. Something is not working here and you start your search for a solution.
Stage 2: Denial and Resistance
Cling to outdated beliefs, ideas and the desire for quick fixes instead of real change. A belief that someone will fix or rescue us. There’s a refusal to remove factors that cause harm. Most people stuck in this phase don’t realize they are stuck in this phase. They work hard to fix the issue with testing, diagnosis, supplement protocols, and multiple practitioners but not getting anywhere because there is a refusal to look at the real issues. This is the longest and most challenging stage and some people never move past this stage.
Stage 3: Shock
When one realizes just how unwell they and their life is and there are no quick fixes. Suppressed emotions start to come to the surface and people struggle with hope and seeing a way forward. All of this stress and old retriggered emotion cause the body to freeze and shut down. People can also live in functional freeze for years, surviving but never thriving.
Stage 4: Recognition
One recognizes that a big shift needs to be made but it feels overwhelming and one doesn’t know where to even begin. Resistance is still present so it’s not easy to move forward and take consistent or difficult action. However one begins to contemplate and consider it.
Stage 5: Acceptance
One begins to feel a range of painful emotions but the storms begin to calm as one accepts reality. With this self forgiveness and compassion one is able to open one’s heart to accepting past hurts, mistakes and current situation in life.
Stage 6: Release
One begins to feel a range of painful emotions but the storms begin to calm as one accepts reality. With this self forgiveness and compassion one is able to open one’s heart to accepting past hurts, mistakes and current situation in life.
Stage 7: Reflection
With reflection one begins to take 100 percent responsibility for oneself and the role they have played in their past struggles. Blame and victimhood are released.
Stage 8: Emptiness and Grief
This is the scariest and loneliest part and when one needs the most support to keep going and not run back to a previous stage. The grief comes from letting go of old ways of being and moving into new more supporting patterns. It is like losing sight of shore to find new lands. You let go of what doesn’t align with the new life or body you are building
Stage 9: Integration
One embodies what they desire to create and become despite hurdles, challenges, setbacks and u-turns. This is the heroes journey to build the resilience to keep moving. The ability to take small steps forward comes from the inner work that has been done in previous stages.
Stage 10: Healing and transformation
Even if one has not yet reached one’s desired level of health, they have discovered their power and gained stability in mind, body and spirit. Moving forward despite setbacks is easier because real change is happening. The past may not have been forgotten but it no longer hijacks the present moment or a bright and fulfilling future.
Which stage resonates?
Which stage would you like to be at?
If you are feeling overwhelmed by this process, just know that it goes a lot faster when you understand what is going on with you and where you are heading. This is a map of sorts.
It’s much better than being in the dark, searching for a quick fix or just giving up. This is a heroes journey. Healing is not for sissies, and will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself.
That’s why the people who have been ill and returned back to health want to lead the way for others. The healing process changes you, in the best way possible.
