Exercises You Can Do to Identify and Heal Your Wounds
A common misconception about healing is that you can only start your healing journey with the help of a professional. While I fully support seeking help from trained professionals, I also understand that opening up to someone you don't yet trust can be scary. That’s why I always say, “Create a safe space within yourself first, and then you can allow others in.” Doing this also lays the foundation to eventually welcome others into your healing journey.
As someone who once struggled with opening up to others, I know how challenging it can be to let down your guard. It took time for me to feel comfortable sharing my vulnerabilities with anyone, let alone a professional. That’s why starting with self-led healing practices can be so valuable. It allows you to build trust with yourself first, which is essential for any healing journey.
Another significant barrier to seeking professional help is the cost. Therapy and counseling can be expensive, and financial constraints may prevent you from accessing the support you need right away. This doesn’t mean you can’t start your healing journey. There are many ways to begin healing on your own—through self-reflection, journaling, mindfulness practices, reading, or connecting with supportive communities. These steps can be powerful in their own right and can help you build emotional and mental resilience until you’re ready, both financially and emotionally, to seek professional guidance.
Reflect on Past Pain and Trauma
A simple yet powerful exercise you can do anytime, anywhere, is to reflect on your past pain and trauma. Many of us tend to shy away from revisiting these experiences, believing that because they happened in the past, they should be left there. But ignoring past wounds doesn’t make them disappear; in fact, unresolved pain often influences our present thoughts, behaviors, and relationships in ways we may not even realize.
I don’t believe in simply “moving on” without addressing what’s been buried. Instead, I advocate for acknowledging the past, examining the issues that took root there, and making a conscious effort to understand them. By dissecting these past experiences, we gain valuable insights into our current selves—why we react the way we do, why certain patterns keep repeating, and where our triggers originate. This process isn’t about dwelling on the past or getting stuck in it; it’s about empowering ourselves to heal by facing what was once avoided.
Reflecting on past pain doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small—journal about a memory that’s been lingering in your mind, notice the emotions it stirs, and ask yourself what this experience is trying to teach you. By engaging in this gentle self-reflection, you create space to process these emotions, release what no longer serves you, and ultimately transform past wounds into wisdom. Remember, healing is not about erasing the past but about integrating it in a way that helps you move forward with greater self-awareness and compassion.
Notice What Makes You Uncomfortable
Your discomfort—whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional—is like a giant flag waving for your attention, signaling that something inside you needs to be acknowledged. Too often, we brush off these feelings or try to numb them, dismissing them as minor inconveniences. But discomfort isn’t meant to be ignored or pushed aside—it’s supposed to nag at you because it’s your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. It’s a sign that this feeling is not normal, and it deserves your attention.
When discomfort shows up, instead of pushing through or avoiding it, take a moment to pause and tune in. Ask yourself, "Why am I feeling this way?" Follow up with deeper questions: Is it tied to a specific situation? A person? A conversation that’s weighing on you? Sometimes, discomfort is a clue that you’re out of alignment with your needs or boundaries. Other times, it might be pointing to an unresolved emotion or past experience that’s still affecting you.
The key is to get curious, not judgmental. By asking yourself these questions, you’re creating space for self-awareness and giving yourself the opportunity to uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface. Discomfort is an invitation to listen, reflect, and ultimately, to heal.
Observe Your Experiences
The experiences in your life shape your reality. If you constantly find yourself in conflict, stuck in a cycle of ups and downs, or feeling misunderstood, it could be a sign that there’s something deeper going on beneath the surface. Repeated conflicts, unhealthy dynamics, or emotional rollercoasters often point to unresolved issues—things like attachment wounds, fear of abandonment, or unhealed trauma.
These patterns don’t just happen by accident. They’re rooted in past experiences that have left a mark on you, shaping how you view yourself, others, and the world around you. When you feel like you’re reliving the same struggles over and over, it’s your mind and body signaling that there’s something you haven’t fully healed yet. It could be an old wound you’ve been carrying, a fear that’s still lurking, or a belief system that no longer serves you.
Instead of getting stuck in the loop, take a step back and ask yourself what these recurring experiences are trying to teach you. What unhealed parts of you are being triggered? What old narratives are you still holding onto? By acknowledging and working through these deeper issues, you can break free from the cycle and begin to create healthier, more balanced relationships and experiences moving forward.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog reflects my personal ideas, experiences, and opinions, expressed in my own words. While I strive to provide authentic and helpful information, some of the content has been refined and cleaned up with the assistance of AI tools like ChatGPT. Please consider any advice or suggestions as general information, and seek professional guidance where necessary.
