Signs of Healing
Photo Credit: Pexels-felixmittermeier
What can we look for as we move forward in healing our body, mind, and nervous system?
First, healing is not linear, so it is normal to have a lot of ups and downs and a bit of a bumpy ride. In my own experience, every couple of months I could notice a shift in one or more areas of my life. Sometimes these were subtle changes, and sometimes these were more significant, but either way they were signs that growth and expansion was happening.
Check in on yourself every couple of months and review how you have been improving. Keep it in mind through your rough patches. You are improving! Things are changing for the better!
Here are some things I've seen with myself and others that can possibly happen as we continue to put in the work the best we can.
Nervous System
Greater ability to handle day-to-day stress without burnout and overwhelm
Greater ability to notice your own nervous system patterns
Greater ability to notice others' nervous system patterns
Greater ability to handle things you were formerly sensitive to-foods, clothing, sounds, smells, visuals, etc
Improved body temperatures
More stable and more responsive body temperatures
Greater digestion
Find it easier to digest energy-intensive foods such as protein and fiber
Greater ability to tolerate supplements and minerals
Greater feeling of wellness and health overall
Improved mood
Reduced anxiety/depression
Ability to feel pleasure
Reduction of pain
Emotional System
Greater ability to sit with and feel emotions-If you used to find it difficult to feel sad or to feel angry, but have an increased awareness of these emotions, that is a great sign.
Greater ability to feel compassion for others and self-compassion
Greater ability to express emotions in a healthy way
Greater ability to feel your abandoned or protector "parts" that you could not recognize before- It may be easier to visualize these parts or to use imagery to describe them in more concrete and clear ways.
C-PTSD-Greater awareness of your emotional flashbacks and emotional flashbacks happen less often, aren't as intense, or don't last as long
Greater ability to self-soothe in healthy ways
You have periods of hope and joy and excitement
You feel that there is some emotional color or emotional warmth that is accessible. It feels like part of you is coming back "online".
Relational System
Greater ability to set healthy boundaries in relationships
Greater ability to say "no" and assert yourself with reduced guilt or no guilt
Greater ability to see unhealthy relationships and have the desire to want to leave them and move toward what is truly healthy for you
You find it easier to be in social settings and to engage in conversations
You find it easier to touch or be touched by others. You find it easier to want to move toward giving someone a handshake, hug, pat on the back, etc.
Addiction System
Reduction of addictions
Feeling like you have a window of choice to decide to follow impulses/compulsions or to choose not to follow them
Core-Self System
Greater ability to express what you need, want, desire, hope for
Greater ability to connect with your values
Greater ability to make life choices based on true wants and needs, not just obligation or guilt or responsibility
Great ability to know when you need rest and relaxation
Physical System
Improved body temperatures
Improved mood, mental focus
You may be able to reduce or eliminate medications because your body is in greater balance.
Improved ability to sweat in warm temperatures and feeling less ill in the sun and the heat
Greater ability to handle foods
Greater digestion-reduced bloating, better bowel movements, reduced constipation, reduced diarrhea
Body temperature and metabolism does not drop as much after eating meals
Improved energy levels
Improved ability to regulate your body's fluids and electrolytes without fatigue especially in warmer temperatures
Healthier skin, nails, hair, eyes
Increase in colds/flus-If the body was in shut down mode for years or decades and now it starts to open up and the organs and detox start improving, your body, liver, bile, fat cells, intestines, etc will clear out toxins more easily. This may result in some flu symptoms, which is actually a good sign overall.
Lifestyle System
Greater joy in life
Greater ability to balance life's responsibilities
You feel more open to life and to opportunities that arise
Overall reduction in clutter and disorganization?
Spiritual System
Greater connection and love and appreciation for God
Greater connection and joy in nature