I was not sure what to expect but knew I needed to regain focus/vision to forge ahead in my PhD program.
The theme I went in with was a need for balance in my life, and Gretchen totally facilitated my ability to clearly see what I need to do to accomplish this balance in all areas.
- Pam R.
One thing that I have learned from my own healing journey and the many years of working with others through theirs, is that: healing from trauma is deeply personal and usually needs more than just traditional methods to work through our many layers of pain and disruption.
One dimension of healing where I (and many of my clients) have found peace and empowerment is in the use of spiritual and esoteric tools like talismans, crystals, and sacred objects. Special pieces like these can be filled with personal meaning and play an important role in our healing process.
When we give meaning to something, we create a connection with it that can bring us comfort and strength, that's the heart of a talisman—it's any physical object that carries personal power and intention.
It could be a stone collected from a meaningful location, a piece of jewelry passed down from a loved one, or a crystal that resonates with your energy. For certain religions, there are prescribed talismans like a cross or a rosary. They serve as anchors for your healing process. Any special item can become a touchstone that reminds you of your resilience, your goals, and the support surrounding you.
Crystals are some of the most popular tools for spiritual healing, and each type of crystal can possess unique qualities that can help us deepen into our emotional and physical recovery, like:
These crystals can be carried with you, placed in your living space, or used during meditation to amplify their healing effects.
Just like crystals have unique properties, metals and wood also hold specific vibrations that can help us in our healing:
Bringing in natural elements, like water, sand, or colors, can deepen your healing process:
You can really maximize the benefits of these spiritual tools by creating a dedicated healing space in your home. It could be a small altar, a corner of a room, or as simple as a portable box that you can open when and wherever you need it. Fill your space with items that hold personal significance:
You can let this space become a sanctuary where you retreat to reconnect with your intentions, find peace, and recharge.
Now, I know that the use of spiritual and esoteric tools may seem purely symbolic, but there's scientific evidence supporting their ability to aid in healing. Research shows us that engaging with objects of personal significance can have amazing psychological effects, help reduce stress, and increase feelings of safety and comfort.
A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that people who used objects with personal meaning during stressful situations experienced lower levels of anxiety and improved emotional regulation. This is powerful information and in alignment with the idea that our brains find comfort from familiar and meaningful stimuli, reinforcing the healing process.
Healing your trauma is a multidimensional process that benefits from a holistic approach. Using spiritual and esoteric tools like talismans, crystals, and sacred objects can give you additional layers of support and comfort. These items can be little hand-held reminders of our intentions, resilience, and the love that surrounds us.
Remember, the true power of these tools lies in the personal meaning and connection that you assign to them. Including spiritual aids in your healing can help you find deep and lasting healing.
Here to support your process,
Gretchen