Healing, Alignment & Inner Wisdom
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
By Katherine Lash
Founder and owner of SpiritQuest Sedona Retreats
What does healing look like beyond “fixing” yourself?
The word “healing” originates from the Old English word “haelan” which means to save or to make whole. Interestingly, the words “healing” and “holy” come from the same root. This shows a correlation between the physical world and the spiritual world. So, to truly be healed, one must be aligned and balanced in both body and soul. There really is no such thing as “being fixed.” What one must strive for is to accept oneself, forgive oneself, and honor oneself. This is when true healing can occur. Healing isn’t something a person does, it’s a state they become. They gather the wounded and missing parts of themselves and step into wholeness. This involves an examination of all aspects of the self. Are the thoughts healthy? Is the truth spoken? Can faults be admitted? Is the purpose known? This deep exploration continues until an individual begins to truly “know the self.” The process of “fixing” is transformed into the process of acceptance. Deep peace is found in a state of accepting and allowing where nothing needs to be done or fixed. As individuals accept themselves, they accept others. They learn the true concept of what the Greeks referred to as “Agape,” the highest and most selfless form of love. Living a life of Agape and compassion is the art of living “healed.”
How do boundaries support emotional health?
Boundaries are not limitations; they allow great freedom. To be “bound” is to commit and the verb form is to take a leap forward. So when healthy boundaries are set, there is a dedication to self-care and connection. Having healthy boundaries shows a person’s commitment to themselves. This commitment is honored and respected by others. No one likes a pushover. Indeed, demonstrating such self-care is a sign that a person has matured and is willing to hold their own with kindness. Individuals learn to live true to themselves. This authenticity is a tonic for emotional health. No longer does one have to make up excuses, or live a lie. People no longer take on the energies of others; they stand strong in themselves. It’s an invisible line where one person ends and others begin. Understanding the importance of boundaries is to understand the self.
When people communicate their needs, they teach others how to treat them. This sends a message to others that they have self-respect. The practice of finding and honoring the self is the practice of becoming whole.
What practice helps you stay aligned?
Alignment happens when there is a daily practice that reinforces the “deep dive” into the self. Learning to set aside time each day where there is a true moment to feel, to breathe, and to reflect requires clearing one’s schedule and planning ahead. A deep breath in a moment of silence and stillness is where peace is found. In that daily stillness, one might repeat a self-mantra such as, “I am part of all things in the Universe.” Creating the space, diving into the stillness with breath, and stating positive affirmations aligns the soul and creates balance. Too often people find themselves rushing around, distracting themselves, hiding from themselves, or criticizing themselves. The misalignment comes from overthinking, judging others, striving to win.
Yet, the victory is already won. There is no race, there is no need to conquer. There is only the opportunity presenting itself in each moment to be present. What did the observer see? What did they hear? How did it feel? It’s an opportunity to be ALIVE.
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