In the course of my wellness journey, I have had meaningful and informative conversations with experts in the fields of medicine, neuroscience, and psychology. Ultimately, the one nagging question that  begs to be answered is this: "How does one heal?" The answers given to me have been both interesting and thought-provoking. Here they are:

Permission granted
Oftentimes, what humans lack is a deeper and innate sense of openness. Somehow, as children, we have learned the very first word that sets the tone of our thought processes — "No."
It is a language that is repeated over and over again — "Don't touch," "Bad," "Don't cry," "Don't do that."

The word "no" becomes deeply ingrained in our subconscious. And because we hear it many times over, it becomes routine, a matter of course and lifestyle, a familiar message.

The child in us never forgets. And that same child must be re-educated once we become grown-ups. We must all learn to say yes. Instinctively.

Time to forgive
When a wrong has been done to us, our natural tendency is to put up a shield of defense. This response to pain is triggered by the survival instinct. We all have it, some more intensely than others.

But when you stop to think about it, this wall we put up could be coming from a place of fear. This is because you do not want to be hurt again. Fair enough.

What if I were to tell you that the act of  forgiveness can pave the way to healing? Would you forgive your transgressors right here and now?

But the catch is this: It must genuinely come from a place of peace in your heart. Only you can journey to that special place where forgiveness comes willingly. The only way is to simply open up your heart.
And once you do, the realization will give you an "aha" moment. Forgiveness takes courage. It also empowers you.
The exercise for today is to forgive.

Simply, thank you
A grateful heart is a joyous one. It knows no limits to its positive outlook No matter how dim the prospects might be, there is always the light somewhere, somehow. We refuse to dim our lights. Grateful people shine. There is a smile on their face and, yes, a song in their heart. They wake up each day giving thanks even for the smallest of things like — another morning, a flower, birds chirping by the window, sunshine, children laughing, food on the table, a warm bath, a bike ride, a bowl of soup, and the list goes on.

To give thanks each day is the best of emotional exercise regimens. It sets the tone for the rest of your day. And, yes, for the rest of your life.

Baby steps
Never take giant strides. Take baby steps towards that goal. One small step leads to bigger ones. And while you are at it, practice patience. Mastering the small steps leads to bigger achievement. So don't sweat the small stuff.

Take it easy
No need to prove yourself to anyone anymore. You have reached a stage in your life where your self-worth is now considered rock- solid based on years of experience and wisdom. You have earned your wrinkles and battle scars.

So, you have every right to take a step back and relax. Your sense of serenity is more precious than anything else. Protect it.

In summary: Healing thrives only in an oasis of peace. There is no stress or strife that resides in this sanctuary. The spirit is nurtured only in an environment of quiet connectedness to life.

Affirmation: "The oasis of peace is in me."

Love and light.