Health & Fitness
Hibernating, Healing and Rebuilding
By Meisha Key
In late September, the force of Mother Nature, in the form of Hurricane Helene, swept through Western North Carolina, leaving a path of destruction and devastation. Lives were lost. Pets, livestock, and wild animals were lost. Homes were lost. Identities were lost.
This catastrophic event caused substantial infrastructure, water and sewer damage. Towns were destroyed and people were without water, power, or a connection with the outside world for days, if not weeks. Some even months. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Figure 1), the basic needs (physiological and safety) of many residents in this region were literally swept away.
How can we heal and rebuild from such an event of this magnitude?
HEALING is a highly personal process, and the steps vary based on individual needs, experiences, and type of loss. The multifaceted process involves addressing the mind, body, emotions, and spirit, with each step providing an opportunity to invite and embody peace. The state of our mind profoundly influences every other aspect of our well-being. Acceptance and presence are two pivotal actions to initiate healing of the mind.
What does this mean?
Accepting what is. In Eckhart Tolle’s book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, he writes, “Whenever tragic loss occurs, you either resist or you yield… Yielding means inner acceptance of what is. You are open to life. Resistance is an inner contradiction, a hardening of the shell of the ego. You are closed.”
Tolle continues to explain “…ego is identification with form.” When the things you identified with, that gave you a sense of self, are taken away, it can lead to a collapse of the ego. This collapse creates an opening to explore a new dimension of consciousness.
“When there is nothing to identify with anymore, who are you?”
Presencing can bring the highest future possibility into the now, blending senses and presence. Can you find an appreciation for what the cold, dark days of the season have to offer? Winter is a time of hibernating for all living things. In nature, that is a dormant state. A plant is alive but not actively growing. For us, we can be inactive or indoors for an extended period, with an opportunity to reflect and grow. It’s a quiet time. A time to slow down, to be still, and meet yourself where you are. Practicing mindfulness can reshape thought patterns and enhance mental clarity.
During hibernation time, we can physically repair the body through rest and utilize such therapies as acupuncture and massage. Journaling and self-reflection can help in processing and understanding emotions. Finding a way to release emotions, which may include a ritual of dancing, chanting, or burning items in a fire pit, can also be helpful. Spiritually, prayer and meditation, as well as reevaluating your personal values and beliefs, can lead to the dimension of consciousness Tolle was referring to. “Who are you?”
Other aspects of healing that support long-term well-being involve Social and Relational, Behavioral, Environmental, and Intellectual and Creative Healing. Examples of healing within these aspects are building networks of supportive relationships, resolving conflicts, creating new routines, finding healthier coping strategies, spending time in nature, and learning new skills to foster resilience. Integrating all aspects of healing expands the holistic and sustainable path to overall wellness.
Maslow also identified psychological needs (belongingness and self-esteem) that build upon safety and security. When safety is threatened, individuals, relationships, and communities can fall apart. Egos and relationships become fragile, with some even being lost. What was endearing after Helene is how people came together supporting one another through devastation and collective grief with an open heart. Helping others is yet another way to heal, by rediscovering hope and cultivating a sense of purpose.
REBUILDING a strong foundation is essential for stability, resilience, and achieving one’s full potential in any endeavor, whether it’s a personal goal, a home, a business, a relationship, or a community. You might ask yourself: “What do I want to create and rebuild from the ground up? What does it look like, smell like, feel like? Who am I rebuilding for? Am I aligning my actions with my values?”
Ask intentional, growth provoking questions. Tap into your heart. Find clarity in what’s important to you and how you want to rebuild a strong foundation for your future. Give yourself permission to hibernate and heal alongside nature, appreciating what the season has to offer. As your healing unfolds, plant the seeds for the renewal and beauty of spring.
Meisha Key is a Personal and Professional Development Coach, Facilitator, Certified Life Coach, and NLP Practitioner.
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