“People’ll tell you where they’ve gone
They’ll tell you where to go
But till you get there yourself you’ll never really know
Where some have found their paradise
Others just come to harm” – from the song Amelia by Joni Mitchell
I hit rock bottom while pursuing natural health treatments. I was in deep denial of my disordered eating, and I had unknowingly reached chronic stress fatigue. Unfortunately, what was recommended for me was an even more restrictive diet, a pile of supplements, and a detox that eventually sent me over the edge. I know now that what I really needed was nourishment, not more restriction.
Thankfully, through the doom and fog, I had enough clarity to flee back to my family doctor. She helped me to get my head above water again. After several months I regained my footing, but I was still suffering deeply. A friend recommended a naturopath to me. It is shocking to me, after all that had happened that I would even consider giving an alternative approach another try, but I was desperate. This naturopath came highly recommended. I made the appointment, and so began my healing journey.
On one hand, alternative treatments ushered me into the darkest days of my life, but on the other, they were also instrumental in leading me back into the light. It took me some time to make peace with this paradox. I wanted to call the first person I saw “bad” and the second one “good.” However, I learned that some of the necessary shifts in life can come from those we least expect to label as teachers.
I learned there are many paths to healing. Each unique person will resonate with certain teachers more profoundly than with others. Or perhaps one phase of life will need to follow a certain path, and at another time, be led a completely different direction; “good” and “bad” are limiting labels when it comes to the art of healing.
I have come to honor the many paths and teachers, even if they are not what resonate with me personally. And with that, I have been able to fully step into my own place supporting fellow travelers on their journeys, resting in knowing that I will be the right fit for many, but not necessarily for all. And, this is okay.
In the end, we are all our own healers. The real search is in finding the right connections with those precious others who can help us break down the barriers that have kept us from claiming our truth. When we can choose to trust ourselves and open to authentic connection with each other, infinite possibilities for healing, growth, and evolution are available to us all.
Author: Jennifer DiGennaro is the founder of Nourished Energy, a fusion of grounded, mindful, intuitive eating and energy support for women. As a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, energy therapist, mentor, activist and advocate, Jen offers support, education and guidance to women who are ready to move beyond the dieting mentality to practice intuitive eating and to let go of what holds them back from claiming authentic beauty, energy and power. To learn more about Jen’s work please visit www.NourishedEnergy.com.
Photo credit: Meg Goodman www.goodmanimages.com