Exploring and Nurturing the Mind, Body and Soul - How are they connected?
- Sarah Galliford Calm Therapies
- Jan 20, 2023
- 3 min read
How Am I, How Can I, Who Am I? Exploring Therapy, Spirituality, and Healing
Do you ever ask yourself: “How am I?” “How can I get to where I want to go?” “Who am I?”
These questions are powerful. They shape how we live, heal, and grow. But where do we start?
Truth, Needs, and the Right Tools
Being truthful with yourself and understanding your needs is the first step. When you know what you need, you can access the right tools at the right time.
Coaching helps you discover how to reach your goals.
Therapy explores why you feel certain emotions—anxiety, frustration, anger—and why you respond the way you do.
Spirituality asks the deeper question: Who am I?
Therapy and Spirituality: Do They Work Together?
Are people turning to spirituality to regulate emotions and solve life’s challenges? Does diving straight into spirituality without therapy risk harm—perhaps increasing guilt, self-judgement, or judgement of others? Is it healthy to only seek peace and avoid other human emotions?
These are questions Sandy Newbigging (ex-monk, meditation teacher, author, and creator of Calmology) explored in his recent webinar. His message? Therapy and spirituality need to work together. This idea has sparked debate in spiritual circles, but it makes sense: healing is holistic.
Trauma: The Hidden Injury
I love Sandy’s work because it focuses on trauma—especially childhood trauma, which is my passion. Trauma isn’t just the big, obvious events. It’s anything that causes suffering. Think of trauma as an inner injury. If we accept this, we can approach healing with compassion—just as we would treat a headache or a broken bone.
We can tell the world we’re fine, but the nervous system doesn’t lie.
Somatic nervous system: under conscious control.
Autonomic nervous system: automatic, controlling fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses.
These responses keep us alive, but when we get stuck in them, trauma is often the cause.
Signs of trauma include: anger, rage, dissociation, depression, people-pleasing, shame, guilt, and being easily triggered. A healthy nervous system can regulate emotions quickly. A traumatised one struggles.
Can Massage and Reiki Help?
Yes! Massage and Reiki soothe the nervous system. They activate the parasympathetic branch—the “rest and relax” mode—rather than the sympathetic fight-or-flight response. Reiki also shifts stuck energy, helping it flow freely.
Western culture often ignores inner energy. We study external energy and resources but forget the energy within. Everything we do—thinking, moving, feeling—requires energy. When energy is blocked, we feel drained. When it flows, we feel alive.
Energy centres (chakras) channel this flow. When they’re closed, energy can’t move. When they’re open, life feels vibrant. Relaxation and release keep these centres open. Nothing is worth closing over.
The Science Behind Relaxation
Ever noticed your stomach grumble during a massage? That’s your nervous system relaxing. Regular massage or Reiki sessions support nervous system health and overall wellbeing.
One of Reiki’s five principles is compassion—for yourself and others. Life is tough. We all feel emotions. These experiences can create inner injuries, but there is hope. Ask yourself: What do I need right now? Choose therapies that support your mind, body, and soul. They’re all connected and all deserve love and care.
Healing is about breaking down the injury, rebuilding, and finding peace.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Massage and Reiki are powerful tools for calming the nervous system and restoring balance. Combine them with therapy and spiritual practices for a truly holistic approach.
Book your session today and start your journey towards healing and harmony. www.sarahgallifordcalmtherapies.co.uk
I would love to hear your thoughts! Leave your comments below :)
#mind#body#soul#therapeutic#therapies#therapist#massage#reiki
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