The Wounded Healer

The concept of the wounded healer is actually one of the time-honored paths of most, if not all, native cultures around the planet. In native cultures, the path of becoming a shaman (or native healer, whatever the label) is generally not just by learning to apply knowledge and "positive energy" to help others (as we often try to do in our medical approach, for example). Instead, it is by having traveled through their own personal challenges and having learned to transform their own "negative energy" that they then can become very powerful healers for others.

My own personal path has followed this route in so many ways (and still does), and, in turn, I have been honored to be able to help guide so many others toward self-healing and self-discovery. In fact, even in my teaching or advising in a medical school, I have reminded medical students that no one ever heals anyone else. What any "healer" does is help create the conditions under which some can heal themselves...if they choose. Believe it or not, I even know some medical doctors who agree with this perspective. And, with this perspective in the work I have done for so many years, I have been honored to accompany so many others on their paths to living more of their potential. But, truly, so much of my "wisdom", such as it is, is because I have walked the path and I can then share what I have learned with others on their journey.

So I really agree that pain...though we do not welcome it... serves a great purpose if it is addressed and healed. I believe that we are supposed to pay attention to it and resolve it, not just stay stuck in it either by self-pity or through trying to pretend it is not there. Sharing the wisdom that you have earned through your journey then becomes a powerful source of influence for others.

In what ways in your life are you, or could you become, a "wounded healer"? This process is not just for those who consider themselves to be "healers" in the usual sense. ALL OF US help create conditions for ourselves and for others that can provided opportunities for healing on some level. Where in your life have you been in pain..."wounded"...and what has or could emerge from resolving this pain that is or could be a source of great inspiration and wisdom for anyone whose life you touch?

Give this some quiet reflection. You may be surprised to discover that, sometimes even in small ways, your path through pain and its healing becomes a great gift in some way for others as well.

Namaste,

Dr DeLozier