Cultivating a Healing Atmosphere

Healing is something sacred to me. It comes in many forms. Physically, healing is rarely able to take full effect, although it does show up here and there. In a mental sense, healing is all around me. I try to surround myself with an ora of peace. It’s much easier said than done. Starting off on this journey was very difficult. How do you go from frustration, anger, and confusion to healing? It starts with what you immerse yourself in. Anything from pop culture to your environment; it comes into play when cultivating a healing atmosphere. So you’re likely thinking, “Where do I start?” Excellent question! Here’s how I started my efforts to create healing and peace…

• Look at Your Surroundings

It’s important to acknowledge the elements of your environment that aren’t serving you. Whether it is clutter or darkness, there are factors that are scientifically proven to contribute to depression. I started by brightening up my room. I know this isn’t financially an option for everyone. Work with what you have. Maybe add an extra lamp to your room or reorganize. I found it helpful to stick with whites, pinks and light blues. I wanted my room to feel like springtime all year round. I found that adding plants brought me joy. Having something grow right before your eyes is quite beautiful. 

• What are You Watching?

This was something that I discovered over a period of time. The things we watch have a large impact on our mood and disposition. When I would watch YouTubers call themselves fat, dumb, or ugly, I’d be left feeling discouraged. Personally, I don’t appreciate the culture in which we say things such as “I’d rather kill myself.” I think it not only perpetuates the idea that we can’t cope with our circumstances. It allows for others to miss true warning signs of mental illness. In pop culture, I feel we should be building ourselves up and focusing on our triumphs. I think it’s great to share our struggles and shortcomings. I don’t think that has to come with derogatory remarks towards ourselves. Cutting this out helped me alleviate some of these negative feelings towards society. 

• Find Positivity and Gratitude

Gratitude is something I preach. It is so important. I can’t explain how many things there are to be grateful for. I drink fresh water, I eat nourishing food, and I have access to great medical care. That’s three things right there. I have a wonderful service dog, a supporting family, and the ability to speak my mind. Those are three more things to be grateful for. Once you start to notice the little things around you all the time that contribute to a positive mood, the negative ones don’t stand out. They’re suddenly the outlier, in a world full of amazing things. It’s about starting with simple changes. 

• Take a Step Back

I do this in the form of mediation, although I know that’s not for everyone. Even if you let yourself sit in silence for five minutes with no expectations, I think you’ll see results. It’s about letting your mind clear itself. The small inconveniences will slowly start to melt off your shoulders. Suddenly you’re not burdened with the weight of the world. Deep breath in and out, that’s all you have to focus on. 

• Put an Emphasis on Relationships

Relationships are vital to our existence. We’re very social creatures. It’s important to look at how your relationships impact your life. It might be time to let go of friends that you’ve outgrown. You may want to create a relationship with someone you aspire to be like. Don’t hold yourself back by continuing friendships that hurt you. Surround yourself with people who build you up and believe in you. If you don’t have someone like that, build yourself up! Focus on your relationship with yourself. How do you treat yourself? Could you use kinder words? Do you ignore what you do well, only to tear yourself down with shortcomings? It may be easiest to start with yourself. I’ve found that destructive relationships become more apparent the healthier you get. 

Healing is a personal experience. These things might not work for you. I hope that you can take at least one thing from this article and use it to find healing. It’s such a journey, it will be filled with ups and downs. I know that the end result seems far away but one day you’ll look up and realize it’s right in front of you. There will always be ways to improve and do better but helping your soul feel at home is like drinking hot chocolate on a cold day. It’s comforting.