The Healing Project: Finally Unmasked

The breath never seemed so vitally important before the Coronavirus introduced the mask into our daily lives. It is obstructive and unseemly. The question is, are we wearing a mask under the mask that is equally uncomfortable? Consider the Mother Wound.

The Mother Wound is a gaping hole that never manifests a strong, impermeable scab. There is always a surging, molten pool of emotion lurking just underneath an otherwise cheerful surface. In the beginning, it feels as if masking will provide the only available relief. Often, that may be the case. But, not for long.

On the other hand, the courage to lift the scab up and probe through the hardened, pus-filled spaces of malcontent, may be the only way to heal the broken skin of innocence. For, once a child is placed in a world where its mother cannot be trusted, the wound is a lifelong enemy.

The good news comes with the antidote of self-reflection and a continuous self-care practice. There are many healing modalities that speak to alleviating the stressors of toxic memories and hemorrhaging regrets.

Forgiveness is at the top of the list; but, it takes time. In the meantime, a dose of self-compassion goes a long way.

Try these simple steps to a more tender mindset:

• Diet/Detoxification

• Stress Reduction

• Creative Self-expression

• Prayer and meditation

• Annual Physical Examinations

• Laughter

• Forgiveness of self and others

• Bibliotherapy (Self-help books)

• Acupuncture

• Physical Therapy

• ReflexologyMassage

• Vitamin Therapy

• Travel

• Education

• Bubble bath

• Walk on the beach, and,

• Long walks in the park

Perhaps you can think of a few "cures."

The floral essence associated with wearing a cheerful face while hiding painful emotions is Agrimony. So many health disturbances can arise as a result of suppressing emotions -- especially those of shame and grief.

Inner conflicts, eating disorders, perfectionism, resistance, and denial are not healthy states of mind and can lead to life-altering maladies (obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, panic attacks, etc.).

Agrimony is also a very effective herbal tea. It supports digestive health, which is the seat of disease when unbalanced.

Classified as a bitter herb, agrimony stimulates the production of enzymes and stomach acid, readying the digestive system for assimilating nutrients from consumed food. The bitter principles of agrimony can regulate the liver and gallbladder function, as well as gastric hyperacidity.

That brings the "Brain-Gut Connection" into view.

In an article on this vital function, internationally renowned, Jay Pasricha, M.D., director of Johns Hopkins Center for Neurogastroenterology, explains:

"...the enteric nervous system [ENS] controls digestion, from swallowing to the release of enzymes that break down food, to the control of blood flow that helps with nutrient absorption, to the final action of elimination. The enteric nervous system doesn’t seem capable of thought as we know it, but it communicates back and forth with our big brain—with profound results.”

For instance, the ENS may trigger significant emotional shifts experienced by people coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain and stomach upset.

Dr. Pasricha continues:

“For decades, researchers and doctors thought that anxiety and depression contributed to these problems. But our studies and others show that it may also be the other way around."

Researchers have found evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes that are directly related to a connection between IBS, depression, and anxiety.

Bowel health is difficult to maintain without the appropriate diet. Also, colon cleansing products are very helpful with re-toning the intestine for natural elimination.

That said, it is clear that the mother wound affects the brain-gut connection and needs to be addressed in order to eliminate dis-ease in the body, mind, and spirit.

So, let's be mindful about the root of the evil that pursues us. Might it possibly begin in the heart of that wounded child? It's worth exploring.

Keep safe.

“My mouth is effective in its speech; I do not go back on my word.” ~ Queen Hatshepsut