It all started when…
I began to reexamine my continuous path of self-love, I’ve tried a variety of many different things. Much heavier as of recently, I was going through an unavoidable depression. Struggling especially with self-confidence, feeling unmotivated and unlovable.
Let’s also consider the self-sabotaging, and self-medicating/numbing I was trying to use as an escape. I realized that I have been living in a major state of fear, fight/flight, that something had to change.
My philosophy resides within it is the individual who facilitates their own healing. Its why I use Self Healization as the name for my practice. Why I love the quote from the Wizard of Oz as my motto. Even why I have some of the artwork on my arm.
I also realized I hadn’t been honoring my body or spirit. I stopped doing the things that I had in the past that made me happy and confident. Things that solidified my feelings with reassurance that I am the goddess that I ultimately know I am.
I the process of working on myself, through my education at HMI, life experiences, adventures and travels, I could feel myself changing and evolving. Coming into my new skin, literally, someone I had desired to be and was letting out and letting grow.
I was just turning 40, beginning this major new decade with much excitement and many emotions. One adventure I was most excited for was attending my fourth burn at Black Rock City, NV. It was 2019 and the theme was Metamorphosis. If you talk to most Burners they have “a year that completely changed them,” and this was my year. Now most of that is for another story, but what hit me the strongest was what I am now creating and sharing here.
It’s a major process going to, and through, Burning Man. Luckily for me, the camp I stayed with had a shower, however, it just wasn’t the most convenient, especially with the knowledge that in a few minutes you’re covered in playa again. So, I ended up creating a daily bathing routine.
The routine turned ritual consisted of me sitting on a stepstool inside my dusty tent. In front of me rested a full length mirror that I had purchased specifically for this trip, ignorant to what it would ultimately represent for me. I added some water and body wash to a small cooking pot, and with several baby wipes, I would stare at my reflection in the mirror, completely naked, bathing ever inch of my body.
It was so incredibly awkward, but after about the third or fourth day of this ritual, I could look at my flaws, shapes and squish with out disgust or embarrassment. For the first time I could sit with my appearance and be a curious observer without any negative critique from the annoying little voice in my head.
But the biggest surprise came a day or so after that when I was able to sit there and really love my body. Love every curve… every roll… every imperfection. I was finally comfortable in my entire skin and owning my physical body. I swore I would hold onto this feeling and adoration. It is easy to start to feel good, and forget to put effort, maintenance, and love into yourself.
I realized the importance of needing a reminder. For when life gets busy, when we get distracted, to remember to remember, to honor our body and soul. Even if just happens when you receive your ritual kit once a month.
I wanted to call these kits “Self-Healing Rituals” because it’s meant to be an intimate experience. A quiet and private time. A time at least once every month to honor yourself; take care of yourself. To turn inside, even for just ten minutes to remind yourself, you are always evolving and healing.
The meditative guided imagery journeys are very powerful I daily listen to them daily try to dedicate at least 10 minutes a day to calm down.
Slow down and reflect.
Honor your own time space and needs.
With Gratitude,
Heather Faith
“You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” -The Wizard of Oz