We’re fascinated by destruction that is intentional? Wonder what I’m talking about? Every news station shows when old buildings, stadiums, and hotels are imploded using massive amounts of explosives. There is something powerful about watching something we believe to be so strong and permanent come down with the greatest of ease by simply placing explosives in all the right places.
This topic is probably not one you would expect when discussing health and healing, but I can’t think of a more appropriate topic. It’s important because it’s about ridding yourself of what’s getting in the way of progress, getting well or getting better. The idea that we have to rid ourselves of old scripts, old strategies, and old information is critical on the health and healing pilgrimage.
Demolition can be scary because it sounds like we’re talking about losing something, but does it make sense to keep something that is getting in the way? Does it make sense to keep something that is counterintuitive to healing? Does it make sense not to make room for strategies that aren’t yet part of your consciousness?
The big question is, “What does demolition look like when it comes to our coping strategies and our grip on negative thinking?” This is where it gets a bit tricky because we’re deeply invested in our established patterns. Demolition of these patterns that no longer serve us can feel like a loss and leave us feeling like we’re floating in the ocean with no shore in sight.
I worked in a drug and alcohol social model outpatient program for quite a while. The agency ran abstinence meetings (their version of a 12-step program). I was facilitating a meeting one evening and we had a young man who had been clean and sober about thirty days. He started to share and what he kept talking about was his state of confusion. It didn’t take long for someone with a bit more sobriety to chime in on the topic of confusion. It’s been twenty years since that meeting and I still remember the participant’s response. He said, “Feel blessed for the state of confusion because it means you’re still teachable!”
Once you demolish what isn’t useful and may be feeling confused; it’s time to find and develop new coping strategies. Remember that this will apply to your physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. You may begin a yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or engage the services of a personal trainer. You may attend a support group, start counseling, or begin a journaling program. Your may seek a spiritual path, attending services or some type, or go on a retreat. At this point you may be overwhelmed, but these are suggestions, not imperatives. They aren’t dictates just opportunities for growth for you body, mind, and spirit.
Demolition isn’t a bad thing as long as you’re ready and willing to put up the new structure in its place. You are entering a space of possibility! You are giving yourself the gift of holistic healing! You are being proactive in your health and healing journey!
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When creating new coping strategies why not engage your creative energy, visit http://www.timetolivecreatively.com
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 