How to integrate spiritual healing into your daily life

Spiritual healing seeks to release insecurity, stress, and pain in the mind and body, by utilising natural treatments instead of conventional medicine. Chakra balancing, Reiki, and meditation are all popular examples. Simply put, if you want to nurture a healthier relationship with yourself and the reality you exist in, spiritual healing is for you.

Let’s explore some different ways to heal spiritually:

Chakra balancing 

Chakra balancing is all about directing energy so it flows into the various chakras within the body. While our physical bodies are made up of tangible, visible parts, they also encompass a complicated energy field. When this energy circulates freely, we feel less stressed and more balanced.

‘Chakra’ is a Sanskrit word that means ‘disk’ or ‘wheel’. It refers to this spiritual energy in our body that must keep moving to maintain harmony within us.

The seven main chakras:

• Root chakra
• Sacral chakra
• Solar plexus chakra
• Heart chakra
• Throat chakra
• Third eye chakra
• Crown chakra

During a chakra balancing treatment, the therapist begins the session by identifying potential blockages within your body –  the areas that need love and attention. For example, your throat chakra might need unblocking as you might struggle to externalise your emotions and communicate with certain people in your life. Using a combination of essential oils, massages, crystals, and energetic techniques, the chakra therapist will focus on these blocked areas.

You can work on balancing your chakras on your own. An easy method to practice daily is alternate nostril breathing. To practice this technique, find a safe space in your home, and assume an upright and relaxed posture. Inhale deeply through the left nostril and exhale slowly through the right nostril, using your index and middle fingers to alternately close each nostril. This breathing technique can help the energy associated with the root chakra.

It’s important to note that chakra treatment, like any spiritual healing practice, is personal. Each individual’s experience will be unique, characterised by different emotions and circumstances. We all have our differing needs and wants and it’s valuable to honour them. 

Reiki 

Reiki is an energy healing practice that seeks to empower individuals by alleviating both their emotional and physical pain. Similar to chakra healing, Reiki helps people improve the flow of energy in the body. 

Treatment is usually carried out in a private and relaxing setting. A therapist employs tactile techniques, either directly on or above particular regions of the client’s head, limbs, and torso. They usually hold their hands in specific positions for a couple of minutes. By focusing on these certain areas, the client’s natural ability to self-heal is activated. Therapists don’t pass on their energy; instead, they empower clients to find their power and release what no longer serves them. 

Have you ever noticed how the bad mood of your friend, family member, or partner influenced your mood? A lot of us are sensitive to others’ emotions (especially the empaths among us). Negative energy from others can disrupt our positive experiences. We unconsciously absorb other people’s frustrations and this can leave us feeling drained and anxious. 

This is where Reiki comes in. Regular sessions can help us build mental resilience and give us clarity in distinguishing our own emotions from those of others. So, if the people in your immediate environment influence your inner being – try Reiki healing!

What is self Reiki?

To practise on yourself, you can try out a Reiki bath. By combining the sensation of warm water on your skin, soothing music of your choice, and incorporating traditional hand positions, you can effectively encourage the flow of energy throughout your body. 

A Reiki position ideal for the bath: 

• Start by slowing the breath down. 
• Place your right hand gently over your throat, and your left hand tenderly over your heart. 
• As you continue to breathe deeply, gently focus on the sensation of your hands resting on these special spaces. 
• Feel the movement of energy flowing from your throat and heart. With each breath, invite a deeper connection and allow your whole body to soften. 
• After maintaining this position for two to three minutes, gently shake your hands to release any accumulated energy – simply let it go. 
• Run through this routine slowly and visualise the energy in your body being mobilised.

Meditation 

Meditation is a practice involving various techniques designed to quiet the mind and gently bring individuals into the here and now. Rather than panicking about the future, or lingering on the past, meditation allows us to focus purely on what’s happening in this exact moment. Many of our worrisome thoughts don’t exist in ‘the now,’ so by bringing our awareness into the current moment, we can alleviate stress and anxiety. 

There are many different meditation techniques that enable us to focus on the present moment. We can centre our attention on the physical sensations within our bodies, visualise the flow of our breath travelling through us with each inhale and exhale, or employ Sanskrit mantras such as ‘om.’ Some individuals warm to group meditation sessions with a guide leading the way, while others enjoy the convenience of practising at home. 

Belly breathing

For those seeking a simple technique to integrate into their solo morning routine, belly breathing is great for alleviating anxiety and fostering mental clarity. 

To perform this, find a comfortable seated or lying-down position, gently close your eyes or lower your gaze, and position your right hand on your heart and your left on your stomach (just below your belly button). Direct your focus on your breathing. Inhale gently and deeply through your nose, welcoming the fresh air into your body and filling your lower belly. Gently encourage your belly to expand and rise, as if it were inflating like a balloon. As you exhale slowly, through pursed lips, allow your belly to return to its usual position. Use your hands to monitor the rise and fall of your belly. 

Focusing your attention on the rhythm of your breath during meditation not only grants you precious moments of peace but also offers a window into the soul; your innermost being, and spiritual core.

Shadow work

Spiritual healing lends itself to shadow work – a powerful self-reflection practice. Engaging in shadow work necessitates delving deep within ourselves to uncover and empathise with our unexpressed emotions, fears, and insecurities. We can either do this on our own or with a professional. 

The hidden and ‘unlikeable’ aspects of ourselves, often surrounded by shame, collectively make up our shadow self. Our purposefully forgotten emotions and experiences don’t disappear if we choose to ignore them; instead, they live in the depths of our subconscious, influencing us without our conscious awareness. So, addressing them is always a wise decision.

Have you ever wondered why something seemingly minor triggered such a strong emotional reaction in you? Yes? Shadow work can offer you the bigger picture – the reason behind your defensive reaction. 

Shadow work will allow you to identify when your intense discomfort originates from internal wounds rather than external circumstances. When you can make this distinction, you can consciously channel your uncomfortable feelings more healthily. You can express your emotions openly instead of directing them towards others. 

Being aware of any sensitive topics allows us to navigate with greater understanding and compassion. Heightened awareness = healthier interactions and relationships.

General shadow work journaling prompts:

• Recall a negative memory from your childhood that still feels vivid.
• Who made you doubt yourself and how can you forgive them or let go of resentment towards them?
• What do you believe is your biggest limitation and how can you overcome it?
• What do you often criticise others for, and why? Do you sometimes find yourself doing the same things you judge others for?
• What are some of the ways you seek external validation and how can you practice self validation?

Accomplishment shadow work journaling prompts:

• How often do you push yourself too hard? What are you overdoing? What thought keeps you pushing even when you feel depleted?
• What are you wanting to achieve in the grand scheme of things?
• What thoughts and feelings are you avoiding by constantly striving?

Relationship shadow work journalling prompts:

• Do you notice any negative or toxic traits in the individuals you’re attracted to? What do you believe drives your attraction to these characteristics?
• How can you place a greater emphasis on your well-being, self-care, and independence, while being in a relationship?
• What behaviour do you exhibit that potentially harms you or your partner? How does it affect your relationship? 

Spiritual healing practices serve as gateways to explore our hidden beliefs. After meditating for a week, you may notice certain thoughts and experiences come up that have been quietly lingering in the depths of your mind. In shadow work, you get to examine these feelings with a magnifying glass. 

So, be prepared to uncover the not-so-pretty aspects of yourself and let go of all judgments; after all, we are human beings – imperfection is inevitable.