Written by Clair Lamb, Woman's Empowerment Coach
Clair is a woman's empowerment coach specialising in healing after narcissistic relationships. She is the founder of Ciel Healing (rebranding to Rise as A Goddess Coaching) as the business expands.
Healing is often portrayed as a simple shift in mindset, as if thinking positively is enough to transform our lives. While perspective plays a role, true healing is a much deeper process that extends beyond our thoughts. It involves our bodies, emotions, environments, and subconscious patterns. To heal fully, we must embrace a holistic approach that nurtures both the mind and body, rather than relying solely on reframing our thoughts. This article explores the interconnected aspects of healing, offering insights into the mind-body connection, the impact of our surroundings, and practical approaches to deeper emotional and physical well-being.
Healing is more than just thinking positively
In the modern approach to healing, we are often told that simply shifting our thoughts can change our lives. While there may be some truth to the power of perspective, healing is far more complex than just thinking positively.
Our environments, the media we consume, and the food we eat all impact how we feel. To truly address this, we must take a holistic approach to healing rather than focusing solely on changing our mindset.
The mind-body connection
Studies in neuroscience have shown that emotions can be stored in the body, meaning healing requires more than mental shifts. Prolonged periods in a heightened state of fight or flight due to stress or trauma dysregulate the nervous system, making it difficult to process emotions fully.
Exercises such as deep breathing, meditation, gentle movement, and vagus nerve stimulation help create a sense of calm and relaxation. This relaxed state allows the body to release stored trauma and emotions naturally rather than suppressing them or storing them as muscle tension.
Nutrition, movement, and rest
What we eat affects our mental and emotional state. Nutrient-dense foods can support mood stability, while processed foods and sugar can heighten anxiety and depression.
Exercise is not just for fitness; it is a powerful tool for emotional regulation. Activities like yoga, dancing, and even walking can help release emotions and trauma stored in the body.
Sleep, relaxation, and mindfulness activities allow the body to repair itself.
Toxic environments and their impact on trauma
Toxic relationships, high-stress workplaces, or unsupportive environments can hinder the healing process. Being in an unhealthy environment that constantly reinforces negative beliefs makes it harder to heal.
Unhealthy relationships and toxic surroundings can trigger old wounds, keeping you stuck in cycles of pain. Changing your environment, whether that means leaving toxic situations or creating a space that supports your well-being, can be the most powerful form of self-care and the most loving thing you can do for yourself.
Why mindset alone is not enough
While reframing thoughts can be helpful, it is not always enough. Working on mindset alone does not always fully heal us.
Deep-rooted trauma takes hold in the body. While affirmations can support positive thinking, they alone are not enough to release stored fear or tension in the nervous system. For affirmations to be effective, it is important to embody them and believe them to be true.
Ignoring emotions in favor of positive thinking can lead to suppression. True healing requires feeling and processing emotions. Positive thinking can sometimes become a way of bypassing them.
The subconscious mind runs on past experiences and seeks familiarity. Simply thinking differently does not always shift deeply ingrained patterns. The subconscious mind is usually looking for what is familiar, which is why we often repeat old patterns. It is important to heal the subconscious beliefs that create these patterns in order to truly break free from them.
Somatic and therapeutic support
Instead of relying solely on changing your thoughts, it is important to include approaches that help the body process stress and emotions. For example:
Therapies that focus on the mind-body connection and how trauma and stress are stored physically. Techniques like gentle movement, breath awareness, and journaling can help release built-up tension.
Breathwork and meditation activate the body’s natural relaxation response, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
Techniques such as energy healing, craniosacral therapy, and acupuncture can help release tension in the body.
Traditional talk therapy and inner child work help uncover hidden emotional wounds from the past, allowing for deeper healing beyond just shifting your mindset.
Exploring the limiting beliefs and childhood or generational patterns that shape our behaviors, emotions, and subconscious responses allows us to break free from cycles of trauma and create new, healthier ways of living.
Combining these approaches creates a holistic path to healing rather than focusing solely on mindset.
Healing is not a linear process
Healing is not a straight path; it is full of ups and downs. Sometimes, setbacks are actually signs of progress.
Old wounds may resurface as you grow, even if you thought they had been dealt with. This is a natural part of the process, as they surface for healing.
Some days, you may feel worse before you feel better. This is a sign that you are working through what needs to be healed.
Healing does not mean you will never struggle again, but it will give you the tools and ability to navigate struggles in a healthier way.
Journaling ideas
Transformation happens with self-awareness and a holistic approach to healing. Some ideas to journal on:
Where do I feel stress, tension, or discomfort in my body? What might it be trying to tell me?
What emotions do I tend to suppress or avoid? How can I create space to feel them safely?
Are there any emotional patterns I see repeating in my family? How have they shaped me?
What messages did I receive about emotions growing up? How do they affect the way I express myself now?
What situations or people make me feel unsafe, even if there is no immediate danger? Where might that response come from?
What are some small daily actions I can take to calm my nervous system and feel more grounded?
If I could talk to my younger self, what would I say to comfort them?
What did I need as a child that I did not receive? How can I give that to myself now?
How do I speak to myself when I am struggling? Would I talk to a friend that way?
What healing practices make me feel the most connected to myself? How can I do them more often?
What does true safety feel like to me? How can I create more of it in my daily life?
In what ways have I already grown and healed? How can I celebrate that progress?
Conclusion
Are you truly embracing a holistic approach to healing? Healing is not just about shifting your mindset. True transformation happens when we also nurture our bodies, regulate our nervous systems, create supportive environments, and watch what we consume, both through what we eat and externally through the media and the people we surround ourselves with.
It is important to address the physical, emotional, and generational layers of our pain to avoid staying stuck in cycles of stress and unresolved trauma.
Healing is about releasing the weight of the past, unraveling layers of trauma, and discovering and letting go of the limiting beliefs and cycles that have been holding you back. Once you do this, you reawaken the goddess that has always been within you.
What is one small step you can take today to honor your healing journey?
Read more from Clair Lamb
Clair Lamb, Woman's Empowerment Coach
Clair is a dedicated women’s empowerment coach, specializing in helping women heal and rebuild their lives after narcissistic abuse. With a deeply personal journey of breaking free from toxic patterns, Clair combines her expertise with heartfelt understanding. Her mission is to guide women in transforming their wounds into wisdom, rediscovering their self-worth, and stepping boldly into the radiant, empowered lives they deserve.
