How to heal your own heart.

Deep within each of us lies a fragile yet resilient organ, often overlooked amidst the chaos of our daily lives—the heart. Beyond its physical functions, the heart serves as the emotional epicentre of our being, capable of experiencing profound joy and enduring immense pain. But what happens when our hearts become wounded, burdened by past hurts, traumas, and disappointments? In a world that often tells us to toughen up and move on, there is an empowering truth: we have the power to heal our own hearts.

A broken heart is a testament to the depth of human vulnerability and the intensity of emotional pain. It can shatter our world, leaving us feeling lost in an abyss of sorrow and despair. The anguish of a broken heart vibrates through our entire being, casting a shadow over our thoughts, actions, and even our physical well-being. It is in these moments of heartache that we come face to face with our own fragility, questioning whether we have the strength to endure the weight of our pain. Yet, within this darkness lies a sliver of hope, a flicker of resilience. For it is through the process of healing our broken hearts that we embark on a journey of profound self-discovery and growth.

In many ways, a broken heart requires the same TLC as a broken bone. Just like you would treat a broken leg with rest, physical therapy and patience, you must do the same for your heartbreak. It will take processing difficult emotions, having new experiences, time and support, The first step in healing a broken heart is to embrace the courage to face our pain head-on. It requires a willingness to delve into the depths of our emotions, to acknowledge and honour the hurt that resides within. Begin by creating a safe and nurturing space for yourself, free from judgment and external distractions.

The first step in healing is to allow yourself to grieve and feel the full spectrum of emotions that accompany heartbreak. Give yourself permission to cry, to scream, or to simply sit in silence, as these acts of emotional release are essential in the healing journey. It is natural to want to escape or suppress painful emotions, as they can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. However, avoiding or denying these emotions only prolongs the healing process. Rather than judging or resisting these feelings, approach them with compassionate curiosity. By allowing yourself to fully experience and express your feelings, you create a pathway towards genuine healing and growth. This can be a good time to journal and focus on taking each day as it comes. By grouping tasks into easy digestible parts it can feel less overwhelming during times of stress and upset. We find using our Productivity and Wellness Journal a great way to plan your day and accomplish whatever is achievable to you that day. A sense of accomplishment during this time can really boost both mood and self-esteem.

Step two in healing your own heart is cultivating self-compassion, a vital practice that nurtures and supports your healing journey. When you're navigating the depths of heartache, it's easy to fall into self-blame or harsh self-judgment. However, self-compassion offers a gentle and more empowering approach. It involves treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and empathy that you would extend to a friend. Embrace the understanding that suffering is a shared human experience, and your pain is valid. Remind yourself that it's ok to feel vulnerable and that you deserve love and compassion during this challenging time. Practice positive self-talk by offering yourself words of encouragement, validation, and reassurance. A great way to do this is by pulling a mantra card each morning from the deck and repeat this positive mantra throughout the day for reassurance.

Step 3 in healing your own heart involves recognising the significance of seeking comfort, guidance, and support from others during times of heartbreak. While it's essential to cultivate inner strength, attempting to navigate the healing process in isolation can be overwhelming and challenging. Turning to trusted individuals in your life, such as friends, family members, or a therapist, can provide a vital source of comfort and guidance. Share your feelings and experiences with those who are understanding and non-judgmental, allowing yourself to be vulnerable and open. They can offer empathy, a listening ear, and valuable insights gained from their own experiences. Additionally, seeking professional support from a therapist or counsellor who specialises in emotional healing can provide you with the tools and strategies to navigate the complexities of heartbreak effectively.

Step four in healing your own heart involves the empowering journey of self-discovery, where you explore what truly brings you joy and fulfilment. During times of heartbreak, it's common to lose touch with ourselves and the activities that once sparked happiness. However, this is an opportune moment to reconnect with your passions and rediscover what makes your heart come alive. Remember that this process is about self-exploration and not about external validation or comparison.It can be extremely beneficial to use journaling as a tool of self-discovery and this can be done using our Journal Prompt set By embracing what genuinely brings you joy, you honour your authentic self and create space for personal growth and fulfilment. Finding what truly makes you happy is an integral part of the healing journey.

Step five in healing your own heart is recognising the transformative power of forgiveness and the act of letting go. Holding onto grudges, resentment, or anger can keep you trapped in the cycle of pain and hinder your progress towards healing. Forgiveness, both for yourself and others, is a profound act of liberation. It doesn't mean condoning the actions that caused your heartache or forgetting the pain you experienced. Instead, it's a conscious choice to release the emotional burden and free yourself from the negative energy that weighs you down. Start by acknowledging the pain and allowing yourself to fully process the emotions associated with the hurt. Then, practice empathy and compassion towards yourself and those who have caused you pain, recognising that everyone is flawed and capable of mistakes. Understand that forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, reclaiming your power and choosing to no longer be defined by the past. A great time for this could be during a full moon ritual where you can release what no longer serves you. To read more on this check out our article ‘What is the full moon all about?’

Step 6 in healing your own heart involves the transformative practice of mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness is the art of being fully present in the current moment, without judgment or attachment to the past or future. Through meditation, you can quiet the mind, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner calm. Regular meditation practice can help you navigate the complexities of healing by providing a refuge from intrusive thoughts and emotions. It allows you to observe your thoughts and feelings with a sense of detachment, creating space for clarity and insight. Mindfulness and meditation also promote self-compassion, as you learn to treat yourself with kindness and understanding during moments of vulnerability.

With great pain often comes great wisdom and opportunity. Through leaning into our feelings, cultivating self-compassion, seeking support, embracing forgiveness, rediscovering our passions, and practicing mindfulness, we embark on a path of healing that leads to profound personal growth and inner peace. Healing our own hearts is not a linear process but a courageous and transformative journey. It requires patience, resilience, and a commitment to our own well-being. As we close this chapter and embrace the new beginnings that lie ahead, let us carry the wisdom and lessons learned, cherishing the strength we have discovered within ourselves. May our healed hearts radiate love, compassion, and empathy, touching the lives of others and creating a ripple effect of healing and wholeness in the world.