In our journey toward healing, it’s essential to distinguish our internal reactions from the meanings we assign to others’ behaviors. This practice goes beyond mere self-awareness; it is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence and relational health. By learning to separate our internal responses from the interpretations we project onto others' actions, we gain deeper insights into our own emotional landscape. This clarity allows us to respond more thoughtfully and compassionately rather than react impulsively. In turn, this practice fosters healthier relationships by reducing misunderstandings and creating space for genuine connection and empathy. It is a vital step in understanding ourselves more fully and navigating our interactions with others more authentically.

Validating Your Feelings
Your feelings are valid. They are real and meaningful. And also, it’s important to recognize that your feelings do not necessarily reflect someone else’s truth. Your sensations and emotions are genuine, yet they cannot always accurately decode the intentions or motivations behind another person’s actions. Tending to your internal world is equally, if not more, important than managing your external environment.

The Complex Interplay of Internal and External Worlds
At any given moment, numerous internal and external factors are at play. If you have experienced trauma—situations that were too much, too fast, or too overwhelming for your nervous system—you may have developed patterns of quickly making sense of your surroundings. This can lead to assumptions and a heightened state of vigilance, stemming from a need to feel safe by thinking, feeling, and acting swiftly.

Embracing the Process of Healing
Healing requires us to slow down and allow everything to exist as it is. It demands that we seek nuance and look for safety, not just threats. We need to let others’ behaviors exist independently of our interpretations and reactions. By doing so, we create space for a more balanced and grounded understanding of our interactions with the world.

I’m not suggesting you discard your finely-tuned perception skills. These skills are valuable. However, rushing to assumptions about others’ behaviors and motivations can keep us in a state of hyper-vigilance, making healing challenging.

Slowing Down and Tending to Your Inner World
As you are able, slow down and let yourself fully exist. Notice what’s happening inside you without rushing to judge or react to the external environment. Allow others’ behaviors to remain theirs while you focus on tending to your own inner experiences. This creates room for genuine learning and connection.

Consider the Phrase: Building my internal awareness can be my focus

Directions: Consider this phrase and what it might mean for you. Allow yourself to imagine into your inner world and get curious about what it would look like to increase your understanding of yourself. Notice how it feels to give yourself permission to focus on you and your internal experience. Allow yourself to consider how showing up for yourself in this way may actually help you to reorient your view from others back to you and your healing.

To those of you learning to sit with your sensations and emotions without quickly acting on them, I see you. This process takes courage and patience, and it is a vital part of your healing journey. In case you missed it, the Healing Your Way Home Retreat might be the next step you need on your healing journey. Stepping out of your life for a few days will allow you the space to connect with yourself in a deeper, more meaningful way. In embracing these principles, we move closer to healing and building deeper, more authentic connections with ourselves and others. Let’s continue this journey together, fostering growth and understanding every step of the way.

Thank you for letting me see you,