The Healing Power of Authenticity
Because it encouraged righteous pride, the Buddha himself turned away from the hierarchies of his day. He rejected external authority and set out upon a quest not only to find, but to be the truth, to be authentic.
When we are the truth, the split between what we know and who we are vanishes. We do not speak and think one way, then act another. Instead of tearing ourselves apart, we manifest what is real. This authenticity is the basis for true well-being and health.
“Schizophrenia is not a break with reality,
It is a break with sincerity.”
The Pain of Being False, Split, Conflicted
One of the greatest psychological pains we all suffer is the pain of being split, false, conflicted. This comes from knowing one thing, and being or living, another. Knowledge that has not been digested, absorbed into our very bones, becomes poison that we carry. That is why what we truly know is expressed by who we are. For example, in a true conversation it is not what we say but who we are, the true presence that connects and heals.
True Well Being
Many forms of healing are based upon defining what is right or wrong, what is sick, or healthy. Healers and caregivers often fit their clients into pre-established patterns, which may be different from who the patient is and what he/she truly needs. Needless to say, this mode of healing causes limitation, confusion and a sense that there is something fundamentally wrong with us, that we are full of faults.
In healing through Sacred Psychology, the healer does not look for what is wrong with everyone they meet, what their weaknesses are, and their faults. It is not the healer’s job to fix, change, or instruct their clients. They focus, instead, upon the person’s strengths and beauty and also look deeply at themselves.
This form of healing recognizes that our incredible life changes constantly right before our eyes. We allow for this change and for the emergence of natural health and well-being. This form of healing focuses instead upon authenticity, which is the best medicine of all. As we function this way we realize that what is possible is way beyond what we ever imagined.
“Do not seek to straighten another
Do a harder thing instead –
Straighten yourself.”
Buddha
The Great Gift of Trust
A true basis for healing arises when we are able to help the person who has come for help to fully listen to, welcome, and trust themselves. As they return to that which is deepest and most healing within, their own pathway becomes clear. And the healer walks along with them, accompanies them, as a means of true support and friendship.
SOME GUIDELINES FOR HEALERS
1) Don’t Interfere; Accompany the Patient on Their Journey
The job of a healer is to accompany the patient on the journey they undertake, to lend support and courage, not to interfere. When we interfere with, impose upon, or categorize another human being, we are diminishing their natural ability to heal. And we are often turning them into an object, robbing them of trust in themselves.
Trust in Oneself
Trust in oneself is one of the most powerful medicines available. Yet all of society conspires to take that away. Why is trust in oneself so dangerous? How can we re-claim it for ourselves and others? These are the questions that all who heal and help must dwell upon. Notice each time that faith in yourself wavers, see what has caused it to happen and strengthen yourself immediately. Remind yourself of the truth. Lack of trust in oneself causes imbalances and confusion of all kinds.
2) Know the Difference Between Medicine and Poison
Eliminate the Poison and Offer True Medicine
A healer must know the difference between medicine and poison. Some give poison, thinking they are giving medicine. But medicine can turn into poison, and the other way around.
Sometimes medicine turns to poison, and vigilance is needed. What has been good for someone may no longer be useful. What has been painful may suddenly cause them to grow. It is necessary to be awake as to what is happening in the other person, what they truly need and want.
When Medicine Turns To Poison
Most live in the world not knowing what is medicine or what is poison. We don’t know what we really need, what will make us strong, healthy, clear, and compassionate, or what will cause anguish. We think if we like something, if it tastes good and goes down nicely, that it is going to be good for us. If we like a person, if they’re sweet, kind, charming, it’s medicine. We want to run to that kind of person, food, or experience.
We go to whatever tastes sweet and delicious, and then things suddenly change and we become dismayed. So many come to a therapist and say, “My relationship started out so wonderfully; he was so sweet, kind, charming in the beginning. Now it’s a mess. How come I was betrayed?”
We Are Never Betrayed by a Person; Only by Our Own False Expectations
We are never betrayed by a person, only by our own false expectations. In fact, when a person is in a relationship that seems so sweet and lovely, where everything they want is being supplied, this person may not understand why they are becoming weaker, more dependent, or increasingly frightened that the partner will go away.
If the Situation Is Weakening You, It’s Poison
On the other hand, we can become involved with people and situations that are terrifically bitter, that we don’t like. These are painful and we want to run away. Some people in these situations come to therapists asking, “Why can’t I be in a relationship where things are normal and healthy? I don’t deserve treatment like that. I’m getting out of here.” Naturally running away, doesn’t work. Better to explore this situation fully for all the teachings and gifts it has to offer you.
3) Walking Through the Open Door
The door to your answer is always open. Open the door and walk right in. Walking through the open door means taking one step after another and experiencing each step for yourself. You don’t have to struggle to do it. The door’s already open. the possibility is always there.
The Touchstone below is an exercise for you to explore this for yourself.
What Is the Medicine, What Is the Sickness?
Touchstone: What is something in your life that you would consider sickness? How are you treating it? What medicine are you taking? What is the sickness it is seeking to cure? Think about that carefully. Look at the sickness again and again. Now look carefully at the medicine you may be taking or the ways in which you are trying to cure or change what is bothering you.
Now, open the door. Can you see it all differently? Is there another way of understanding what the true sickness is here, another way of finding a cure?
BIO; Brenda Shoshanna, Ph.d. is an award winning author, speaker, psychologist and long term Zen practitioner. Her work integrates the teachings of East and West and focuses upon how to live them in our everyday lives. This article is based upon her new book, SACRED PSYCHOLOGY (An Invitation To Live). www.brendashoshannaauthor@yahoo.com. Brenda offers talks, workshops, topspeaker@yahoo.com. Her YouTube channel is Dr Brenda Shoshanna @Brendatalks963.
