Engaging in personal development and exploring new parts of yourself, can introduce you to wondrous opportunities and techniques for healing. This is one of the most creative and exciting aspects of the healing process - discovering what works for your body, system and spirit.

However, I am writing today to remember - and champion - some of the essential aspects of healing. 

It is important to highlight some of the 'basics' that might seem inconsequential when involved in such inner journeys, dreams and transformation. But if they are forgotten, it hinders self-development and actualisation.

Have you come across Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? A popular concept for anyone who has studied or dabbled in Psychology. This is a tiered system which organises human needs from fundamental through to transcendent, in the desire for self fulfilment.

At the base of the pyramid, the very foundation for the growth and evolution above, is the physiological level.

Here we find habits related to food, hydration, sleep and rest.

In summary, these are the body's basic needs.

And these are also vital to the progression of the healing journey.

When I first meet new clients, there are usually some basic needs which are not being met. It seems to be commonplace in this busy world we find ourselves in to neglect our physiological requirements for sufficient water, sleep, rest and healthy food.

In my opinion, if these are being neglected then it is unlikely that people are realising true self-development and actualisation.

I list these in the order in which they present themselves most often in my experience.

WATER

Are you sufficiently hydrated? Is your body chronically dehydrated? Do you work long hours in front of a computer screen or in an environment with AC or central heating? Do you drink more than 3 cups of tea or coffee per day?

Time and again, I find that water is absolutely, crucially, imperatively, essentially, unequivocally (have I made the point?) necessary for the body, mind and spirit to begin the healing process and engage in soul work.

The spiritual really does have some basic foundations in the human form. And water is the star of the show.

Tips from the British Nutrition Foundation on healthy hydration can be found here.

REST

Are you always on the go? Do you find time for yourself in the form of constructive rest? Is your life balanced between doing and being?

Make time to honour yourself on a regular basis, and allow yourself the space to rest. This is essential to restoration and your healing capacity.

Rest might look like: napping when you need to, saying no to demands on your time when you need to replenish your energy, taking a yoga class (or similar), meditation, or a warm bath with essential oils.

PS rest does not include watching TV - or any other kind of screen!

SLEEP

Many people suffer from insomnia or a lack of sufficient sleep. Sleep is SO important for many physiological and psychological reasons, and a lack of sleep will make the healing process harder and more tiring.

How many hours sleep are you getting each night? What is your sleeping environment like? Do you turn off all screens (blue light) two hours before bed? Do you wake at a particular time every night? (This could link to a specific meridian.)

Sleep comes much easier at night, when you have paced yourself during the day. Allowing yourself the space to rest, unwind and relax should contribute to better sleep overall (see Rest above).

Information available from the NHS here. Personally I like the Gentle Sleep book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith - it may be advice for babies and children but most of it can be applied to adults too!

HEALTHY EATING

Most people have a fairly good idea of what constitutes a healthy diet these days, and this doesn't feature as regularly as some of the other 'basics'. However it is always a good idea to review your current diet, caffeine and alcohol intake, and listen to your body to determine whether you need to make any changes. Plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as wholegrains, pulses, nuts and seeds, are always helpful to include in your diet.

Again, see the British Nutrition Foundation's pages on healthy living here.

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Although I do not believe Maslow specified this in his model, aside from air/breathing, there is another basic need which appears consistently in the healing process for almost everyone I know of...

NATURE

To me, this is a basic physiological need. It is closely linked to the progress people make in their healing, as well as their overall capacity for vitality, health and calm.

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So with the tips above, remember that the basics will help you flourish and grow at all stages along your path.

Ready to start your healing process? Contact bryony@creativesoultherapies.com