One of the biggest gifts we can give ourselves after a shamanic healing session (and after many forms of energy work and bodywork) is to slow down and give our body and our being time to integrate the work that has happened.
When clients schedule a private healing session, I often advise them to pick a day and time when they can enjoy some “downtime” after the session. Having at least an hour or two to relax makes a gentler re-entry to the physical world than having to rush back to work or off to a meeting. Reactions to a shamanic healing session vary widely. Some clients feel tired at the end of a session, some feel energized. Some feel more themselves than they’ve ever been, some feel slightly emotional tender. Some leave the office bursting with creativity, some want to go home and putter in the garden. Whatever our reaction, it’s wonderful to have the time and space to be present with ourselves and honor our feelings by giving ourselves what we need in the moment. Journaling can be helpful and often continues the insights from the session. A more creative form of expression – such as writing a poem or a story, painting or sculpting about the experience – can help the energy work integrate on new levels. In the time following a session, do what feeds your soul. A friend refers to this as “exercising exquisite self care.” And it’s unique to each person. If it’s not something creative, than maybe it’s going for a walk in nature, sitting with your back against a tree, or dangling your feet into a pond. Maybe it’s giving yourself some quiet reflection time or meditating. Also remember to take care of your physical body. Sometimes the energy release that happened at a session continues for a day or two afterwards – a form of energy detoxification. By caring for our physical body, we can diminish the discomfort that might arise after an intense shamanic healing session. Some suggestions for care of the physical body after a healing session: · drink water to help flush any toxins that were released · get a restful night’s sleep · eat healthy, delicious foods · take a bath in sea salts or epsom salts and soak for 20-30 minutes What suggestions do you have for after care?