I am not one to recommend books on inner healing flippantly. It is not because there aren’t any great books out there on so many wonderful, useful aspects of inner healing, because there are. It’s not because I am an expert who knows more than these books have to offer, because I’m not. It is because I find some individuals who dive into the reading material, highlight and even memorize the lines carefully, go on to engage in thought provoking conversations and end it there. They have the head knowledge. It is one thing to know and it's quite another to experience. That is the difference between reading a book versus living out the message of the book. What is lacking is the experiential understanding; the action part of the journey.
For whatever reason the crucial work is not attempted. Perhaps you believe it is too much work or you might be fearful of the ‘discovery' you will encounter. You think it's best to let "sleeping dogs lie". Often, your hunch is correct and the “stuff” buried is pretty ugly, painful and scary. You may think it's best to tack a “do not disturb” sign on the lid; leave well enough alone. I find that this approach is never without its consequences. As much as you desire to believe it is innocuous and harmless under wraps, it isn’t. It often has its own live electrical energy that could be wreaking havoc in your thoughts, will and emotions, causing more harm than good for you and your relationships. All may remain awry without any true understanding of the driving forces and the road to healing.
Imagine finding a treasure map, navigating the course to reach the “X” and then just anchoring down in front of the area. You might camp out there; not lift one finger to retrieve the treasure chest and utilize the goods. You read about all about the riches it contains and how it could change your life yet not one finger is lifted to explore the treasure chest and utilize its riches. It makes no sense. It is the same in life. The better course to better living is to do the work. That involves seeking the “why” you do ( or don’t do) what you are doing. This new understanding opens up a lane to finding healthier ways to satisfy your needs; arguably, a goal of counseling! It’s working out the issues that are causing dysfunctions, fears, discontentment, arguments and unmet needs. You can, with guidance, find those treasures within you and help you discover the freedom of living them out in your life.
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
James 1:22-25 ESV
Image: Canva Pro
Comments