Signs of a True Healer

I am often asked this by potential clients and people in general alike! With the "guru" and "I've arrived" mentalities plaguing much of the modern spiritual community, excessive marketing strategically and manipulatively speaking to those who feel "lost" or "seeking", claiming they hold the miracle solution, and everyone and their mother claiming to be a healer in some form with greatly varying degrees of actual tangible experience, it can indeed be something difficult to spot. I got a voicemail from a client 2 weeks into my first online container earlier today and I it reminded me of how I interpret a "healer".

In essence, my answer to this is that a healer awakens your inner knowing of how to self heal by empowering and guiding you to reconnect to your intuitive knowing of what you and your all of your bodies need in order to come back to a state of balance and wholeness. As my client put it "they sit at a fire and tell people 'here you can light your own lamp' ".

 They hold the space for this reconnection and remembrance through non-judgement, fearlessness, and a deep sense of compassion. They aren't afraid of your inner darkness and healing process, and don't gaslight you or tell you to "think positive and stop attracting negativity" when you vulnerably express your pain.

Many times they are people who have spent many years navigating their own shadows of their mind, their past, their inner child wounds and insecurities so they have the empathy and intimate understanding to hold the space for yours. Without this navigation and the depth of learning coming out of it, holding a true space for healing is impossible.

A healer doesn't give you answers or solutions to your problems, or meticulous protocols/step-by-step manuals for life wrapped up in a fancy package for purchase that claims to magically works for everyone. They understand that each and every person is here walking a completely unique journey and have the willingness to open to understand what YOURS is.

A true healer does not criticize their peers, claim to be better than or more advanced than others, or come from a mindset of competition but understands that every person offers a unique medicine through their connection to the divine that will be resonant only for those it is meant for.

They are authentic, genuine, and transparent people connected to their inner innocence and sense of humor. They do not hide behind a mask of perfection, love and light, they are not afraid to show their flaws and their own healing process.

When they speak or write you feel the resonance and personal truth of their words or voice penetrate deeply into your being and often they evoke emotion.

They do not claim words and indigenous wear from other cultures and flaunt that they are a "shaman" or present meaningless certificates of "online training", but may take a more humble title such as "facilitator" and dress like an every day human.

They do not claim to be powerful or reincarnations of famous historical figures and healers like Jesus and Buddha, but they live in quiet humble gratitude and knowing that they are simply a vessel for spirit and their purpose is that of a channel.

When you find such a person, be grateful your paths have crossed, honor the exchanges they ask to support themselves so that they can make a living dedicating themselves to their work in this world run by capitalism that also includes them, and treat them with the kindness and respect they deserve.

I do not mean this post in a condescending way at all, but pointing out some of the issues with integrity I see in the community as a whole with the understanding and perspective that even they are playing an important role by demonstrating the need for discernment and boundaries as one seeking help.

Got something to add? As always, reflection and shares are welcomed  in the blog comments!