Natural Law - May 2021
We are all self-governing.
Let us call upon our ancestors, Elders and teachers - past and present,
to guide us in the way of the Heart.
You are all my relations. All is One.
Namaste.
The Spirit in me, sees the Spirit in you.
“Empathy without boundaries is self-destruction” (Silvy Khoucasian).
This quote could not be more relevant, as humanity stands on the precipice of paradigmatic change.
This quote also challenges the theoretical practice that many with caring personalities, and those in the caring professions, have been guided by for eons. This quote challenges our ‘helping’ and ‘caring’ culture.
This culture shift must be looked at in our personal relationships and at executive levels of organisations, to truly create cultures of wellbeing. The theory is there, yet the embodiment of it, is lagging.
Boundaries are something many of us have had to learn on our own, and the hard way, often through burnout caused by cumulative stress. It’s about maintaining our own health, whilst we open to the Stories and needs of others, and that looks different for everyone.
Burnout is a tell-tale sign of imbalance. Also, when we become closed to the perspectives of others; find it difficult to join our family and friends; and when we can’t separate from our caring role, to enjoy other areas of life…
Dr Usui, the original Grandmaster of Reiki says “there has to be a rise in consciousness, in order for true healing to occur”. This means that we must allow a person to be in charge of their healing process. We must wait for them to identify what is a problem for them, and then, how they would like to manage that. We can make suggestions, and even provide resources, but ultimately, we must allow a person, to take responsibility (or not), for their own healing journey.
That can be a tough journey in itself, it is difficult to witness people suffering (and the suffering that causes for those around them)…yet true healing is a self-directed process.
Therefore, whilst walking alongside, or simply loving someone in pain, it is crucial that we identify our own needs for balance and health. What is it that keeps us safe and strong, and following through with that.
In addition, you may need to put boundaries in place, when a person’s stress behaviours are now causing you stress and anxiety.
One of the ways ‘helping’ turns destructive is when we become a ‘crutch’ for someone, which essentially creates an emotional diffusion between you and that person - which is another way of describing co-dependence. This has the opposite effect of supporting someone to heal - what it does, is enable.
Everyone will have a different threshold, and reasoning around their style of ‘caring’, but I feel it’s important we consider these points, to ensure that constructive ‘caring’ is actually what we are doing.
Because - Balance is inherent in wellbeing and imbalance is inherent in illness.
This month, practice articulating and then doing what you need for restoration.
You are all my relations. All is One.
Blessings of Love & Light,
Helene
Yemaya Centre offers: Reiki Treatments; Reiki Courses; Yogalates; Craniosacral Energetics; Shiatsu; Yoga Deep Immersions; Family Constellation; Astrology; Art Therapy and much more.Visit www.yemayacentre.com.au for more information.
Helene Collard is a first generation Australian, with ancestral roots in the island of Mauritius. She is a qualified and experienced trauma-aware, culturally-fit, strengths-based facilitator (B. Trauma&Healing: Indigenous Studies (Law&Justice)), Reiki Teacher & Practitioner, and has completed Leadership Training Levels 1 and 2 with the Rites of Passage Institute. Helene has been designing and facilitating wellbeing workshops since 2009 – including Moon Circles, Secondary Trauma and Self-care Workshops, Reiki Circles, Reiki Courses, Reiki Meditation Events, Evolve Events, Women’s Vision Ceremony and more. In 2016, Helene founded the Yemaya Centre for Reiki and Wellbeing, in Lismore, NSW, which continues to offer an array of holistic wellbeing services and support to the community. From 2017-2021, Helene worked as Lead Facilitator for Aboriginal Trauma-informed organisation, We Al-li. Helene has delivered workshops in metropolitan, regional and remote areas of Australia, including in NSW, Qld, Vic, NT, WA & SA. Helene has also presented at conferences, forums and staff development days. Outside of work, Helene has two children which keep her laughing and active, a supportive partner, and a large extended family who mostly live in Melbourne, where Helene grew up. Not surprisingly then, Helene is a lifelong and vocal supporter of the Collingwood Football Club, and is a great lover of music and the arts. Helene is currently learning the guitar and taking singing lessons. For information, enquiries and bookings visit www.yemayacentre.com.auor phone 0405 656 797.