Bedridden but Not Beaten
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes our bodies remind us to slow down and take care of ourselves. Recently, I faced a challenging period that put my resilience and self-care practices to the test.
The Experience:
Since the New Year, it has been an incredibly busy time for me. Every weekend was scheduled with various events, including birthday celebrations, Chinese New Year, and trips to see friends. I was involved in a friend’s launch, had many 1:1 sessions booked in, and also co-facilitated an intense transcendental retreat. Then it was half-term, which involved entertaining children, ferrying them to and from various camps whilst trying to keep a tab on work. Not surprisingly, by that last weekend of half term, I started to feel unwell with a sore throat, cough, and a slight sniffle. What I thought was just a minor cold turned into something much more severe, and I found myself bedridden for about 10 days. During this time, I experienced fever and chills, nose bleeds, and even a bout of vomiting. I think the universe was telling me to take a break!
Throughout my illness, I had to fight feelings of guilt and the desire to get out of bed and do stuff. I was incredibly fortunate to have my partner around to help take care of me and manage the day-to-day running of the house and kids. Despite this, allowing myself to truly rest was a significant challenge, but it was essential for my recovery.
Admitting I was ill and reaching out for support was another challenge. By Day 4, I had had enough of my own company and was feeling very sorry for myself. I decided to reach out to people in my community for distance healing and support. Receiving their prayers and healing energy made me feel truly blessed. Their support and verification of the messages I was receiving were invaluable.
Spiritual and Emotional Reflections:
During my time bedridden, I received some profound insights. I was reminded to trust in my journey and in myself, especially when reflecting on my work with clients. I also realised that part of my healing journey to come will involve addressing my “father wound,” a revelation that came to me through a couple of dreams.
In one dream, I was a teenager back at my parents' house. My room, and most of the upstairs, was full of stereos and sound systems, all randomly connected. A switch on one stereo might affect another. Music, Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," started playing on one system. I tried to turn it off, but then it played from another, and so on. Eventually, after what felt like ages of me and my parents trying to switch off the music, my dad ended up pulling the plug on the whole thing so that everything was switched off and we could go to bed. In bed, I saw through the reflection of the mirror a case on a top ledge start to move by itself. I called for my dad in fear and shouted to him that it was moving by itself.
This dream symbolises to me the influence of my parents, especially my dad, in the suppression of my connection to spirit. The fact my dad plays such a major part in this dream tells me this is something I have yet to address in my healing journey. Karma is trying to get my attention, and facing this is scary, but it is a goal to aspire to.
One powerful message I received was, "I am stronger than whatever I perceive has power over me." This period of illness was not just a physical challenge but also an opportunity for spiritual and emotional growth.
Additionally, the messages I received during this time revealed that I was going through an upgrade. The angel cards pulled were Spiritual Growth and Spiritual Acceleration, affirming that this challenging period was part of my journey towards greater spiritual development.
Encouragement and Support:
To anyone going through a similar situation, know that you are not alone. It's okay to rest and give yourself the time you need to heal. Trust in your journey and your own strength. Remember to seek support from loved ones and allow yourself to accept their help. Reach out to your community for healing and support—they can offer incredible comfort and validation during challenging times. Also, take a moment to feel into what your body is trying to tell you—our bodies have their own wisdom, and listening to them is a crucial part of the healing process.
My journey to recovery taught me the importance of self-compassion and patience. I hope my story encourages others to prioritise their well-being and seek support when needed. Feel free to share your own stories or reach out for support if you need it.