Co-creative Healing

Peggy Elam, Ph.D.

These principles are in process, as am I, as is my practice, as is my way
 of working with clients. I share them as a means of letting you know my thoughts
 and philosophy about healing.

“Co-creative” refers to the process of working with one’s soul and spiritual guidance to co-create one’s life. “Healing” is the process of becoming whole – integrating light and dark, conscious and unconscious, owning the disowned – and returning to the original, natural state in which body, mind, and spirit are one.

In the co-creative journey one clears obstructions to healing in order for the natural healing process to resume or continue. Sometimes that may involve becoming aware of and integrating aspects of ourselves and our experiences that have become lost or that we have disowned. Carl Jung called such aspects “the shadow.” 

Some disowned experiences might be traumatic or distressing, but others may be experiences of joy and vibrancy that were shut off from our consciousness for various reasons.

Once we become aware of the lessons such experiences have brought, we can release what no longer resonates with us.

In co-creative healing the individual person and his or her inner guidance are the ultimate authority on his or her own process and journey. This does not mean one cannot or should not be open to others’ input, but rather that one weighs others’ views against one’s own judgment, and honors one’s own truth.

One of the most important stages of co-creative healing can be coming to understand and honor that truth.

Principles of Co-Creative Healing

All Healing is Self-Healing

We release ourselves from limiting thought forms and expectations regarding illness and recovery.

We understand that others may provide assistance in clearing obstructions to our healing, and seek out and honor such assistance when helpful.

Thoughts create reality

We acknowledge that our thoughts create and shape reality; hence the importance of becoming aware of and addressing distortions in our perceptions and thinking.

Harmlessness

We refrain from hurting ourselves or others physically or emotionally through thought, word, or deed.

We understand that maintaining harmlessness toward ourselves means having good personal boundaries and taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

We also understand that having good personal boundaries and taking care of ourselves may sometimes result in other people being upset or offended by our not doing what they wish, or allowing them to do to us what they wish. In such instances we maintain our boundaries and self-care and compassionately understand that these other people are responsible for creating and taking care of their own thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

Harmlessness also includes curbing negative attitudes and talk about ourselves.

Respect and Honor

We respect the right of others to walk different paths, even (or perhaps especially) when they diverge from our own.

We understand and accept that not everyone will support the concepts of co-creative healing, and that we ourselves may fluctuate in our observation of these principles.

We extend our respect, honor, and kindness to ourselves as well as others.

Highest Good

We intend that whatever we manifest be for the highest good of ourselves and others, the ultimate "win-win" scenario.

Larger Picture

We are aware that there is more to our lives and our process than we may be immediately aware of.

We understand that sometimes what initially appears to be negative or painful may be the precursor to an important lesson, gift, or growth.

Engaged detachment

We release attachments, ties or desires binding us to other people, places, and things.

We do not direct energy into thoughts or beliefs that our happiness depends on certain people or material objects.

We do not try to control or manipulate others, or allow others to control or manipulate us.

Integration

Healing and growing mean becoming aware of and accepting all aspects of our experience and being – physical, emotional, and spiritual – so they can be knitted into the whole.

Grounded Embodiment

We maintain conscious awareness of our bodies and fully occupy them in a loving and accepting manner.

Sovereignty

We are sovereign individuals who recognize our Source and inner guidance (however we define it) as our ultimate authority.

At the same time, we honor the laws and rights of others as appropriate.

Empowerment & Personal Responsibility

We take responsibility for our actions, our lives, and our healing.

We understand that as adults we have the ultimate power, and responsibility, to change ourselves and our lives.

Right Timing

We understand that each individual has his or her own natural rate of growth, change, and healing, and that even one individual’s pace and process may vary over time.

 

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                                           © 2000-2004 Peggy Elam │ Updated 05/24/2005  │  All Rights Reserved