It is believed that deep healing can occur with the help of the unconscious mind because our intellect can lock us into patterns of thought and movement that may not serve us well.  Stories and images can be an important way to access our unconscious, to help us change these patterns, perhaps even helping us find our elusive reset button.  Following is one story of a healer:

    The old man had learned much from the challenges during his travels, much about the hero's journey we all undertake in this lifetime.  He was large and strong, with hands that could weave new energy into a weary body.  And the old man found great joy in helping others.  So, he returned to his home village after studying with some renowned healers and found an enchanted spot in the nearby forest where he built a home up in the trees, and did healing work with weary travellers and heroes who would come to the forest seeking the old man's help.
    The heroes who sought the old man were of all varieties, from the young adventurers seeking their path, to the old warriors seeking comfort and rejuvenation, men and women, large and small, of all faiths or of none, each with their own particular scars.  They were instructed to leave their armour, their weapons and their worldly identities outside.  In his sanctuary, on his table, they would be gods and goddesses, receiving true gifts without regard to their wealth or status.
   Each one was a hero, a shining light in the evening sky, brave women and men on the hero's quest, struggling to learn the lessons of this lifetime, to lead a good life, and they found refuge in the old man's sanctuary, a time-out from the busy life, time to slow down, to be cared for, time to pay respects to one's old injuries, to feel a healing touch penetrate the scars, numbness and pain of the body, mind and spirit.
    Welcome to this place of safety, of respect, of compassion, of healing, where I will do my best to help you heal, to help you reconnect with your sacred purpose, and with the energy to pursue it.

Enter, then, my weary friend . . .

1/18/08