Using Crocuses and Cairns to Inspire Healing
The rhythm of the seasons can offer insight into how we navigate our healing journey.
- The cold of Winter invites us to hibernate, allowing self-nurturing and inward reflection.
- The coming of Spring leads to a sense of renewal and new beginnings.
- What is awaiting you?
Transitioning from Winter
The waning days of winter can be especially trying.
- There is an urgency to finish tidying up your inner space, shedding layers, and feeling the rays of warm sunshine on your face.
- Perhaps enough time has been spent inventorying the situation and considering the steps we must take to improve our lives.
Essentially, we have gotten cabin fever of the soul and yearn for the new shoots of hope and promise to break through the cold, dark ground. We can feel lost when these shoots are slow to break through and frustrated with the additional work of tending to these vulnerable seedlings.
Transitioning for Survivors
When we suffer trauma in our lives, like sexual assault, we are called to both name and claim the people and forces that keep us grounded and inspire us to break through any barriers blocking us from wholeness.
- One way is to draw strength from the Divine and the rhythms of nature.
- Think of the first flowers of spring like crocuses that must not just burst forth from the hard protection of the seed coat, but then break through the hard, frozen ground.
- Consider the new shoot vulnerable to the elements and reliant on the sun to help it blossom and flourish.
Similar to the crocus, we must break forth from the seed coat of our pain and hurt. Next, we must be brave and break through the unforgiving ground of limiting beliefs and unhelpful interpersonal dynamics.
- We must tap into forces that uplift us and bring us encouragement, joy, and peace.
- This may be a Divine force, a close family member, treasured friend, place of refuge, or even a hobby; cultivate this support system with renewed vigor.
- Finally, when you feel a bit more settled in yourself, use this strength and light to help blaze a trail for people who might also be feeling lost and alone.
Drawing Meaning from Cairns
How can one find the trail when we ourselves struggled so mightily to get our bearings?
- For millennia, cairns have been used as markers to denote sites of importance.
- They can mark a sacred location, serve as a memorial, or provide a direction.
- Cairns implore travelers to take note of and honor this space.
- They speak to the perseverance and commitment of those who erected them.
- This space gave someone a sense of meaning, purpose, and value.
In modern society, cairns are used to mark a trailhead and guide people along a safe path.
- As people who experienced the trauma of sexual abuse, we must embrace the message of the cairn and aid fellow survivors and thrivers who feel lost on their journey.
- Without this tangible sign, people could become even more disoriented and experience the unnecessary stress of helplessness and hopelessness.
- We must work to magnify our moments of clarity, peace, and empowerment to shine more light on the harshness and shame that surround the current narrative of sexual abuse.
Ground Yourself
Use the force that helps steer you through the roughest of waters to remind yourself that even in moments of feeling lost and alone, there are signals and helpers along the way that can help you “find” yourself.
- When you take a deep, cleansing breath, you can gain new clarity and groundedness.
- You can discover wellsprings of support that help you better listen to your inner wisdom and help you thrive.
- Although it takes immense courage and faith to display vulnerability, this act provides profound healing for both you and the people you encounter.
Even if you grew up lacking unconditional love and direct support from those meant to care for you, you can flourish.
- We might not have always been seen for our unique and vivacious selves, but today is a new day.
- Begin by using the self-care skills you honed during winter to break through the dark, frozen ground.
- When you feel more solidly rooted, pay it forward.
- Celebrate this profound victory and help lead others on the way towards lightness, healing, and thriving.
Let us hear about the cairns you have found in your life… they may inspire others.
At Survivors to Thrivers, we seek to first let you know you are not alone. We are all trying to navigate and become our best thriving selves.
Second, I would love to hear which ideas were particularly helpful for you. If you have additional ideas, please let me know and I will include them in future posts.
Holding you in light and love,
Here’s to Thriving! Tambry
Talk To Tambry
I am glad you have taken the time to engage with this blog. Sometimes it is helpful to process new insights that emerge. If you would appreciate brief time with a someone who understands, our Talk to Tambry offering is for you. For 30 minutes, you can receive support from Tambry who is a certified life coach, spiritual director and a survivor who has been on the journey as well. This is offered at a reduced rate of $50.
