![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Yesterday I received two comments in which friends referred to me as a "healer."
This came as a surprise to me, because I don't think of myself as a healer. I realize that "healer" and "teacher" are in no way mutually exclusive, but I've always felt a distance from the qualities I associate with healers: an active desire to heal the physical/emotional/spiritual wounds of others, active solidarity with those who suffer, a high degree of empathy and compassion toward people in general, an ability to be with those who suffer in a connected way, and etc. None of which are qualities I find in myself (or find as the exception rather than the rule).
I am aware that my intellect and insight can have a healing impact. My 'sword' can lance old wounds, or help clear away junk to let in new light. But I see that as a by-product of my primary intention, which is to promote insight, self-awareness, wisdom. I certainly do not usually seek to "heal."
Comments? Observations?
This came as a surprise to me, because I don't think of myself as a healer. I realize that "healer" and "teacher" are in no way mutually exclusive, but I've always felt a distance from the qualities I associate with healers: an active desire to heal the physical/emotional/spiritual wounds of others, active solidarity with those who suffer, a high degree of empathy and compassion toward people in general, an ability to be with those who suffer in a connected way, and etc. None of which are qualities I find in myself (or find as the exception rather than the rule).
I am aware that my intellect and insight can have a healing impact. My 'sword' can lance old wounds, or help clear away junk to let in new light. But I see that as a by-product of my primary intention, which is to promote insight, self-awareness, wisdom. I certainly do not usually seek to "heal."
Comments? Observations?
