Healer?

[qos]

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?

Comments

[9thmoon.livejournal.com]

I agree with your self-assessment - particularly the last paragraph. Sometimes lancing is what's needed before healing can begin. In fact, I'd go so far as to say often, lancing is needed.

[elevengirl.livejournal.com]

my primary intention, which is to promote insight, self-awareness, wisdom.

Those things you note as your primary intention come through in most everything you write (that I have seen). In fact, it is the promotion of self-awareness in comments you made to others that led me to read your posts. I think in many ways the things you list as intention lead to healing, which may be why people are seeing you in that light.

[qos.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[blessed-harlot.livejournal.com]

I would agree with your self-assessment as well, even to the extent that your descriptions help illuminate some of my own grapplings with changing vocational roles in my life.

[oakmouse]

The type of priestess work you do is all about balance. Much of what we perceive as healing is a return to balance, which return either directly or indirectly brings about healing. It's actually not unusual for a priestess or priest to have a healing effect on others, whether s/he identifies as a healer or not.

[iswari.livejournal.com]

Of course, we haven't met but, from reading you...what you say makes a lot of sense.

[dorjejaguar.livejournal.com]

Wisdom can be healing.

But really you don't see yourself as possessing much in the way of empathy or compassion?
That does surprise me a bit.

Why offer wisdom if not because you experience compassion?

When I take those tests they say that I am an INFP, a "Healer".

These things though: "an active desire to heal the physical/emotional/spiritual wounds of others, active solidarity with those who suffer.."
I wouldn't say I experience that. I don't desire to heal others. I desire that they heal themselves, though I am willing to help in that process if my help is what they wish for. Help. Not sympathy. Cause many people would rather have sympathy than be well and healed. And I'm not down for providing an unending supply of that.
As for solidarity? Well I'm not sure what that means. Sounds almost political. I am able to be a witness to others pain though. I'm pretty good at that. And I'm able to be with those who suffer, without being disconnected.
However that skill or talent is a demanding one to have if one is in a profession that accesses it constantly.
I used to take care of people for money. The last job I had previous to being a student was "caregiver". I took care of old people in failing health. I was very good at it.
And now I'm gonna go out there and be a welder. One of the most independent and solitary jobs one can have. This is by design. I want it that way. I want that quiet.

I hope this isn't too much info. Just thought I'd give you a piece of my perspective.
My father is a healer as well. Gifted so. And a very private person.
Somehow I think those things can go hand in hand.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

Even if you don't seek to heal, the fact that it is a by-product of your intentions makes you a healer in conjuction with your role as teacher. It's kind of like you being a damn good mother, despite any internal struggles you have about motherhood.

[qos.livejournal.com]

That's an interesting comparison, but I'm not sure that I quite go along with it. "Being a healer" is something that seems to happen as a side-effect of other things I do. "Being a good mother" is something I actively try to do, even though it's not something that I feel comes naturally to me.