Create a Haven: a healing place for yourself and for others

From prayers to hugs to massage and other forms of CAM, it is important to hold a healing and safe place for yourself as well as for the person for whom you’re caring. Imagining someone else's pain does not alleviate theirs. It adds to yours. Plus, it does not feel all that great to the people around you. We have all felt unwanted attention or a creepy hug. Mentally and physically creating a safe haven for someone to heal is much more powerful. Personally, I use imagery. As a boy, I remember the big oak trees in front of my grandparent's house. They were deeply rooted and their protective branches reach far and wide; even during the dog days of summer. Find a healing place for yourself, and then, extend that haven to others through your thoughts, prayers, and actions.