WATER AND MORE WHAT HELPS ME HEAL

By Claire O’Leary

Nature of any kind is one of my favorite ways of healing. But water by far brings me the most peace. Whether I’m driving by the river, the lake or the ocean, I instantly breathe more deeply and easily. Water brings me great joy.

Nature has always been a part of my life. From the forest behind our home in northwestern Quebec; the lake at my aunt and uncle’s home, and the snow-play throughout my childhood, to water skiing, sunbathing by the pool when I lived in Phoenix, and hiking in Colorado, the outdoors has played a healing part in my journey.

As a survivor of incest, I’ve spent many years healing. I’ve used many modalities, from talk therapy, to dance, meditation, forgiveness work, and inner child work. A few things have stood out more than others.

Movement, Reiki, meditation, (especially when combined with writing and/or art)and nature have had a profound impact for me, each healing different parts of my childhood and adulthood. Learning to play again after doing inner child work has also had wondrous effects, allowing me to relax, laugh and play again and to go back to nature just to breathe. One of my favorite places to walk and absorb nature, the Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon, is pictured on the front cover. A gentle walk through the garden brings peace to my mind and joy to my heart.

Creating a community of fellow survivors has truly been one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Being in community with fellow survivors has been incredibly fulfilling—reminding me, in fact, that I am not alone. Not in surviving incest, not in healing and not in advocacy. It’s a community based in common language, where we understand and support one another. A true friendship, a deep love for one another because, as my friend says…

We speak ‘survivor’!

The image above will be my view for the foreseeable future. It makes me smile to watch the sun rise in front of my home. And what pray tell is better than starting off the day with a smile. I’m excited to announce that I’ve moved to Donnelly, Idaho.

It’s time for me to come back to nature.

And breathe...