On Brokenness
"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.
Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful."
- Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple
I've had more than a fair share of people come into our wellness center for a massage and state, "I'm broken", "I'm a mess", "I'm hopeless, aren't I?", or “I must be the worst you’ve ever seen.”
I wonder who told them that.
I know that it's spoken out of frustration, discomfort, or even habit. I get that. We all need a measure of understanding and compassion, even the luxury of a little pity party sometimes. However, like any good therapist, I won't let you wallow in brokenness for too long.
Our jobs as therapists aren’t to fix you; you’re not broken. I repeat, YOU’RE NOT BROKEN.
Certainly, we're all a little bent and scarred up in our own ways, but all still really beautiful. Think about it this way: our perceived brokenness gives us an opportunity to be vulnerable and open with others, enabling us to let go of our notions of perfection and just be perfectly who we are right now in this very moment. And, in doing so, we allow others to be perfectly who they are, too, scars and all.
We therapists (and holistic practitioners, doctors, physical therapists, counselors and more) are like guides for the body and mind, navigating you through your pain, immobility, stress and more, assisting you in clearing the path so you can heal.
Next time you come in and state "I'm broken," don't be surprised if we respond, "You're not broken; you just need a little tender loving care."
*****
Questions to ponder: In what ways have I thought of myself as broken? How has this brokenness opened up my understanding of myself or others? What words can I speak to myself to improve how my body heals?
