The Healing Spiral
WHY? WHY DO I HAVE TO FEEL THESE THINGS AGAIN? I’ve been self-improving for so long. Healing circles round and round and round, a spiral that never ends.
Last week I made a new appointment with an old therapist. If I’ve learned anything in this world, it’s that if the only thing I’ve learned is how to ask for help, I can do anything.
Big feelings are coming up. Jealousy, resentment, fear, unworthiness. WHY? WHY DO I HAVE TO FEEL THESE THINGS AGAIN? I’ve been self-improving for so long. I’ve already spent like 27 billion years dealing with this shit.
I have an active spiritual practice—prayer, meditation, movement. I show up, I give service. God knows I write out my feelings and yet—the feelings continue to come.
My best guess is this is a blessing rather than a curse. If I ever stop feeling, that’s probably when I should start to worry. When you gain full access to the emotional human spectrum, you don’t get to just cherry-pick your favorites. I have to let it all pass through me— even if it’s sometimes excruciating, and humbling.
As a writer, it’s easy to see that no narrative arc occurs in a straight line. The Hero’s Journey, the learning curve, even our own timelines aren’t straight when you take into account the fourth dimension. Likewise, healing isn’t straightforward either.
Healing is a spiral, the kind that circles round again and again and never ends.
The good news is that I’ve been around the bend so many times, that I at least know what to do with the feelings when they come. The cycles grow faster, the feelings move quicker. If I have the right attitude, I can even think of these original wounds as old teachers who are trying to become friends.
Unsolicited advice is criticism,
—ancient Alanon proverb.
Curious about going further with your writing journey? Book a free 20-minute discovery call with me!
“As always, Valley provides an atmosphere of safety to those of us have stories to tell. In my years of writing with her, I have learned to love and forgive myself, the messes I have made and the love I receive with an open heart. Thank you, Valley, who shares herself and teaches us how to be.” —Chaya
Sacred Circle
Valley's Studio In-Person, Henrico, VA
Friday, April 26
1-4 pm
Max: 8 participants
$75
Ritual is a way of transforming the everyday stories of our lives into magic and meaning. We ignite our personal power in spaces free from judgment and critique as we allow our vulnerable selves to emerge and shine.
Join me in my studio for three hours of writing, Reiki, guided meditation, and other healing modalities as we nourish our souls and honor both our darkness and our light.
No prior writing experience is needed; all are welcome. Couches, blankets, and chairs will be available for your space in the circle.
Writing to Heal for Therapists
Sat, May 4, 2024
10 AM – 4 PM EST
Valley's Writing Studio, Richmond, VA
$245
In this special one-day workshop, we will learn journaling techniques and prompts especially designed for therapists to promote healing and wholeness for themselves and their clients. Starting with the scientific psychological, emotional, and biological benefits of writing and reframing our narratives, we will explore a range of practices from simple free-writing techniques to identifying our archetypes on the hero's journey.
Body Language
Friday, May 24
10 AM - 4 PM EST
Valley’s Studio
$125
An infinite supply of stories are written into our bodies. The parenthesis between our birth and our death, our bodies are rich with miracles, betrayals, pleasures, pains, traumas, and triumphs. There are stories buried in our bones, weaving together the cracks in our broken hearts, in the origin stories and the mythologies of our lives.
In this intimate one-day workshop, we will explore body image, the beauty industry, aging, health, healing, the relationship between the physical and the divine, and more. Guided meditation, the practice of embodiment, and exploration of our chakra centers will provide both prompts and support on our writing journey.
Art: Valley's Curves by Susan Singer
Writing Ritual
Saturday, June 15
10 AM - 4 PM EST
Valley’s Studio
$125
Self-care is an act of holy rebellion. In a hyper-busy world focused on productivity, output, and profit, creating sacred space for ourselves enables us to listen to the quiet voice within. When we are in touch with our intuition, we are in touch with the divine. When we are in touch with the divine, we are able to access inspiration and resources that were not present before.
Join me for an afternoon of ritual and writing, connection, and deep internal exploration. Learn to care for yourself so beautifully that you have the energy and reserves to care for others.
What are Valley’s students saying?
“What a divine, intuitively-led workshop; thank you Valley!” —Kate
“Thank you for such an amazing, well-needed and healing four days. The writing prompts and connection and feedback were all gratefully received, the food was perfect, and the extra activities we did were so much fun!”—Anna
“A safe loving space with insightful reflection and authentic celebration of the unique writer in all of us!” —Erica
“Valley is absolutely wonderful. This was my first experience & the entire experience helped me so much. Very inspiring!” —Susan
“Valley has yet again provided a safe place to write with inspiring and thoughtful feedback. Such a gift she has and shares!” —Marty
“Always the best of hours! I am so grateful for the time given and writing shared and the wonder of this, Valley.” —Mary Jo
“Valley offers sensitive feedback to writers who come to her classes, always positive and supportive, whether you have been writing all your life or are just starting to explore this path to self-knowledge.”—Chaya
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