As a mother, teacher, guide, and friend, I’ve worn many hats. Each role has brought unique challenges, joys, and lessons that have shaped who I am today. In this article, I, Dr Neeti Kaushik want to share with you some of the most profound lessons I’ve learned about emotional healing. This topic is very close to my heart because healing our emotional wounds is essential to living a fulfilled and happy life.
Today, I want to talk about something we all experience but often struggle to address—emotional pain. Many of us carry hidden scars from past experiences that continue to impact our lives, often in ways we don’t even realize. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a betrayal, or harsh words that wounded us, emotional pain is a part of the human experience. But how do we know if we are truly emotionally hurt? And more importantly, how can we heal?
Recognizing the Signs of Emotional Hurt
Life isn’t always smooth, and emotional wounds can run deep, often manifesting in ways we may not immediately recognize. There was a time when I, too, was unaware of the signs that my emotional well-being was compromised. It wasn’t until I began to pay attention to these signs that I started my journey towards healing. Here are five signs that might indicate you are emotionally hurt:
1. Flashbacks:
One of the most telling signs of emotional hurt is experiencing flashbacks. You might find yourself sitting quietly when suddenly, an old memory resurfaces—a memory of loss, pain, or betrayal. It could be the passing of a loved one, the end of a cherished relationship, or any hurtful event that left a deep impact on you. These memories often trigger a flood of emotions—anxiety, sadness, or even tears. If you find yourself frequently slipping into these flashbacks, it’s a sign that there’s unresolved pain inside you.
I remember the time when I lost my farther. Even years later, the memories of those days would often return when I was least expecting it. The sadness would wash over me, and it felt like the wound was still fresh. It took me a long time to understand that these flashbacks were my heart’s way of telling me that I hadn’t fully healed.
2. Low Self-Esteem:
Have you ever felt worthless because of someone else’s words or actions? I’ve been there, too—allowing others’ judgments to define my self-worth.
When someone makes a hurtful comment about your appearance, your abilities, or your worth, it can cut deep. Over time, you might start to see yourself through their eyes, believing the negative things they say about you. This can lead to a diminished sense of self-worth, where you begin to feel that you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve happiness.
3. Difficulty Controlling Emotions:
Do you find yourself getting easily agitated, crying at the slightest provocation, or withdrawing from others when things don’t go your way? This could be a sign that your emotions are running on a short fuse. When we are emotionally hurt, our ability to regulate our emotions can become compromised. Small things that wouldn’t normally bother us suddenly feel overwhelming, and we might react in ways that are out of character.
What many people don’t realize is that this emotional volatility often signals a blockage in the heart chakra, which is the energy center responsible for love, compassion, and emotional balance. When the heart chakra is blocked, it becomes challenging to process emotions healthily, leading to outbursts, withdrawal, or even physical symptoms like heart palpitations or tightness in the chest.
I used to be someone who needed everything to be just right—at work, at home, in relationships. If things didn’t go according to plan, I’d feel like the world was falling apart. This emotional volatility was a clear sign that I needed to address the underlying pain that was driving my reactions. It wasn’t until I started working on unblocking my heart chakra that I began to find peace and balance. The process involved a lot of self-reflection, meditation, and crystal healing, but it was worth it.
I’ve made a detailed video on how I opened my heart chakra, sharing the steps I took and the transformative effects it had on my life. If you’re struggling with controlling your emotions, I encourage you to watch the video and start your journey toward emotional freedom and balance.
HOW I HEALED MY HEART CHAKRA ? MUST WATCH VIDEO.
4. Emotional Eating or Shopping:
Emotional pain can also manifest as binge eating or shopping. You might find yourself reaching for food not because you’re hungry, but because you’re trying to fill an emotional void. Or perhaps you go on shopping sprees, buying things you don’t really need, in an attempt to distract yourself from the pain. These behaviors provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the root cause of the emotional hurt.
There was a time when I turned to food for comfort. Stressful days at work or personal setbacks would lead me straight to the kitchen. I knew I wasn’t hungry, but eating felt like it was soothing the pain, even if only for a moment. The same goes for shopping—I’ve seen people (and I’ve been guilty of it too) use retail therapy as a way to cope with emotions they don’t want to face.
5. Chaotic Sleep Patterns:
Chaotic sleep is a major indicator of emotional distress. If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, waking up frequently, or having trouble falling asleep because your mind is racing, it’s likely that your emotions are out of balance. Sleep is supposed to be a time of rest and recovery, but when we are emotionally hurt, our minds often refuse to switch off, keeping us trapped in a cycle of restless nights.
I went through a phase where my sleep was completely disrupted. No matter how tired I was, I would lie awake at night, my mind racing with thoughts and worries. It was exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Things got so bad that I had to resort to sleep medication just to get a few hours of rest. Despite being physically drained, my mind wouldn’t stop, and it wasn’t until I began addressing the emotional issues that were troubling me that I started to find peace at night again.
This experience taught me that our emotional well-being is deeply connected to our physical health. Once I began working on healing my emotional wounds, my sleep gradually improved, and I was able to wean off the medication. If you’re experiencing similar sleep disruptions, consider exploring the emotional roots of your sleeplessness.
Five Ways to Heal Emotional Wounds
Recognizing the signs is the first step, but how do we begin to heal? Here are five methods that have helped me, and I hope they will help you too:
1. Understand That You Are Not Alone:
One of the most important things to understand is that you are not alone in your pain. Everyone experiences stress, trauma, and difficult times. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you’re the only one struggling, but this simply isn’t true. Life’s challenges are universal, and while the details may differ, the emotional impact is something we all share.
There was a time when I felt completely isolated in my pain. It seemed like everyone around me was living a happy, carefree life while I was struggling to keep it together. But as I opened up and shared my feelings, I realized that others were going through similar challenges. This sense of shared experience was incredibly healing.
2. Change Your Perspective:
One of my favorite quotes is from the poet Rumi: “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” This beautiful saying reminds us that our wounds are not just sources of pain—they are also opportunities for growth and enlightenment. It is often through our most challenging experiences that we learn the most about ourselves and the world around us.
I’ve found that my greatest moments of growth have come from my most painful experiences. Each wound, while deeply hurtful at the time, eventually became a source of strength and wisdom. This perspective has helped me embrace my pain as a necessary part of my journey.
3. Reconnect with Your Inner Child:
Often, the emotional pain we experience as adults has its roots in childhood. The “inner child” represents the part of us that holds our childhood memories, experiences, and emotions. When we experience emotional pain or trauma during childhood, it can leave lasting imprints on our adult life, often manifesting as unresolved fears, insecurities, or emotional wounds. Connecting with your inner child involves acknowledging and nurturing this vulnerable part of yourself, helping to heal past hurts and foster self-compassion.
I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my childhood and the experiences that shaped me. I realized that many of the issues I was facing as an adult were rooted in unresolved childhood pain. Through journaling, and chakra healing, I’ve been able to work through these issues and find peace.
To reconnect with your inner child, try this: Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and imagine yourself as a child. Picture a moment when you felt vulnerable or hurt. Now, as your adult self, offer comfort and reassurance to this child. Remind them that they are loved, safe, and deserving of happiness. This simple exercise can help begin the healing process and foster a deeper connection with your true self.
Also watch: My Effective & Easy Ways to do Shadow work & Inner child Healing
4. Embrace Forgiveness:
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools for healing. It’s a process that requires us to confront our pain, understand it, and ultimately release it. The saying “hurt people hurt people” is something I’ve come to understand deeply over the years. Often, those who have caused us pain are themselves in pain, acting out of their own unresolved issues. This realization has been a cornerstone in my journey toward forgiveness.
Growing up, I faced my share of emotional wounds, some of which lingered well into adulthood. There were moments when the hurt felt overwhelming, and I struggled with the idea of forgiving those who had wronged me. It wasn’t easy, especially when the wounds were fresh and the emotions raw. But I realized that holding onto anger and resentment only deepened my suffering. It trapped me in a cycle of pain, preventing me from moving forward.
One of the most transformative practices I’ve adopted is the Full Moon Letting Go Ritual. The full moon, with its powerful energy, is a perfect time to release what no longer serves us. Every month, I use this ritual to let go of any lingering hurt, resentment, or anger.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing the harm done. It’s about freeing yourself from the chains of bitterness and anger. By forgiving, we take back control of our emotions and our lives. It’s a way of saying, “I will not let this pain define me. I choose to move forward.”
If you’re struggling with forgiveness or letting go, I’ve created a Full Moon course that guides you through these powerful rituals. This course is designed to help you release what no longer serves you and move towards a place of peace and healing.
5. Practice Ho’oponopono:
One of the most powerful tools for emotional healing is prayer. The Ho’oponopono prayer, in particular, has been a source of great comfort and healing for me. This simple yet profound prayer involves repeating four phrases: “I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.” It’s a way of acknowledging our pain, asking for forgiveness, and expressing gratitude—a powerful combination for healing.
The Ho’oponopono prayer has been a lifesaver for me in difficult times. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed by emotion, I turn to this prayer. It helps me release the pain and find peace. I’ve seen its transformative power not only in my life but in the lives of countless others who have shared their experiences with me.
Doing the Ho’oponopono prayer with Larimar crystal has amplified its effects for me. Larimar, known as the Stone of Serenity, works on four key chakras—the Heart, Throat, Third Eye, and Crown—helping to balance emotions, enhance communication, and promote spiritual growth. This combination has helped me find clarity, inner peace, and a deeper connection to myself and the world around me.
108 TIMES HO’OPONOPONO PRAYER FOR HEALING | GUIDED MEDITATION.
A Personal Note
As we close this chapter together, I want to leave you with a story that has stayed with me over the years. Once, a group of people gathered in a circle to share their deepest struggles, each believing their burden was the heaviest to bear. As they listened to one another, something remarkable happened. By the time it was the last person’s turn to speak, he realized that, in comparison to the challenges shared by others, his own problems seemed smaller, more manageable. It wasn’t that his pain was insignificant, but rather that hearing the stories of others gave him a new perspective. Sometimes, it’s our own minds that amplify our struggles, making them seem insurmountable.
Life is full of ups and downs, and you are not alone in facing them. We all carry our own burdens, and in those moments of darkness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember, you have the strength to overcome whatever comes your way. Healing is a journey, not a destination. Along the way, you’ll discover that you’re stronger and more resilient than you ever imagined.
Thank you for walking with me through this journey. I hope these reflections offer you comfort and a sense of connection. We’re all in this together, and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going, keep growing, and never forget that the power to heal lies within you.
Stay blessed, and take care of yourself. You’re stronger than you know, and your story is still unfolding.
For more information visit my YouTube Channel: “Nitty Gritty with Dr Neeti Kaushik”