What Does Healing Mean to Me? – MN Women’s Press

I’ll forever be discovering the “Why’s”; the pull and the yearning to dig deep into healing parts of me that need tending to. It’s been a central part of me from an early age. (Pisces rising, perhaps?:) 

It was a lovely exercise to write a piece for the Minnesota Women’s Press  

I think the reason we are here is to grow. When we commit with intention to healing through therapy, spiritual practices, and being open with loved ones, compassionate witnessing becomes a salve. In sharing, we are reminded that we are not alone.

I feel myself experiencing this as a songwriter. I write to heal something deep within, and when other ears and hearts hear a piece in my story that helps them recognize something in themselves, I feel connected and grateful.

I wrote “I Know That Sound” for the #MeTooMpls collective in 2020, during the pandemic unknown. The group’s mission is to raise awareness around assault and abuse. As we spent time together over Zoom for interviews, the collaborative healing was palpable and powerful.

One of the most treasured spaces of healing for me is when I gather for the New and Full Moon cycles with kindred spirits. Since committing to this work almost 10 years ago, I have seen shifts and accelerations in my growth. My most recent single “Under the Moon” speaks about these rituals that promote renewal, and the gratitude I feel through holding space for the shadow and the light; the seeing and being seen. The Sufi poet Rumi came to visit in my song’s chorus: “This moment is all there is.”

When we let our own emotions be, let them pass with compassion and non-judgment, and glean the lessons they teach us, we are given a gift. The gift does not always feel good at the time, but knowing that more gifts are on their way, because we have done the work to clear things up, is something I have come to cherish. 

For me, healing centers around the holding of space; space for our inner, space for each other, and space for the divine. 

Cheers to holding space,

Annie

📖 You can read this and other insight on healing here.