Slow and Steady vs Conversion Experiences

“Slow and steady wins the race, not the person who wants to climb the whole stairs in one stride.”

Michael Bassey Johnson

I have found in my role as therapist that we cannot rush or force the healing process. When this wonderful person comes to me wanting help dealing with their old patterns, wounding, trauma, there is usually a wish to get rid of it all as quickly as possible. Fair enough.

We also tend to underestimate just how deeply embedded the presenting issues go. Most people have already resolved lots of lesser problems, but are stuck because the stubborn stains sit so deep in the subconscious body-mind. They don’t shift without support, courage and persistence.

Some modalities are very intense and confronting, opening things up in dramatic ways. With lots of emotional catharsis, the hope is that we can clear things quickly. Sometimes this is necessary and helpful.

But a miraculous 'conversion' experience in our inner work can be deceptive. Yes, we can release emotional charge in big ways, and then believe the work is finished. But what about our belief systems, the old dynamics, the unmet needs of our inner child?

We love a miracle story, and can get sucked in by the promises sold to us; do this workshop and you will be forever transformed!

In truth, it can be very difficult to integrate those ‘peak experiences’, those intense retreats and conversion episodes.

The real work of change happens in the ‘slow and steady’, in turning up consistently in all the ways that help us understand, release and reparent our wounded parts. Inner work can feel repetitive, frustrating, even boring at times; we can doubt ourselves, wonder if we have made any progress at all.

But for those brave enough to face their demons with love, there is nothing that cannot transmute over time. Approach your growth work as a marathon, not a sprint, and you will make faster progress.

“There are no guarantees when it comes to taking risks. But, you can feel proud knowing that you made a move outside of your comfort zone. Reinvention is a slow process, but it will be worth it in the end.”

Germany Kent