Healing is often misunderstood. Many of us view it as a return to how things used to be, a time when life felt simpler, and we were free from the burdens that now weigh us down. But, as Ram Dass reminds us in his powerful words, “Healing does not mean going back to the way things were before, but rather allowing what is now to move us closer to God.” These words hold a profound truth: healing is not about undoing, but about moving forward, embracing the present, and transforming through what life has given us.
The Myth of Returning to “Normal”
When we are faced with adversity, loss, or trauma, the natural instinct is to long for the past—to seek a way back to the “normal” we once knew. We tell ourselves that if we could just get back to that place, we would feel whole again. But this longing often keeps us stuck. The past is a place we can never return to, and healing is not about trying to recreate it.
Real healing lies in accepting that life has changed. It means understanding that the pain or challenge we are facing has the potential to shape us into something more resilient, more compassionate, and more aligned with our truest selves. When we stop trying to return to who we were before and start accepting who we are now, we open the door to profound growth.
Embracing the Present
In the midst of healing, the present moment often feels overwhelming. We might find ourselves trapped in feelings of regret or grief over what was lost. But embracing the present is the key to moving forward.
The present is where growth happens. It’s in the here and now that we can begin to make peace with our circumstances and allow ourselves to evolve. By accepting our current situation, we invite the possibility of transformation. We start to see that every moment, no matter how painful, is an opportunity to grow closer to who we are meant to be.
Healing is not a linear process. It’s messy, full of setbacks and breakthroughs, but it is always forward-moving. We don’t have to go back to the way things were to heal. In fact, it’s often in accepting the impossibility of returning to the past that we find true healing.
Connection to Faith and Spiritual Growth
Healing can also be a deeply spiritual journey. As Ram Dass suggests, it has the power to bring us closer to God, or whatever higher power we believe in. When we surrender the idea that healing is about fixing or going back, we open ourselves to the divine process of growth.
Faith plays a crucial role here. It helps us trust that even though we don’t have all the answers, even though the path forward might seem uncertain, we are being guided toward something greater. In allowing the present moment to shape us, we are not only healing from our wounds, but we are also moving toward spiritual wholeness.
In many ways, the journey of healing mirrors the spiritual journey itself. It requires patience, self-compassion, and an openness to change. As we heal, we often find ourselves more connected to our faith, more attuned to the lessons the universe is trying to teach us. Healing doesn’t just mend our hearts; it opens them.
Moving Forward with Grace
So how do we move forward with grace? It starts with letting go of the need to return to the past. It’s about accepting that life has changed and that we have changed with it. Moving forward means allowing ourselves to be shaped by the present moment, even when it’s painful. It’s about trusting that each step forward brings us closer to the person we are becoming—and perhaps, closer to something greater than ourselves.
Healing, in its truest form, is an act of transformation. It’s about finding peace in the present, embracing what is, and allowing ourselves to grow into who we were always meant to be. Instead of looking back and longing for what was, we can choose to step into the future with grace, knowing that healing is not a return but a journey forward—toward ourselves, toward growth, and toward something divine.
By understanding that healing is not about going back, we free ourselves from the weight of the past. We allow ourselves to be fully present in our journey, trusting that what lies ahead is worth every step. Healing is growth, and growth is always forward-moving.
TheSpiritualExplorer 