Mental Health and Healing After an Abusive Relationship: Finding Strength in Native American Cultural Healing and Native Wisdom
Imagine waking up one morning, finally free from an abusive relationship. Your heart feels both lighter and heavier at the same time. You're relieved, yet scared. This mix of emotions is completely normal. As someone who's been there, I can tell you that healing is possible, and Native American wisdom, especially the Seven Grandfather Teachings,* can be a guiding light on this journey. Before we diving into healing, it's important to acknowledge the grief that comes with losing a relationship, even an abusive one. You're mourning the loss of love, the dreams you once shared, and the person you thought your partner was. This grief can hit you in waves-one moment you might feel empowerd, the next your're crying over a shared memory. Allow yourself to feel these emotions. Grieving is not a sign of weakness; it's a necessary part of healing. The journey from abuse to healing and restoration is deeply personal and transformative.
The Chart below illustrates how each of the Seven Grandfather Teachings can be distorted through abuse, and how one can reclaim these essential values through a process of healing and restoration. Each section provides insights into how abusers manipulate these teachings, and how survivors can nurture and restore these values within themselves, and the importance of embracing one's truth to rebuild a life of integrity and self-respect.
Understanding the tactics used by an abuser can be crucial in recognizing the impact of the abuse and finding pathways to heal and restore yourself.
Embracing your journey allows you to take steps for personal growth
Healing occurs in seasons, not overnight, it's a process of gradual transformation. Some days you'll feel on top of the world, other days you might struggle to get out of bed. That's ok, each day is a new opportunity to choose yourself. By embracing these teachings and focusing on self-care, you're not just surviving-you're paving the way to thrive. Your future self will thank you for the love and care you're showing yourself today.
Incorporating Native American teachings into your healing journey can transform surviving into thriving. By honoring Truth, Courage, Wisdom, Love, Respect, Honesty and Humility, you're laying a foundations for a resilient, empowered future. Your are worth it all and every step you take in self-love and self-care is a testament to your strength and potential. 
*The Seven Grandfather Teachings are a set of principles that originated with the Anishanaabe people, a group that includes the Ojibwe and Potawatomi. The Teachings have been passed down orally for centuries through stories and ceremonies.
