Seven years is a long time to go without a haircut, but Prickles the Tazmanian sheep did it. She wandered off during the 2013 Australian brush fires and found her way home in 2020. Having missed six years of regular shearing, she was one wooly merino. Like her, I have thick, naturally curly hair that needs routine attention. If I go six or eight weeks without a haircut, then my hairdresser is not a happy camper. Actually, I’m not too happy about it, either.
Just as Prickles’ wool and my hair need regular attention, to feel at peace and maintain mental and emotional health requires action. By ignoring it, we can feel weighted down. For example, putting off professional treatment for a PTSD symptom can have serious consequences. Brace yourself, here comes my procrastination confession.
Four years ago, I was in a personal relationship that became violent. You know the saying that hindsight is 20/20? For me, hindsight was my nemesis. Years after the assault and abduction my mind still raced with thoughts of what could have happened or what I should have have done differently. During the day, I kept the thoughts at bay, but I couldn’t control the night terrors. After trying home remedies and over the counter sleep aids, my husband insisted I get help.
Although I could never remember the nightmares, I explained to my doctor that I dreaded going to sleep. Each morning I would wake up feeling tired and out of sorts. In the span of 8 months, I tried various prescriptions and made frequent visits to a counselor with no sustained relief. Then, during a monthly chiropractor visit, I causally mentioned the sleep issue. The chiropractor said, “Let’s see what we can do about that.” He treated me for about 15 minutes using B.E.S.T. (Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique). It is a non-forceful, energy balancing, hands on procedure used to help reestablish the full healing potential of the body. For the first time in a long time, my mind felt at rest. I left his office with peace in knowing that I would start sleeping better.
Matthew 11:28 reads, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” What weight are you carrying? Is it fear, regret, shame, or guilt? Is your burden obvious to others? Prickles the sheep had 30 pounds of excess wool when she finally came home. My husband had to prod me to get help so we both could have a good night’s sleep. Ask yourself, “How heavy will I allow this burden to grow before I ask for help?” When you are ready, I encourage you to contact a licensed professional (counselor, doctor, pastor) or tell a trusted friend and let them help you take the first step. Sheer peace is a beautiful thing.