Short Course - Holistic Healing Modalities
Introduction
Welcome to Short Course - Holistic Healing Modalities
In this course, we will explore the use of existing and new holistic healing modalities from a Global Majority perspective with a focus on advancing creativity and fostering genuine personal growth.
Throughout this course, you will be learning to cultivate mindfulness. We will unpack the importance of a non-individualised approach to self-care and integrating intentional practices into your daily lives to foster a deeper connection with the present moment and aid in personal evolution.
Before you begin, download your Working Document
Watch a short video of Hira Butt introducing her practice.
Module 1: Theory
1.1 Holistic Framework
The interconnectedness of the mind, body, spirit, and emotions forms the foundation of holistic well-being. Rather than viewing these aspects in isolation, a holistic perspective recognises their intricate interplay, acknowledging that one facet profoundly influences the others. The mind's thoughts shape emotional responses, which, in turn, impact the body's physical state. Simultaneously, spiritual practices can influence mental clarity and emotional resilience. This holistic framework underscores that true well-being arises from nurturing and balancing the complex synergy among these dimensions. Embracing this interconnected approach fosters a profound understanding of oneself and opens pathways to holistic healing, emphasising the importance of addressing each element for a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
Emotional Well-Being
Techniques such as mindfulness, expressive arts, and breathwork are employed to explore and address emotional imbalances, fostering emotional resilience and harmony.
Mental Clarity
Practices like meditation, cognitive therapy, and mindfulness enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote cognitive balance, contributing to a more focused and centred mind.
Spiritual Connection
Practices such as meditation, prayer, and mindfulness cultivate a deeper spiritual connection, providing individuals with a sense of purpose, inner peace, and alignment with their values.
Physical Vitality
Physical well-being is addressed through practices like exercise and nutrition recognising the body's role in the overall equilibrium of one's health.
Module 2: Practical
2.1 Power of Thoughts
Watch a video of Hira Butt discussing the Power of Thoughts.
Tasbih Definition
A string of prayer beads used in Islam for the practice of dhikr (remembrance)
Phonetic Spelling: /tas-bee
Origin: Arabic (تَسْبِيح)
Etymology
Derived from the Arabic root "sīn-bāʾ-ḥāʾ," conveying the concept of glorification, praise, or the utterance of the name of Allah.
Usage
Muslims use tasbih as a tactile and visual aid during acts of remembrance and prayer to facilitate a deeper connection with the divine.
Mindfulness inspired by the practice of tasbih can be integrated into various aspects of daily life whether you are Muslim or not and if you don’t have beads, you can use anything such as seeds or your hands.
Your Turn
Take some time to complete this exercise.
Q1. Tasbih Grounding Exercise
Set the space and get yourself centred
See Working Document for details.
Take some time to reflect on your aspirations
See Working Document for details.
Create an affirmation for each aspiration and write it down
See Working Document for details.
Use your written aspirations to practice Tasbih Grounding
See Working Document for details.
Take notes as needed in Exercise 2.1 in your Working Document.
Module 2: Practical (cont.)
2.2 Life Clock Exercise
Watch a video of Hira Butt explaining the Life Clock Exercise.
This exercise uses the concept of time to provide a unique perspective on your journey this far. By condensing your entire life into one minute and relating it to your current age, this exercise aims to foster a deeper understanding of the passage of time and its significance in your creative development.
Your Turn
Take some time to answer these questions while considering the above.
Q2. Life Clock Exercise
Set the space and centre yourself.
See Working Document for details.
Take some time to conceptualise your entire life as 1 minute.
See Working Document for details.
Calculate Your Current "Time"
For example: If you are 25 years old, (25 years × 60 seconds)/90=16.67
See Working Document for details.
Use the circle as a guide for reflection
See Working Document for details.
Take time to think of future aspirations using visualisation
See Working Document for details.
Set artistic intentions
See Working Document for details.
Try to maintain regular reflections
See Working Document for details.
Take notes as needed in Exercise 2.2 in your Working Document.
Module 1: Practical (cont.)
2.3 Create Your Own Framework
When it comes to healing and professional development, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. By taking the time to reflect on your roots and understanding your cultural heritage and how it shapes your identity, you can begin to lay the foundation for a personalised holistic framework of healing that embraces both tradition and personal growth.
Roots
Begin by exploring the fundamental aspects of your cultural background. Consider your ancestry, the traditions passed down through generations, and the geographical and historical context that has influenced your cultural identity.
Influences
Delve into the ways in which your cultural background influences your worldview, values, and artistic expressions. Consider the impact of language, religion, family structures, and societal norms on your identity as an artist.
Practices
Reflect on the cultural practices that have played a role in your life. These could include rituals, ceremonies, celebrations, and everyday customs. Identify the significance of these practices in connecting you to your passions.
Your Turn
Take some time to complete this exercise.
Q3. Create your own framework
Historical Healing Methods: Investigate historical healing practices in your culture.
See Working Document for details.
Holistic Approaches: Consider how holistic practices such as herbalism, storytelling, or communal rituals contribute to well-being.
See Working Document for details.
Integration into Daily Life: Explore ways to incorporate cultural healing practices into your daily routine.
See Working Document for details.
Choose one traditional healing practice from your culture and create a plan to integrate it into your life.
See Working Document for details.
Take notes as needed in Exercise 2.3 in your Working Document.
Congratulations!
You have now successfully learned:
The power of thoughts and how to redirect them
The passage of time and how it can motivate your practice
How to create your own framework for holistic healing